2024 Hyundai Sonata Photos, engines & full specs

Hyundai refreshed the eighth generation of the Sonata for the 2024 model year, and changes were massive and it was the first to receive an all-wheel drive system, plus an N-Line grade.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata was so dramatically improved that some people wondered why it wasn't called a new generation. Usually, facelifts are used to fix some issues with the initial model or refresh the vehicles' styling. With the updated eighth generation of the Sonata, things went further than that. Besides the significant exterior updates, the interior and the drivetrain were also heavily improved. It was the first of its family to boast a true sporty version that could threaten even some sports cars in terms of performance, even though it was still a mid-size sedan.

At the front, gone were the big headlights swept on the front fenders. Hyundai adopted a new styling with an LED light stripe that crossed the car from left to right, as DRL. Below, flanking the main grille placed on the bumper's apron, the automaker installed the LED headlights neatly housed by the oblique side scoops. Furthermore, the car even sported a slim chin spoiler on the lowest part of the bumper.

From its profile, the sporty-looking 2024 Hyundai Sonata boasted a cab-rearward design with a sloped greenhouse at the back, like the original model. However, the rear end was completely different. It sported a red light pattern spread from side to side that showed the H-letter as a daytime running light, while below it were the LEDs for the braking lights and the turn signals. Above it, on the rear deck and continued on the sides, the automaker added a dark trim adorned by small fins. Under the rear bumper, Hyundai installed a broad diffuser flanked by one or two pipes, depending on the grade.

The long list of upgrades continued on the car's interior. Gone was the classic instrument cluster from the 2020 Hyundai Sonata and the separate touchscreen atop the center stack. For the 2024 model year, the car came fitted with a wide curved display. There were two 12.3-inch displays behind the same piece of glass. The one fronting the driver was for the instrument panel, while the one above the center stack was for the infotainment system. Unlike its predecessor, the new unit featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, Hyundai offered free lifetime Bluelink+ connectivity that allowed OTA updates and other information.

However, the list of improvements continued under the car's skin. Hyundai dropped the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offered on the non-facelifted version. The automaker offered a choice of three powerplants: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit, a 2.5-liter turbocharged, and a hybrid system with a two-liter naturally aspirated paired with an electric motor. The former was available with an all-wheel drive system for the SEL grade, a first for the Sonata. The more potent version was fitted under the hood of the N-Line grade, while the fuel-efficient was available exclusively for the SEL and the Limited versions.