I have to admit that the 2024 Hyundai Sonata makes a remarkable entrance with its aggressive curves and sharp lines. After spending some time with this refreshed sedan, I’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about this $32,599 family car. And let me tell you, there are some interesting discoveries to share.
2024 Hyundai Sonata Highlights
Let’s start with the essentials. Under the hood, you’ll find a choice of two engines: a standard 2.5-liter engine that puts out a respectable 191 horsepower, or a spirited turbocharged N-line version that bumps the output to 290 horsepower. Fuel consumption is 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway — numbers that won’t tempt you to camp out at the gas station. Inside, Hyundai has done its homework with optional leather seats and a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen that makes technology interactions easy.
Is the Sonata available with all-wheel drive?
Here’s some good news for my fellow Canadians: yes, the 2024 Sonata offers Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system on the Preferred-Trend trim. And it’s not just an all-wheel drive system added as an afterthought. The system actually manages steering forces to prevent oversteer and understeer, which, in engineering speak, means it helps steer you where you want to go. After a few days of bad weather, I can say that this is exactly the kind of capability we want when Mother Nature decides to remind us why we all own winter boots.
Is the Sonata electric?
No, but before you close the tab, hear me out. Although it’s not riding the electric wave, the Sonata offers two solid gas engine choices. The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. If you’re looking for more punch, the N Line’s turbocharged engine produces 290 horsepower and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy numbers aren’t bad for a car this size, although they won’t make Tesla owners lose sleep.
Does the Sonata have ambient lighting?
Yes, but there’s a catch: you have to opt for the N Line Ultimate finish to get it. But once you have it, you’re treated to a customizable light show, with 64 different colors to choose from. The lighting adds a soft glow to the dashboard and front doors, and I have to say it creates a rather classy atmosphere at night without feeling like you’re driving into a nightclub. It’s one of those features that seems gimmicky until you use it for a while.
-Does the Sonata have a head-up display?
Short answer: no. But before you write off the Sonata, let me tell you what you’re getting. Depending on the trim you choose, you get a 4.2-inch instrument cluster in the Preferred-Trend version or an impressive 12.3-inch digital cluster in the N Line Ultimate version. This larger screen gives you all the information you need in your field of vision, even if it doesn’t float on your windshield.
Is the Sonata reliable/a good car?
I’m not going to pretend I can predict the future, but I can tell you what I know. Hyundai offers this sedan one of the best warranty packages in Canada — we’re talking 5 years or 100,000 kilometers of comprehensive coverage, plus 5 years of unlimited roadside assistance. That’s the kind of confidence you like to see from a manufacturer.
Safety technology is comprehensive, with all of Hyundai’s latest SmartSense features standard. These are forward collision prevention, lane keeping assist and blind spot collision prevention, in short, everything you need. Build quality feels substantial thanks to the SUPERSTRUCTURE platform (yes, they emphasize the capital letters), which uses advanced high-strength steel to keep everything rigid and secure.
Between the competitive price, extensive warranty coverage and well-thought-out interior layout, the 2024 Sonata stands out in the mid-size sedan segment. She’s like that friend who shows up to game night with appetizers and a sincere desire to help clean up after the game — dependable, well-prepared, and actually quite fun to be around. Don’t expect it to revolutionize your life with revolutionary technology or mind-blowing performance. It’s a solid, well-executed sedan that knows exactly what it wants to be.
