Today I bring you notes on a slick road-trip ready hybrid sedan. The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited recently graced my "driveway" (read: parking spot in large multi-car parking garage) and I was genuinely sad to see it go.
Mostly because it seemed like, with one major exception that we'll get to, the Sonata Hybrid seemed road-trip ready.
It's also a smooth and silky commuter car, to boot.
Before we get to the pros and cons, here are the specs. This hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for 192 system horsepower. It's front-wheel drive and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing was $37,200 with the only option being carpeted floor mats. With that and the D and D fees, the as-tested price was $38,560.
If I were shopping for a mainstream, mid-size sedan with an eye towards saving fuel via a hybrid powertrain, the Sonata's appeal would lie in its smoothness. In a vacuum, it's a very good option and if I did road trips often I'd be looking hard at this one. Not necessarily only because of range -- the Accord and Camry hybrids have similar ranges -- but because it offers a silky ride and quiet cabin.
That said, the Accord Hybrid is sportier and similarly priced. It's been a while since I've driven a Camry Hybrid but I seem to remember that car also being a bit more dynamically engaging and the price of entry on the Toyota is cheaper, even for the top trims.
For the enthusiast, the Accord trumps the Toyota and the Hyundai, and the Camry also may win out over the Sonata. That said, if comfort matters more than sport to you, or long stints at the wheel are the norm for you, this Hyundai won't disappoint.
[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]
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