Hyundai Reveals Sonata, Elantra for 2024

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

In a rare double feature, Hyundai threw the covers off a pair of updates today instead of choosing to drag the news cycle out over a couple of weeks. Even more rare? The rigs in question are both sedans.


This is good news in a world where companies have been quick to ditch their car lines (ahem, Ford) in favor of SUVs and crossovers.


First up is the Sonata, receiving the Robocop headlight treatment (technically called the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’) which has appeared on other machines such as the next Kona. The rear changes less dramatically but now adopts a variant of the H-pattern which is also working its way across the lineup. Big news also shows up in the form of all-wheel drive, functioning under the HTRAC banner and now available on Sonata sedans equipped with the 2.5-liter engine.

Speaking of motivation, power choices include a gasoline-powered 2.5L mill, a 2.5L turbo, and a 2.0L hybrid. Specs are not listed yet for ’24 but in other years those first two engines made 191 and 290 horses, respectively, while the hybrid was good for a system output of 192 ponies. Alert readers will notice no mention of the 180-horsepower 1.6L turbo for the upcoming year. Inside, we note a typically clean horizontal style found in most of today’s cars from this brand, along with an Ioniq-esque gear selector relocated to the steering column. Also, the ‘H’ badge has vanished from the steering wheel.

A size smaller, the 2024 Elantra now has a slightly less alarming maw, with a new two-piece grille broken up by a color-keyed spear. There are also changes to the front fender shape, wheel designs, and sundry trim. Side airbags are now on board for rear seat passengers, there’s a new instrument cluster design, more USB outlets, a better wireless charging pad, and a vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. As with other years, there are again a yaffle of engines including a brace of turbos and a 1.6L hybrid electric. Those looking for grins need to check out the N, rated last year at a stout 276 horsepower.

Why is Hyundai shoveling money into the four-door game? According to the company, our market snapped up nearly 3 million sedans across all brands in the last year. We suggest there’s still a good appetite for this segment and have long felt some manufacturers gave it up for dead far too quickly.


[Images: Hyundai]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • Chiefmonkey Chiefmonkey on Aug 31, 2023

    I don't know who these cars are for but not me. I'm all in favor of sedans but prefer those that don't look like they were designed by aliens in outer space!

  • Bd2 Bd2 on Aug 31, 2023

    Much needed improvement up front for the Sonata (improvement not as drastic for the Elantra) and good to see AWD being added, altho wish it had been for something other than the NA 2.5L.


    The Sonata could use the new hybrid and PHEV powertrains that are in development, but guess those will have to wait for the next gen Sonata - that is, if there is one.


    Interesting to note that despite having been canceled in NA, the Grandeur (aka Azera), which is now larger and more premium than the Lexus ES, is safe because sales are gangbusters in Korea (over 100k/yr).


    • Aquaticko Aquaticko on Sep 01, 2023

      In conjunction with that, Sonata sales in Korea appear to have cratered, but then I know it has the whole ajeossi vibe working against it, adventurous styling of this gen be damned. Until we start taxing vehicles appropriately over here--by weight, for starters--I don't think we're going to see any significant revival in the non-crossover/SUV/pickup market.


  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X As much problems as I had with my '96 Chevy Impala SS.....I would love to try one again. I've seen a Dark Cherry Metallic one today and it looked great.
  • Susan O’Neil There is a good reason to keep the Chevrolet Malibu and other 4 door family sedans! You can transport your parents and other somewhat handicapped people comfortably and safety! If someone can stand and pivot you can put them in your car. An armrest in the back seat is appreciated and a handle above the door! Oh…and leather seats so your passenger can slide across the seat! 😊Plus, you can place a full sized wheelchair or walker in the trunk! The car sits a little lower…so it’s doable! I currently have a Ford Fusion and we have a Honda Accord. Our previous cars were Mercury Sables-excellent for transporting handicapped people and equipment! As the population ages-sedans are a very practical choice! POV from a retired handicapped advocate and daughter! 😊
  • Freddie Remember those ads that say "Call your doctor if you still have...after four hours"?You don't need to call your doctor, just get behind the wheel of a CUV. In fact, just look at one.I'm a car guy with finite resources; I can't afford a practical car during the week plus a fun car on the weekend. My solution is my Honda Civic Si 4 door sedan. Maybe yours is a Dodge Charger (a lot of new Chargers are still on dealer lots).
  • Daniel J Interesting in that we have several weeks where the temperature stays below 45 but all weather tires can't be found in a shop anywhere. I guess all seasons are "good enough".
  • Steve Biro For all the talk about sedans vs CUVs and SUVs, I simply can’t bring myself to buy any modern vehicle. And I know it’s only going to get worse.
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