With a city as big as ours, getting from point A to point B is not always easy. However, there are ways to make the commute to work and back more enjoyable, especially if you live in any of the surrounding suburbs and head downtown regularly. It all starts with choosing a commuter car that’s comfortable, convenient, and connected—not to mention, efficient. Of course, advanced driver assistance technology doesn’t hurt either. It’s finding the right combination for you that might be the tricky part. The good news is that our team at Rusty Wallace Hyundai, your local Hyundai dealer, is on a mission to decrease the “tricky” part and provide you with a shopping experience that’s stress- and hassle-free.
The Hyundai brand offers a wide range of vehicles, including crossovers and SUVs, but it’s the 2024 Hyundai Sonata that we think is a commuter’s dream—especially when you realize you get up to 36 MPG on the highway when choosing the front-wheel drive option. The Sonata gives you a modern and sporty look with sleek lines and detailing that draw your eye in. It also offers responsive handling that makes navigating the hills, curves, and everything in between more fun than frustrating, and after all, we could all use a little more fun in our lives. Continue reading to learn why we think the Sonata is crafted with commuting in mind, then stop by our dealership to see one up close and talk to your team.
The History of the Hyundai Sonata
You might be surprised to learn that the Sonata is almost 40 years old. It was initially launched in 1986 and is now Hyundai’s longest-running nameplate. Still, it wasn’t available in the United States until its second generation, which arrived a few years later. At that time, it was the first Hyundai available to the American public and the company’s first front-wheel drive vehicle.
Between the second and third generations, the brand improved the design to match the needs of American drivers, which included giving it a slightly larger footprint and better acceleration. In fact, compared to six other cars in its class in 1994, Car and Driver noted the Hyundai was the fastest off the line. It wasn’t until the fourth generation that the Hyundai Sonata truly started to turn heads. This was thanks, in part, to the impressive warranty the brand introduced. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is still in effect today across the brand’s lineup and is another strong reason to consider a Sonata for your daily commute. During the fourth generation, which started as calendars transitioned to the 2000s, the Sonata also gained a V6 engine and impressive styling upgrades.
Those styling upgrades continued to improve throughout the fourth generation, and by mid-cycle, the Sonata began to look a bit more like the Sonata you’ll find on our lot today. Additionally, the DOHC V6 engine was given more power, making acceleration even quicker. However, Hyundai’s biggest news was yet to come.
When the fifth-generation Hyundai Sonata hit dealership lots in the United States, it had fewer miles to travel than ever before. That’s because the newest generation was built on US soil. The factory, which started producing Sonata models in 2006, provided us with a Sonata that was more sophisticated in its styling both inside and out and also offered a new and improved V6. As the fifth generation shifted into the sixth, that improved styling continued gaining attention as the Sonata presented itself as sleek, modern, and a top contender.
The sixth-generation Sonata had a coupe-like feel that hugged the road and offered superb power and handling. Additionally, the drive was comfortable and engaging, from the front seat to the back, as the brand truly honed in on what commuters and families needed to make the drive less taxing. It was also during this time that Hyundai introduced its first Sonata Hybrid.
Moving directly from the sixth to the eighth generation, you’ll find the Hyundai Sonata that’s offered today. The design takes everything the brand has learned over the past almost 40 years and delivers a dynamic contender in the field of midsize sedans—and one that would make any commute an adventure.
Breaking Down the 2024 Hyundai Sonata
When shopping for your 2024 Hyundai Sonata, you’ll find a choice of two trim levels, either the SEL or the N Line. Both offer impressive fuel efficiency, but the SEL trim wins the category with up to 36 MPG on the highway and 29 MPG combined when choosing the front-wheel drive option. The all-wheel drive option offers you 28 MPG combined, while the N Line has a fuel efficiency of 32 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG combined. More information about both and how they meet your commuting requirements is detailed below.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL
The SEL trim level is powered by a four-cylinder engine that provides the car with 191 hp. As mentioned, it comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The MacPherson strut with coil springs on the front and the independent multi-link design on the rear suspension gives you a smooth ride as you set out toward your destination.
For comfort and convenience, which are key to any commute, you’ll appreciate the acoustic film on the windshield and front door glass that combine for a quieter ride, plus the hands-free smart trunk release when your hands are full. It’s the inside of the Sonata where true comfort and convenience come in. You’ll notice the brand’s thoughtful styling right away as you slide into the eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar, which becomes even more comfortable on chilly mornings with standard heated seating for the driver and passenger seats.
During the drive, you can stay connected to your favorite apps thanks to a seamless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those apps, along with the optional Onboard Navigation & Traffic flow, including incident data via HD Radio, are easily accessed through the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Additionally, you and your fellow commuting passengers will enjoy dual automatic temperature control, multiple charging ports, and cup holders for your morning coffee.
You can also boost your comfort and convenience when adding the Convenience Package, which includes things like the navigation system mentioned above, a panoramic sunroof, and LED interior lights. For safety during the commute, you’ll get a long list of standard features, from Blind-Spot Collision Warning to Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection, and more.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line
The N Line offers many of the same great amenities as the SEL trim level, but the look and feel are sportier. This is thanks, in part, to the turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 290 hp. If you’re set on all-wheel drive, you’ll need to stick to the SEL trim level, as the N Line is only available in front-wheel drive. However, when you go for a test drive and realize the N Line offers a sport-tuned suspension system that hugs every turn and curve with precision, the all-wheel drive might not be that big of a deal.
For lighting, the N Line’s Fender Mounted LED Turn Signal Indicators offer improved exterior styling, but standard features like automatic light control, LED tail lights, and LED Daytime Running Lights are standard on both the N Line and SEL trim levels. Exterior styling also gets an upgrade with the N Line’s gloss black window surround moldings, N unique front and rear fascia, a rear spoiler, and twin tip dual rear exhaust.
Comfort and convenience on the interior include N unique sport front seats with microfiber inserts and a leather-wrapped N unique sport steering wheel. The power-adjustable driver seat and heated seats mentioned above are also standard for the N Line. Last but not least, the optional Convenience Package explained above is standard for the N Line, as are the listed safety features. Ultimately, whichever Sonata you choose gives you the comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel efficiency you need in a commuter car, not to mention an exterior that gives you a boost of pride as you navigate your way to work each day.
Check Out the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Today
As you can see, the Hyundai Sonata has been carefully crafted with commuting in mind from day one. The brand’s dedication to what drivers want and need, along with features that keep you entertained, connected, and safe during the drive, provides you with a well-rounded trip, whether commuting a few blocks or a half-hour away.
Our team at Rusty Wallace Hyundai would love to show you the ins and outs of this dynamic vehicle. We’ll also take the time to answer any questions you have to assess whether the SEL or N Line trim level is best for your needs. If you’re ready for a better commute, stop by and check out the 2024 Hyundai Sonata today.
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