2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL: Complete Guide to Specs, Features, Price, MPG, and AWD

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL is a midsize sedan that combines practical transportation with modern technology, comfortable seating, strong standard safety equipment, and an updated exterior design. For the 2024 model year, Hyundai gave the Sonata a significant styling and technology refresh while also introducing HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option on the SEL.

The gasoline-powered SEL uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive model had a starting MSRP of $27,500, while the SEL with AWD started at $29,000, before destination charges and other applicable costs.

For drivers looking for a comfortable sedan with useful technology and available all-weather traction, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL provides a well-rounded package.

2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Engine and Performance

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. It produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels.

The standard SEL configuration uses front-wheel drive, while Hyundai introduced an important new option for 2024: HTRAC all-wheel drive. This made the SEL particularly notable because the Sonata had not previously offered AWD in the U.S. market. Hyundai describes the system as front-wheel-drive based and designed to adjust power distribution according to driving conditions.

Drivers can also select different drive modes. Depending on configuration, the Sonata provides Normal, Smart, Sport, and Custom modes, while the AWD version also incorporates a Snow mode for appropriate conditions.

The SEL is not intended to deliver the acceleration of the turbocharged Sonata N Line. Instead, its 2.5-liter engine focuses on a balance between everyday performance, smooth operation, and reasonable fuel consumption.

Exterior Design and 2024 Sonata Refresh

One of the most important changes for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL is its redesigned exterior. Hyundai gave the sedan a more modern appearance featuring a wider front-end design, a distinctive seamless horizon lamp, updated lighting, and a lower, more athletic profile. Hyundai described the refreshed Sonata as its sportiest design to that point.

The SEL comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires. LED lighting is used for several exterior functions, including the daytime running lights and taillights.

The redesign gives the Sonata a more contemporary appearance without abandoning the practicality expected from a four-door sedan. Its long body provides useful passenger and cargo space while its relatively low roofline contributes to its sporty appearance.

The 2024 model measures approximately 193.3 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 56.9 inches high, with a 111.8-inch wheelbase.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL focuses heavily on technology and everyday convenience. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is standard, along with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Hyundai also made wireless smartphone integration available throughout the 2024 Sonata range.

The SEL also includes heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a proximity key with push-button start, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, and a hands-free smart trunk release. The driver’s seat is power adjustable, adding convenience during longer trips.

An available Convenience Package adds equipment such as wireless device charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof, depending on configuration.

One of the most noticeable technology changes across the redesigned Sonata is the optional 12.3-inch panoramic curved display, which combines the instrument cluster and navigation screen into a visually connected layout on higher-equipped versions.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety technology is a major part of the 2024 Sonata SEL package. Hyundai provides a broad selection of driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist.

The SEL also includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, allowing the system to automatically adjust speed in appropriate situations. High Beam Assist is also standard.

The 2024 Sonata includes multiple airbags, including front, front-side, rear-side, curtain, and a driver’s knee airbag. A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is also standard.

These technologies are designed to assist the driver rather than replace attentive driving. Their availability and operation can vary according to conditions, road markings, traffic, and other factors.

2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL MPG and Fuel Economy

Fuel economy varies slightly depending on whether the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL uses front-wheel drive or AWD.

For the FWD SEL, Edmunds lists an EPA rating of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, with 29 mpg combined. The AWD version is rated lower, with Cars.com listing 28 mpg combined, reflecting the additional drivetrain hardware.

The Sonata has a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, giving it useful highway range for commuting and road trips.

Actual fuel economy can vary because driving style, traffic, weather, tire condition, passenger load, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance all affect fuel consumption.

For buyers primarily concerned with fuel efficiency, the Sonata Hybrid is a different option in the 2024 lineup. However, the gasoline SEL offers the simplicity of a conventional powertrain and the choice between FWD and AWD.

2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Price and Trim Value

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL FWD launched with an MSRP of $27,500, while the SEL AWD started at $29,000. Hyundai announced a $1,115 destination charge for the 2024 Sonata model year, so the final purchase price was higher than the base MSRP.

The SEL sits above the base Sonata SE in the gasoline lineup and adds useful equipment that can make it more attractive for daily driving. Heated front seats, a large infotainment display, advanced driver assistance, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone integration, and a smart trunk are among its notable features.

The AWD option is particularly significant for buyers who regularly drive in rain, snow, or other conditions where additional traction can be useful. However, the FWD model offers better EPA-rated fuel economy and has a lower starting price.

2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Dimensions, Cargo Space, and Practicality

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL is designed to function as an everyday family and commuter vehicle. It seats five passengers and provides approximately 16 cubic feet of trunk space, according to Edmunds.

Its 193.3-inch overall length places it firmly in the midsize sedan category. The relatively long wheelbase helps provide useful cabin space for both front and rear passengers.

The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback provides additional flexibility when carrying larger items. The hands-free smart trunk further improves convenience for everyday errands.

The sedan’s practical dimensions, comfortable cabin, technology, and available AWD make the SEL suitable for commuting, family transportation, highway travel, and general daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL

How much horsepower does the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL have?
The SEL’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

Does the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL have AWD?
Yes. For 2024, Hyundai introduced HTRAC AWD as an option on the SEL. The standard configuration is front-wheel drive.

What is the 2024 Sonata SEL’s fuel economy?
The FWD model is rated at approximately 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. AWD reduces the combined rating to approximately 28 mpg.

How much did the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL cost when new?
The starting MSRP was $27,500 for the FWD SEL and $29,000 for the AWD SEL, before destination and other costs.

What transmission does the 2024 Sonata SEL use?
It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Does the 2024 Sonata SEL have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available as standard features on the 2024 Sonata lineup.

Conclusion

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL combines a refreshed exterior, practical midsize-sedan dimensions, a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, modern infotainment, extensive driver-assistance technology, and comfortable interior features.

Its most significant 2024 upgrade is the availability of HTRAC all-wheel drive, giving SEL buyers an alternative to the standard front-wheel-drive configuration. At the same time, the redesigned body, standard 12.3-inch display, wireless smartphone integration, heated front seats, smart trunk, and broad safety technology make the SEL a well-equipped everyday sedan.

For buyers researching the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL, the key specifications to remember are its 191-hp 2.5-liter engine, available AWD, 29-mpg combined FWD rating, five-passenger seating, approximately 16-cubic-foot trunk, and $27,500 original FWD starting MSRP.