2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sips gasoline with model

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata obtained a futuristic design replace
Sonata Hybrids have EPA-rated gasoline financial system rankings of 47 mpg mixed
Beginning value is $32,150 for 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid arrived on the scene for 2024 with an injection of fashion, however not on the expense of gasoline financial system. 

As Toyota’s moved the Camry to an all-hybrid lineup, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fires again with EV-like design cues, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and a value-oriented value. It wins in most respects, however the Camry bests the Hyundai in total smoothness and in a single distinct packaging gripe.

The one barely higher-priced 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fashions at the moment are in inventory now at dealerships. However they’re carried over unchanged, and the automaker tossed me the keyfob of a ’24 for every week earlier this fall to kind the place this hybrid sedan lineup matches into the section.

Hyundai Sonata will get dose of EV model

Hyundai reskinned the Sonata with cues taken immediately from its EV lineup.

A strip of LEDs spans the entrance finish as a daytime working mild with the LED headlights now tucked decrease within the bumper. The headlights are hidden at first look by a wholesome quantity of black plastic that blends into the massive decrease grille. The rear finish has up to date taillights which are beneath a plastic cowl with a 3D sample embedded in it. An built-in lip spoiler on the trunk lid makes your entire automobile each slipperier and sportier wanting. It’s all futuristic-looking with out going full Cybertruck.

Inside, the up to date dashboard takes cues from the refreshed 2024 Santa Fe crossover SUV in one of the simplest ways. The horizontal dashboard is about low, which in flip offers terrific ahead visibility and offers an open, ethereal feeling up entrance. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen are housed below a single pane of curved glass, set low within the dashboard in order to not hinder the driving force’s view.

The touchscreen’s iPad-like interface will really feel acquainted to anybody that’s been in a current Hyundai car together with the EVs. A baby might navigate the system, not like the system present in a Toyota Camry. It appears a lot brisker than the interface within the Honda Accord hybrid. Whereas the local weather controls at the moment are a part of a touch-based panel, temperature and quantity knobs stay. Thanks, Hyundai.

Drivers will discover Hyundai’s newest gear selector behind the decrease proper part of the steering column. Twist and push to regulate gear alternatives, identical to within the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs, which in flip opens up some house on the middle console.

The Sonata isn’t the smoothest operator

Whereas the Camry and Honda Accord hybrids are buttery easy, the Sonata will not be.

The two.0-liter inline-4 hooks to a 6-speed computerized transmission with an built-in electrical motor, with the latter powered by a 1.62-kwh battery pack. The system is rated at 192 hp mixed. That’s notably lower than the Camry’s 225-hp system output. Hyundai routes the ability to the entrance wheels; all-wheel drive isn’t an possibility like it’s on the Camry.

Energy handoffs and assists between electric-only mode and the fuel engine can ship generally ship a jolt by way of the system because it matches up motor increase (or regen) with transmission shifts—generally leading to some noteworthy hesitation, too. This hybrid system would not incorporate a torque converter for the transmission, so there’s lots of fancy footwork between parts. My children didn’t appear to note these intermittent tough shifts although, and so they normally complain about every thing

Notably the Sonata is way quieter, each by way of the ruckus from below the hood and wind noise, than the Camry. There’s clearly extra sound deadening within the Hyundai.

Like earlier than, the experience is managed, comfy, and the steering is properly weighted with out being overboosted. However don’t count on street suggestions earlier than the low rolling resistance tires begin howling on a cloverleaf ramp.

Sonata Hybrid will get Prius-like gasoline financial system

My 2024 Sonata Hybrid Restricted tester checked in with EPA gasoline financial system rankings of 44 mpg metropolis, 51 freeway, and 47 mixed. That places the Hyundai nipping on the Toyota Camry’s heels and forward of the Honda Accord by way of effectivity. 

I noticed a mean of 40.6 mpg throughout 246 miles of combined suburban driving over the course of every week. At one level the Sonata hybrid was averaging 44 mpg till fall ambient temperatures dropped into the low 40s.

Hyundai gave the up to date Sonata Hybrid a number of ranges of regenerative braking, which is managed by way of the paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. It’s an idea out of EVs hardly ever seen in hybrids. It really works identical to in Hyundai’s EVs, however one-pedal driving is out of the query because it merely doesn’t bake in sufficient regen on the third highest stage. Hyundai’s i-Pedal, which is the automaker’s strongest stage of regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, is absent right here. The additional ranges of regenerative braking make it laborious to drive easily because the regen doesn’t kick in till absolutely off the accelerator pedal, not like in an EV. It’s very on or off, which ends up in jerking motions.

Sonata compromises on packaging

Entrance passengers will discover comfy seats with loads of help in each route. House isn’t a difficulty.

The rear seat is tighter on legroom than the Accord, however much like the Camry. The door openings are wider than these of the Camry however not as huge because the Accord. Nevertheless it’s the headroom that’s the actual compromise. 

Hyundai’s scalloped out the edges of the headliner for outboard passengers, however the center seat isn’t so fortunate. At 5-foot-10, I solely had about 1.5 inches above my head within the outboard seats. The raised middle seat within the center had me hitting my head on the headliner.

The rear seat headrests aren’t built-in as a part of the rear seat again, fortunately, like within the newest Accord. This adjustability might be welcomed by taller rear-seat riders.

At 16.0 cubic toes the trunk is sizable sufficient for a couple of rollaboards and bests the Camry’s 15.1 cubic foot trunk. However the Accord hybrid nonetheless reigns supreme at 16.7 cubic toes.

Sonata Hybrid leans on worth

The worth proposition with the Sonata Hybrid is powerful and the lineup is straightforward. The bottom SEL Hybrid prices $31,950 together with a $1,150 vacation spot cost and has no actual choices to talk of apart from coloration decisions. My Restricted Hybrid trim price $38,560 and added niceties reminiscent of leather-based upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot displays, and a distant parking assistant (you’ve seen the good park industrial, proper?).

The Camry undercuts the Sonata Hybrid throughout the board by about $1,000, however base fashions characteristic far much less content material than the Sonata, starting from no wi-fi smartphone charging and a smaller touchscreen to material seats.

Hyundai gives the Sonata so there aren’t possibility packages and upsells, which is borderline refreshing. The bottom automobile doesn’t really feel like a base automobile, and there’s lots of content material for the cash.

The Sonata’s powertrain might use some polish, however there’s no arguing this midsize household sedan packs extra model and options for the cash than any competitor whereas nonetheless sipping gasoline.