2024 Hyundai Sonata Arrives In America With AWD And Three Engine Options

Aug. 31, 2023 7:18 AM ET byJacob Oliva Reveal /10 Comments

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord face a refreshed challenger in the segment.

After itsglobal debutearlier this year, the faceliftedHyundai Sonata终于抵达北美的2024model year. The Korean midsize sedan aims to challenge the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord with three engine options - including an electrified powertrain - and the availability of an all-wheel drivetrain.

As with theglobal-spec version, the 2024 Sonata has three distinct engine options for the North American market, dropping the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in the outgoing model. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available for the base trim, while the sportier Sonata N Line offers a turbo 2.5-liter mill. The hybrid variant is powered by a 2.0-liter engine paired with a single electric motor.

Official horsepower figures are yet to be released, though looking at the 2023 model year can provide clues. The outgoing N Line variant delivers 290 hp, the hybrid offers a combined output of 192 hp, and the NA model boasts 191 hp.

In terms of design, the 2024 Sonata receives a radical facelift with notable updates to the exterior and interior. The front end has had a complete makeover, featuring sleek headlights and a harmonious grille and corner vents integration. The rear end has also received new taillights sporting an elegant H motif above a redesigned lower fascia.

The Sonata N Line differs from the range with an enlarged front bumper grille area, exclusive 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, and dual twin-tip exhaust. It also exclusively gets the Aero Matte Silver color, boasting a "state-of-the-art aircraft look."

Other exterior paint options include Onyx Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Atlas White, Portofino Gray (Matte/Metallic), Transmission Blue Pearl, Carbon Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Cream Beige, and Aero Silver Metallic.

The Sonata N Line is exclusively available with active sound design, launch control, N Powershift, and rev-matching. The cabin is also accentuated with red stitching and cross-metal patterned trim.

Occupants are treated to a refreshed cockpit equipped with dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the driver and the other for the infotainment system. These displays seamlessly merge behind a single curved screen, adding a futuristic touch to the cabin. There's a head-up display for the driver, while the 12-speaker Bose sound system comes with the new CenterPoint 360 technology, tuned by Bose engineers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels, plus continuous OTA software updates.

The Sonata's list of safety equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-spot Collision Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G), available Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), and available Highway Driving Assist (HDA) to help relieve driver stress.

Hyundai also throws in the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) which allows remote reversing and forwarding using the smart key, and the Rear Occupant Alert (available in the new Santa Feand Tucson), which notifies if an infant is left unattended at the back when the engine has been turned off.

Followingrecent vehicle theft issues, Hyundai assures buyers of a high level of security with its new Digital Key 2, which uses near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and ultra-wide band (UWB) protocols on smartphones or smart watches (Android and iOS).

Not announced with the global model, the North American 2024 Sonata does arrive with the HTRAC (Hyundai TRACtion), also found in the marque's SUVs. The AWD system manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels, offering enhanced grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions - an attractive option for buyers from colder parts of the continent. Of note, the AWD system is only available with the Sonata equipped with the NA 2.5-liter engine.

Hyundai has not yet unveiled the sticker price for the 2024 Sonata. An inevitable increase is expected, but full, updated pricing will be revealed before the model arrives at dealerships this winter.