This week The Weekend Drive covers the same “car” but in two very different versions. TWD Publisher Vince Bodiford is covering the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N-Line while TWD editor Jimmy Dinsmore talks the hybrid version. You may think that Vince made out better in this deal since the N-Line is the turbocharged, sportier version.
From a pure driving standpoint, perhaps, but as Jimmy and Vince point out, there’s a lot to be thankful for that Hyundai continues to make this sedan (during a time when carmakers are ceasing to make actual cars). Jimmy : I’ll give Vince a moment to brag about the N-Line’s performance, but first I want to say that the Sonata’s redesign makes it the best-looking sedan on the road, in any iteration (standard Sonata, N-Line or hybrid). Simon Loasby, head of styling for Hyundai Motor Company said of the redesign of the Sonata, “We wanted to give Sonata a more contemporary design statement.
It is super wide, fresh, modern, and very cool. Its low-slung design embodies our theme of Sensuous Sportiness, and its coupe-like styling makes this the most aerodynamic Sonata design ever. A true sports family sedan.
” That does some it up pretty well, eh Vince? Vince : It really does. The looks are amazing. That big bold grille is sporty.
Speaking of sporty, my tester was the N-Line which has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 290 horsepower (compared to the 191 without the turbo).
It’s torquey, fun and that aforementioned low-slung styling adds to the sporty exhilaration. Jimmy : You know what Vince, the hybrid is pretty impressive too. In fact, it has more power than the standard engine by all of one horse.
Yes, the hybrid’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric motor assist is good for 192 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. That might seem pedestrian but the Sonata hybrid is punchier than those numbers.
It doesn’t drive like a hybrid and the only drawback is the six-speed automatic transmission (only on the hybrid). The standard Sonata and the N-line get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Vince : As sporty as the outside is, the interior does not disappoint.
Hyundai employs a design concept known as a floating interior, which is a driver-centric layout that has a futuristic mood further enhanced by ambient lighting. Exclusive for the N-Line, there’s red-accented stitching and cross-metal patterned trim. No way Jimmy can argue that the N-line doesn’t look the best inside and out.
Jimmy : You got me there Vince. But I still was in awe of the interior improvements, most notably to the infotainment display. There’s curved panoramic display that houses a 12.
3-inch information cluster and a 12.3-inch audio-video navigation system to give the drive a focused and immersive experience. The entire layout of the Sonata (in any iteration) teeters on luxury.
Perhaps this is influence from Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand. It’s hard to say, but whatever the reason the Sonata is a real value, don’t you think Vince? Vince : The Sonata N-Line has a starting MSRP of $34,950 with an EPA rating of 23 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway. Jimmy : Here’s where I’ve got the bragging point as the Sonata Hybrid Limited has an EPA rating of 44 mpg/city and 51 mpg/highway.
For this model year, Hyundai limits the Sonata to only two trims each which is a win for the consumer. My tester had an MSRP of $37,200. The Sonata is still on the streets, and we are grateful for that.
We like having cars still. And now that Hyundai has put an emphasis on sportiness in a family sedan, that makes the Sonata even more appealing. So whether it’s a punchier, truly sporty sedan (like the N-Line) or a more practical one like the hybrid, the Sonata shows why sedans are still relevant.
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