Hyundai swung for the fences with the eighth-generation Sonata and a number of people will tell you they whiffed thanks to an unconventional design that was met with a mixed reaction. The company is now addressing those complaints with the 2024 Sonata, which features an all-new front end that trades fishy for futuristic. While we’ve already seen the facelifted model, Hyundai unveiled the US-spec sedan earlier today and it adopts a Sensuous Sportiness design that incorporates a Seamless Horizon Lamp that spans the width of the front end. It’s joined by a new front bumper, larger intakes, and ‘hidden’ headlights. The changes to the rear are less extensive, but customers will find new “H-lights” that are designed to emphasize the car’s width and “high-tech character.” They’re joined by a sporty bumper and a black spoiler.

Buyers looking for something more aggressive can opt for the Sonata N Line, which is distinguished by a larger grille and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. The sedan has also been outfitted with a four-tailpipe exhaust system and a more pronounced spoiler. The special touches don’t end there as the model can be equipped with exclusive Aero Matte Silver paint featuring “bright and clean metallic pigment that changes warmth and coolness depending on the light.”

 

While most facelifts focus on the exterior, Hyundai revamped the cabin as there’s a new dashboard that trades soft curves for strong horizontal lines. Drivers will also find a new panoramic curved display, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system. The latter supports over-the-air updates as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims. Putting screens aside, the 2024 Sonata adopts new switchgear, a revamped center console, and a relocated shifter. Buyers will also find a 12-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, which now has CenterPoint 360 technology to “deliver a rich and immersive listening experience in every seat.” Other highlights include a first-in-class power trunk and Digital Key 2 technology, which supports ultra-wide band communications.

Hyundai said the Sonata N Line will be distinguished by red contrast stitching and red painted accents. Other highlights include cross-metal patterned trim and “exclusive features such as Active Sound Design, Launch Control, N Powershift, and Rev Matching.” On the safety front, buyers will find an assortment of driver assistance systems including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Assist. They’re joined by Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. The model will also be offered with Highway Driving Assist and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. Customers can also get Remote Smart Parking Assist, which enables them to remotely park and reverse the car.

 

Hyundai was coy on performance specifications, but confirmed the 2024 Sonata will be offered with turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines as well as a hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Speaking of the latter, Hyundai said the Sonata Hybrid gains paddle shifters and a regenerative braking mode to further increase fuel efficiency. The company didn’t disclose numbers, but the 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 191 hp and 245 Nm of torque in the 2023 Sonata. Likewise, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the Sonata N Line cranked out 290 hp and 421 Nm of torque. The old Sonata Hybrid used a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which enabled it to have 180 hp and 264 Nm of torque. However, the new 2.0-liter engine will likely be far less powerful as it’s rated at 150 hp and 188 Nm of torque in Korea.

While a number of questions remain, Hyundai confirmed Sonatas equipped with the 2.5-liter engine will be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system for the first time. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but said the system will actively distribute torque between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions as well as the driving situation. Powertrains aside, Hyundai announced a handful of noise, vibration, and harshness improvements. The automaker said these were made possible thanks to body reinforcements and a “change of steering wheel material.”

The 2024 Sonata will arrive in the United States this winter and pricing will be announced closer to launch. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if it costs more than the 2023 model, which begins at US$ 25,450 before a US$ 1,115 destination charge.