2024 Hyundai Sonata Preferred Trend AWD
Price: $34,599 CAD
Colour: Serenity White
I recently drove the 2024 Nissan Altima. I liked it and it gives one hope that the mid-sized, four-door sedan isn’t dead yet. Hyundai would seem to agree as they still produce vehicles of this type. The 2024 Sonata is just such a creature. How much gas is left in the tank of this market segment? I’m not sure. Can Hyundai still compete…? Yes… yes they can.
Power & Performance
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has 2 available power plants. This Preferred trim comes with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder. It gives you 191hp and 181 lb/ft of torque. These are respectable numbers but while the car does move when you experiment with your right foot, it’s not what you’d call thrilling. I didn’t expect an energizing ride from this power plant but I did want more than a wet roll of paper towel. I’m not sure if the power train is struggling to feed all four wheels as this model came equipped with Hyundai’s H-TRAC AWD system. If I were to order one, I’d spend the 2k for the AWD as I’ve always been an advocate of what that offers in more inclement weather.
There is hope for the Sonata if you like a sportier driving experience however. You could always spend some extra dough and get the N-Line. This gets you the 2.5L Turbo engine which delivers 290 hp and 311 lb/ft of torque. This is a very different animal indeed. The only thing to note is that if you opt for this power plant, you can’t have AWD. Sometimes life isn’t fair.
Exterior
Whether you like modern Hyundai designs or not, you can’t fault them for trying. I happen to like almost all of their current slate and the Sonata is another great example of that handsome and bold design aesthetic they’re so good at. It has a wide front end, long lines down the sides and a squat and attractive rear end. From a side profile, I could see the inspiration this gave to the design of the Ioniq 6 as they both share that upturned leaf spring shape. While I can’t abide white on most cars, this “Serenity White” actually looks really good. I’d prefer a fiery red or bright blue and I think it would make this thing really pop.
Interior
Hyundai continues to offer some of the best interiors on the market. They really understand how to blend materials, colors and design. The 2024 Sonata offers an excellent interior. The dash cluster and infotainment system wrap around the driver and very much make you feel like you’re truly in control. We don’t see so much of this anymore and it offers a little inspiration to have it back.
Space is always a huge reason why everyone says they choose SUV’s over sedans. While you’re not getting a huge IKEA box in the trunk of the Sonata, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have space. The trunk is a good size and can handle even the most aggressive of Costco shopping trips. The benefit of the sedan is that your manadarins only have so far to roll before they’re caught by the confined trunk and they won’t come spilling out of the back when you open the tailgate on a downward grade. The rear seat also offers plenty of leg room and great comfort. You’d think that sport, tapered roofline would eat into rear headroom but it just isn’t the case. The seat is low enough you won’t scrape your follicles on the roof unless you’re tall enough to make it in the NBA. The cockpit is also spacious and deeply comfortable.
Quality
The qualityof a vehicle is a hard thing to identify clearly. I tend to use longevity and durability as a measure of quality. This of course poses problems for a new car journalist since all the cars I drive are shiny and new. Despite this, there are indicators of how well a new car is made. Quality materials? Check. Quiet cabin? Check. Comfortable seats? Check. Overall appearance of quality? Check indeed. The Sonata looks and feels like a quality made car.
CQI – 8. The usual quality Hyundai carpet at this price point.
Value
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata stacks up pretty well compared to its competitors. It beats the Nissan Maxima in build quality, materials and even price point. It will battle hard with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord but will hold its own. If the 2.5L non-turbo engine wasn’t such a disappointment I’d say this was a leader in its segment.
Final Thoughts
The mid-size sedan of my youth will soon be gone. It will fight tooth and nail every step of the way, but it will make no difference. We’ve spoken with regards to our preferences and we want SUV’s, plain and simple. It’s great to see Hyundai continuing to fight against the dying of the light. If you’re in the minority and are shopping for a mid-sized sedan be sure to give the Sonata a drive after you try the Camry and Accord. You won’t regret it.
