While the sedan didn't look particularly different at first glance, a paper on the windshield revealed some significant details about its configuration. According to the paper, the car is equipped with a 2.5-liter GDI engine, an automatic transmission, and AWD. The latter is a first for the Sonata and could appeal to customers in cold climates.
Although there's no confirmation that the paper's details are accurate, many sedans have added AWD to stay relevant in the crossover era. For example, Toyota added AWD to the Camry in 2019, and Kia offers AWD on the mid-level K5 GT-Line. Little is known about the Sonata's AWD setup at this point, but it's suggested that it will have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine instead of the turbocharged 1.6-liter used in the K5. The engine currently produces 191 hp (142 kW /194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, although Hyundai also offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque.
In addition to the AWD system, the latest spy photos also give us a glimpse inside the 2024 Sonata prototype. The car has been fitted with a new dashboard and a widescreen display that appears to combine the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into a single freestanding display. The display is expected to measure more than 24 inches, providing ample space for drivers to see all the information they need. While additional details are hard to make out, we can see camouflage on the interior door panels, suggesting that the updates will be quite extensive for a facelift.
The exterior design of the 2024 Sonata has been revealed in previous spy photos, where the sedan was seen undisguised during a promo shoot. The front end features slender lighting units and a reimagined grille, while the remaining updates are less dramatic. The car will also be equipped with new taillights.
Source: Carscoops