2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sips gasoline with model

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata bought a futuristic design replace
Sonata Hybrids have EPA-rated gasoline economic 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 favor, however not on the expense of gasoline economic 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 general 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 phase.

Hyundai Sonata will get dose of EV model

Hyundai reskinned the Sonata with cues taken straight 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 might be beneath a plastic cowl with a 3D sample embedded in it. An built-in lip spoiler on the trunk lid makes your entire automotive each slipperier and sportier trying. 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 supplies 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 underneath a single pane of curved glass, set low within the dashboard in order to not impede the motive force’s view.

The touchscreen’s iPad-like interface will really feel acquainted to anybody that’s been in a current Hyundai automobile together with the EVs. A toddler may navigate the system, not like the system present in a Toyota Camry. It appears to be like a lot more energizing 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 manage gear alternatives, identical to within the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs, which in flip opens up some area on the middle console.

The Sonata isn’t the smoothest operator

Whereas the Camry and Honda Accord hybrids are buttery clean, the Sonata shouldn’t 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 choice like it’s on the Camry.

Energy handoffs and assists between electric-only mode and the fuel engine can ship typically ship a jolt via the system because it matches up motor increase (or regen) with transmission shifts—typically 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 elements. My youngsters didn’t appear to note these intermittent tough shifts although, they usually often complain about every part

Notably the Sonata is far quieter, each when it comes to the ruckus from underneath the hood and wind noise, than the Camry. There’s clearly extra sound deadening within the Hyundai.

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

Sonata Hybrid will get Prius-like gasoline economic system

My 2024 Sonata Hybrid Restricted tester checked in with EPA gasoline economic 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 when it comes to effectivity. 

I noticed a mean of 40.6 mpg throughout 246 miles of blended 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 not often 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 arduous 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 results in jerking motions.

Sonata compromises on packaging

Entrance passengers will discover snug seats with loads of help in each course. Area 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. But it surely’s the headroom that’s the actual compromise. 

Hyundai’s scalloped out the perimeters 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 heart 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 aside from shade decisions. My Restricted Hybrid trim value $38,560 and added niceties akin to leather-based upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot screens, and a distant parking assistant (you’ve seen the good park business, proper?).

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

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

The Sonata’s powertrain may 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.