2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sips gas in style

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has received a futuristic design update
The Sonata Hybrid has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 47 mpg combined
The starting price is $32,150 for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid arrived on the scene in 2024 with an injection of style, but not at the expense of fuel economy.

As Toyota moves the Camry to the hybrid lineup, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid it returns with EV-like design trends, fuel-efficient powertrain, and value-oriented pricing. It wins in many respects, but the Camry beats the Hyundai in overall smoothness and one unique packaging gripe.

Only slightly higher priced 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models are in stock now at dealerships. But they carry over unchanged, and the automaker threw me a '24 keyfob a week earlier this fall to sort out where this hybrid sedan lineup fits into the segment.

The Hyundai Sonata gets an EV-style capacity

Hyundai has relaunched the Sonata with cues taken directly from its EV lineup.

The strip of LEDs extends to the front as the daytime running light and the LED lamps are now lower in the bumper. The headlights are hidden from view by a sleek black plastic that blends into the large lower grille. The rear has revised taillights under a plastic cover with a 3D pattern embedded in it. The integrated lip spoiler on the trunk lid makes the whole car look sleek and stylish. It's perfect the look of the future without going full Cybertruck.

Inside, the updated dashboard takes cues from the refreshed 2024 Santa Fe crossover SUV in the best possible way. The horizontal dashboard is set low, which provides good forward visibility and gives an open, airy feel up front. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen are placed under a single pane of curved glass, placed low on the dashboard so as not to obstruct the driver's view.

The iPad-like touchscreen interface will feel familiar to anyone who has been in a recent Hyundai vehicle including EVs. The child can navigate the system, unlike the system found in the Toyota Camry. It looks much newer than the Honda Accord hybrid interface. Although the climate controls are now part of the touch-based panel, the temperature and volume knobs remain. Thank you, Hyundai.

Drivers will find Hyundai's latest gear shifter behind the lower right side of the steering column. Scroll and push to control gear selection, as in the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs, which frees up space on the center console.

The Sonata is not a smooth operator

While the Camry and Honda Accord hybrids are smooth, the Sonata is not.

The 2.0-liter inline-4 hooks up to a 6-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor, the latter powered by a 1.62-kwh battery pack. The system is rated at 192 hp combined. That's significantly less than the Camry's 225-hp system output. Hyundai sends power to the front wheels; All-wheel drive is not an option as it is on the Camry.

The power supply and assist between the electric mode only and the gas engine can sometimes send a jolt through the system as it matches the motor boost (or regen) and transmission shifts-sometimes leading to significant hesitation, too. This hybrid system doesn't include a torque converter in the transmission, so there's a lot of fancy footwork between components. My kids didn't seem to notice those tough transition times, and they tend to complain about everything

The Sonata is noticeably quieter, both in terms of noise from under the hood and wind noise, than the Camry. It is very clear that there is a lot of noise at Hyundai.

As before, the ride is manageable, comfortable, and the steering is nicely weighted without being overly firm. But don't expect road response before the roll-resistant tires start screeching on the cloverleaf ramp.

The Sonata Hybrid gets the same fuel economy as the Prius

My 2024 Sonata Hybrid Limited tester came in with EPA economy ratings 44 mpg city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. That puts the Hyundai on the heels of the Toyota Camry and ahead of the Honda Accord in efficiency.

I averaged 40.6 mpg during 246 miles of mixed city driving during the week. At one point the Sonata hybrid averaged 44 mpg until the fall ambient temperature dropped into the low 40s.

Hyundai has given the upgraded Sonata Hybrid multiple levels of regenerative braking, controlled by paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. It's a concept from EVs rarely seen in hybrids. It works like Hyundai EVs, but single pedal driving is out of the question as it simply doesn't bake with enough regen in the top three. Hyundai Pedals, the automaker's strongest standard for one-pedal self-driving, isn't here. Additional levels of regenerative braking make it difficult to drive smoothly as the regen does not start until the accelerator pedal is fully released, unlike the EV. It's either too bright or off, resulting in jittery movement.

The Sonata compromises on fit

Front passengers will find comfortable seats with plenty of support in all areas. Space is not a problem.

Backseat legroom is tighter than the Accord's, but similar to the Camry's. The door openings are wider than those of the Camry but not as wide as the Accord. But it's the headroom that really compromises.

Hyundai has removed the sides of the headliner for the outboard passengers, but the middle seat is not so lucky. At 5-foot-10, I only had 1.5 inches above my head in the outer seats. The middle seat that was raised in the middle caused me to hit my head on the headrest.

The rear seat headrests are not integrated as part of the rear seat, thankfully, as in the latest Accord. This adjustment will be welcomed by tall rear seat passengers.

At 16.0 cubic feet the trunk is big enough for a few rollaboards and bests the Camry's 15.1 cubic foot trunk. But the Accord hybrid still reigns supreme at 16.7 cubic feet.

The Sonata Hybrid depends on the price

The value proposition with the Sonata Hybrid is strong and the system is simple. Base SEL Hybrid it costs $31,950 includes a $1,150 destination charge and no real options to speak of other than color choices. My Limited Hybrid trim cost $38,560 and added niceties like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitors, and remote park assist (you've seen the smart park commercial, right?).

The Camry undercuts the Sonata Hybrid by $1,000, but base models have significantly less content than the Sonata, from wireless smartphone charging and a smaller touchscreen to cloth seats.

Hyundai offers the Sonata no option packages and no upsells, which is borderline refreshing. The base car doesn't feel like a base car, and there's a lot of content for the money.

The Sonata's powertrain could use some polish, but there's no disputing that this midsize family sedan packs more style and features for the money than any competitor while still sipping gas.