It was back when I was in high school when I first saw a Hyundai Sonata in the metal. Not sure exactly what the time and place were, but I’m positive that it was owned by the parents of one of my schoolmates.
Back then, I thought the Korean model has always been a standout among the midsize sedan choices in the market, mainly populated by Japanese nameplates. Unfortunately, Hyundai stopped selling the model locally, and rightfully so as midsize sedans weren’t volume drivers.
Two decades into the future, I stood in front of a new Hyundai Sonata at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show. Whatever awe I felt before came rushing back as the new model hit the stage, and was easily the top highlight of our recent trip to South Korea.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata’s first public appearance at the Seoul Motor Show, followed the online reveal earlier in the week. The photos that went live online didn’t do justice to the beautiful styling of the now sporty-looking sedan – a total feast to the eyes.
The boldly redesigned midsize sedan represents the company’s “sensational styling,” hence its resemblance to the locally available offerings such as the Staria and Stargazer. And despite being just a facelift for the eighth generation model, the revamp was radical you’d probably think Hyundai’s bluffing about the car being just a refresh. The Sonata N-Line, which is the red sedan that you see in the photos here, mixes sporty styling cues with the elegant proportions of a midsize model.
The awe-inspiring exterior design is paired with an equally beautiful cabin. The 2024 Sonata is the first Hyundai to get a swanky curved display with a pair of 12.3-inch screens, complemented by a 12-inch head-up display. The car’s software is upgradeable post-purchase via over-the-air updates, while the Bose 12-speaker sound system has been tweaked for a better audio experience.
Another noteworthy modification of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata is the continuous air vent design, which adds a touch of elegance to the interior. The steering wheel has also been redesigned, featuring four dots arranged in the shape of an H in Morse code, paying homage to the brand’s name. The gear selector has been moved to the steering column, giving the center console a cleaner look. This modification has allowed Hyundai to extend the central armrest and add a palm rest, which adds to the comfort of the driver. Overall, the cabin of the Sonata has received an upgrade in terms of quality, making it more refined than the previous model.
The 2024 Sonata has some impressive features, including the ability to be parked remotely using a smartphone, and remotely reversing and forwarding to exit a parking spot. Other features include an electrically operated trunk lid, Rear Occupant Alert, and a plethora of safety and assistance systems, including front and rear collision avoidance alert and adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality.
Hyundai claims that the Sonata now comes with lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, courtesy of body reinforcements and a different material for the steering wheel. Other skin-deep changes include a new crash energy distribution structure to improve side collision protection in the event of an accident.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata boasts three powertrains: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (specifically for the N Line), and a 2.0-liter hybrid engine. Hyundai has yet to provide technical specifications for the three powertrain options. We can guarantee more details will follow as soon as the availability in various countries has become apparent.
With its sleek styling, upgraded features, and range of powertrains, the Sonata is sure to make a splash in the midsize sedan market. The question now is: will the Sonata make a comeback in the Philippines? Right now, your guess is just as good as ours.