2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

 

This is a really good-looking car. That was my first impression. And my last impression. Between getting the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and returning it I found that it is a very nice car indeed.

Let's start under the hood. The internal combustion engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 150 hp. All by itself that would be pretty good. Add in the electric motor and there is a combined output of 192 hp. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the front wheels.

One thing I've noticed is that I tend to drive, at least around town, more sedatey with a hybrid. It's not a conscious decision on my part. The same thing happens when I get behind the wheel in a true luxury car.

Driving sedately also helps get really good fuel economy (because you use the electric motors a lot, especially around town). EPA rates the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at 44-mpg in the city and 51-mpg on the highway. Yeah baby!

Inside the leather-trimmed, power-adjusted front seats were comfortable. No offense to Hyundai but I'm beginning to question the use of leather. Look at the seats. Can you tell where the leather ends and the vinyl starts? I can't, not even by feel. I am not a Peta member, I eat meat, but I suspect that "leather" is used for marketing reasons. Just a thought.

There is plenty of room in the back seat for two and a half people. Yes I know it is a five-seater but as usual the middle seat is not the chosen spot for full-size folks.

The Hyundai Sonata has joined the "I can make a weird gear shift" club. The last car I drove where "Reverse" was down was an old Buick with Dynaflow. What is wrong with "PRNDL"?

On the other hand I liked the controls for the sound system and HVAC. Nice knobs.

I like the rear side view cameras that activate with the turn signal. They give you more ways to check your blind spot.

I like trunks. Your stuff is 100% away from prying eyes. On the Sonata the trunk opens nice and high, the lift-over is low, and it will hold 15.6 cubic feet of stuff. 

I don't think there is a bad riding or handling car on the market anymore. That's not to say every car is a race car, or was meant to be one. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited, with it's 215755 R17 tires gave a decent ride and good grip. The Sonata won't embarrass you in the everyday cut and thrust. 

I like sedans. They fit the image I have of myself in a way an SUV does not. I like hybrids more than EVs, at least for now. I think hybrids are a good compromise. 

Every time I see a new Hyundai, any model, I am taken by how far they've come, and how good-looking they are. The test Sonata Hybrid Limited looks far more pricey than it is.

There are two Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models, the SEL that starts at $30,800, and the as tested Limited that starts at $37,200. Either version is good-looking, either version is a fuel penny-pincher. The Limited has more standard features. Your choice.