The 2024 Hyundai Sonata remains a solid value despite the entry-level SE trim being dropped as part of this midsize sedan’s 2024 refresh. This leaves the pricier (roughly $2,000 more) SEL grade as the nameplate’s cornerstone. We discuss other changes below, but the result is a more luxurious-looking Sonata inside and out. Key rivals include the Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu, and Nissan Altima.
The Sonata is a much better vehicle than its sales numbers suggest. It’s a roomy, comfortable, well-equipped sedan with seating for five and better-than-average cargo space. It’s also a segment leader in fuel economy. In addition to cutting-edge infotainment technology, it has a comprehensive bundle of advanced safety features. What’s not to like? If you want even better fuel economy, there is also a Sonata Hybrid, which we detail separately.
What’s New:
The SE, SEL Plus, and Limited trim are gone. The default entry-level Sonata SEL gains available all-wheel drive, the first for Sonata. All 2024 Sonatas get a redesigned front end with a new bumper, headlights, and what Hyundai calls a “seamless horizon” front light bar that stretches around the front edge of the redesigned hood. Inside, a new panoramic curved display contains a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster/driver-information center and a 12.3-inch information touchscreen. Hyundai also moved the new twist-style shift lever to the steering column, freeing up space on the center console.
Our Recommendation:
We like the affordable Sonata SEL. Yes, the N Line delivers more excitement, but the Sonata SEL is quick enough to satisfy most drivers for thousands less. Historically, the SEL has been the best-selling Sonata.
Let’s see how the SEL and N Line trims compare.
Prices provided are current at the time of publishing.
Sonata SEL
Starts at $27,500 | See listings
- Auto on/off LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam assist
- Dual power heated exterior mirrors
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Wireless smartphone integration
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Adaptive cruise control
- Proximity keyless entry
- And more
Sonata N Line
Starts at $34,950 | See listings
- Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Panoramic sunroof
- N Line sport seats
- Bose premium audio
- Navigation
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Aluminum pedals
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- And more
2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL: $27,500
The Sonata is powered by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 29 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as a $1,500 upgrade. The EPA mileage estimates for the SEL all-wheel drive are slightly lower at 28 mpg combined. The SEL and N Line transfer engine torque to the Sonata’s front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Despite Hyundai lowering the SEL’s price by $475 for 2024, it is still packed with standard features. Among them are advanced safety features like Safe Exit Assist (warns exiting passengers of danger from approaching traffic, and lane-keeping assist, which uses the road markings to keep the Sonata centered in its lane.
Other advanced systems include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking. Junction-turning assist issues a warning and brakes if you attempt to make an unsafe left turn across the bow of oncoming traffic.
The 2024 Sonata SEL comes with a 6-speaker audio system with HD Radio, satellite-radio capability, wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three USB ports.
On the standard features list are 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights with auto on/off, power, heated outboard mirrors, cloth seating, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a 6-way power passenger seat. Also included are heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a hands-free power trunk lid, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam assist. Proximity keyless entry and push-button start are also standard, as is Hyundai Bluelink Gen 2, which connects to your Hyundai through your smartphone. It’s free to the original owner for life.
Hyundai offers a few factory-installed options like a 12-speaker Bose audio system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and Hyundai Digital Key, which can function as the key fob with the appropriate app.
Adding the $1,115 factory destination fee (one of the lowest in the industry) to the SEL totals $28,615. Financing that amount with $0 down for 60 months at 5% interest works out to roughly $540 per month. See 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL models for sale near you.
2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL includes:
Proximity keyless entry — If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach or touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Adaptive cruise control — Once you have engaged the system and set the speed, it will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating as needed. The Sonata system features full stop-and-go.
Bluelink Gen 2 Connected Car — This feature keeps you connected with your Hyundai. It rolls technologies like navigation, accident first-responder notification, and so forth into one app on your smart device. Hyundai provides it free to the original owner for as long as they own the car.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line: $34,950
If the idea of a family 4-door sedan conflicts with your rakish self-image or maybe you just need a dash of pizzazz with your morning commute, Hyundai prescribes the Sonata N Line. For about $7,500 more than the SEL, you get a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a performance 8-speed automatic transmission, larger brakes, quicker steering, and a performance-tuned suspension.
But wait, there’s more. Hyundai replaces the SEL’s 16-inch alloy wheels with 19s. The N Line also sports unique N Line accents inside and out. A power sunroof is standard, as are N Line sport seats with microfiber inserts and an upgraded infotainment system with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and voice recognition.
Other standard N Line features include wireless smartphone charging, aluminum pedals, rear-seat air vents, Hyundai Digital Key capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist is also standard. Under certain highway conditions and with the driver’s supervision, this system can steer, brake, and accelerate the Sonata.
Hyundai doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for the N Line.
After adding the factory destination fee, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line totals $36,065. Using our $0 down financing scenario, the monthly payment works out to about $681. See 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line models for sale near you.
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line includes:
N Line elements — The N Line has a distinct front and rear fasciae, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and front sport seats.
Performance engine — Powering the Sonata N Line is a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It also generates 311 lb-ft of torque.
Dual-clutch automatic transmission — The advantage of a dual-clutch automatic? Measurably quicker and crisper shifts.
