2024 Hyundai Sonata Turbo review

This punchy four-door bucks the trend against high-riding SUVs, appealing to folks who want a sporty car for family duties.

2023 Hyundai Sonata N Line.

Hyundai is keeping things simple with its new Sonata sedan.

The brand is offering just one variant: the fully loaded N Line starting at $55,500 before on-road costs.

In stark contrast to the rival Toyota Camry, which sells on its fuel-sipping hybrid technology, the Sonata N Line focuses on turbo power and sporty looks.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line has a bold new look.

A 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo makes a handy 213kW and 422Nm, which is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch auto.

It’s an impressive set up delivering powerful thrust off the mark. Hyundai claims it will reach 100km/h in 6.6 seconds (or 6.3 if you use the launch control feature). That’s an impressive figure for what is essentially a family sedan.

Hyundai’s Sonata looks futuristic, but has traditional values.

The engine is thirsty, drinking a claimed 8.1L/100km, but it wins back points for only needing the cheapest unleaded petrol.

Hyundai’s dual-clutch auto is excellent, snatching gears expertly to tap into the car’s healthy low-down torque reserves. Drivers searching for more control can use the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to pluck their own gears.

There are several driving modes to choose from.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is surprisingly sporty to drive.

In the Normal setting the car feels reasonably sedate, although the suspension remains on the firmer side of the ledger, which means it can jar over road imperfections.

Flick into Sport mode and it becomes more engaging, holding onto gears longer for maximum thrust.

The steering becomes heavier and the suspension firms for better poise through corners.

To add a touch of theatre, a synthetic noise is piped into the cabin. While some will love it, others may prefer a more natural exhaust note.

The Sonata N Line has a high-tech cabin.

Road noise is intrusive over poor quality road surfaces but overall the cabin does a good job of isolating occupants from the outside world.

The N Line’s robust performance is matched by its bold looks.

While the previous model had a swoopy, sharp-edged appearance, the new model is easier on the eye.

A strip of LED lights runs the length of the front end, while H-shaped LED tail lights, quad exhausts and 19-inch alloy wheels create an imposing presence.

The Sonata N Line has plenty of punch.

Hyundai has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the Sonata.

Step inside and you are greeted with suede and premium Nappa leather-appointed seats that are power adjustable in the front, with a memory function for the driver.

The front seats are also heated and cooled, while the rear window seats and the leather-wrapped steering wheel are heated.

The gear selector has been moved out of the centre console to below the right indicator stalk, freeing up room for storage and a wireless device charging pad.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is an athletic performer.

There are two joined curved 12.3-inch screens: one controls the infotainment and the other displays the driver’s instruments.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and in-built satnav are standard, as is a booming 12-speaker Bose stereo.

There are soft-touch materials covering most surfaces throughout the cabin, complemented by gloss black and metallic elements.

Hyundai’s Sonata is a counterpoint to crossovers.

Back seat passengers have plenty of legroom and the boot is a decent size. It’s smaller than the Camry’s but can swallow the weekly shop and school bags with little fuss and can be opened hands-free.

Safety is comprehensive, with a full array of active driver aids to help avoid accidents. Six airbags cover both rows.

Hyundai covers its vehicles with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and offers a capped price servicing program that costs $350 every 12 months or 10,000km.

Hyundai’s Sonata is on sale now.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

A mature all-rounder for keen drivers looking to ditch the SUV for something more fun.

HYUNDAI SONATA N LINE

PRICE: About $60,000 drive-away

ENGINE: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 213kW and 422Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five years/unlimited km, $1750 for five years

SAFETY: Six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, speed warning, 360-degree camera

THIRST: 8.1L/100km

SPARE: Space saver

LUGGAGE: 480 litres