Hyundai recently unveiled the latest refresh of its Sonata midsize sedan sporting distinctive Tron styling. But behind the front fascia’s full-width “Seamless Horizon Lamp,” something is missing. The 2023 model year Sonata could be configured with four powerplants—three gasoline-only units and one hybrid. For the refreshed 2024 Hyundai Sonata, however, the upper range trim levels’ peppy 1.6-liter turbo-four has been cut from the lineup.

What engine does the 2024 Hyundai Sonata have?

The refreshed 2024 Hyundai Sonata has three competent engines mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Base Sonata’s come stocked with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter unit. The four cylinders in the SE and SEL trim levels are good enough for a combined 32 mpg. Hyundai’s powerful N Line gains a turbocharger to produce 290 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque.  

If potential customers wanted a more subdued but capable midsize sedan, the SEL Plus and Limited came with another forced induction variant. The 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four put down 195 pounds-feet of low-end torque to make highway driving a breeze. Unfortunately, it’s yet another internal combustion casualty as Hyundai leaves it out of the coming model year’s lineup.

Will there be a 2024 Hyundai Sonata hybrid?

For those looking for a hybrid midsize sedan coming to dealerships later this year, the Sonata can fulfill those desires. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, teamed with a 51-kW electric motor and mated to a six-speed auto, is a carryover. A combined 192 horsepower is excellent in urban driving conditions but may seem lackluster while merging onto highways.

Despite the refreshed 2024 Hyundai Sonata looking sportier than ever, the hybrid model is built for excellent fuel economy. Potential buyers can expect 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway for the Blue trim level. But efficiency drops in the top two of the three hybrid trim levels. The SEL and Limited will only achieve an expected 45 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway.

Which Hyundai Sonata is the fastest?

Although the peppy turbo-four is gone, Hyundai has the bigger forced induction engine, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Developed especially for the Sonata N Line, the drivetrain is also a carryover, but that’s not a bad thing.

With a 0-60 mph in the mid-five-second range, it stands as the most powerful vehicle on the affordable side of sporty midsize sedans. It’s significantly quicker than competitor cars such as the V6 Toyota Camry and the Honda Civic’s 2.0-liter turbo-four.

When will the 2024 Hyundai Sonata go on sale?

The eight-generation sedan is set to greet potential customers across the globe in the second half of 2023, per Hyundai. The company says the refreshed 2024 Hyundai Sonata “exemplifies progressive automotive design and embodies the theme of ‘Sensuous Sportiness.’” Some of the most noticeable takeaways are the dramatic LED lighting signatures front and rear, adding typical futuristic looks.

In keeping with its exterior refresh, the Sonata’s interior provides a driver-centric cockpit. Hyundai says the layout “conveys a future mobility design sensibility with high-tech details that support modern lifestyles.” Prices have yet to be announced, nor which engine will fill the spot of the SEL Plus and Limited trim specs.