Hyundai unveiled the updated, 2024 Sonata on Sunday, but only shared a limited number of photos and information. Now, thanks to a pair of carelessly parked pre-production test vehicles, Korean YouTubers got their first look at the car in the real world.
The Sonatas, one parked in a garage, the other above ground, were found by YouTube channels BPD, Woopa TV, and Short Cars, all of which did thorough walk around videos of the updated Sonata.
Addressing the elephant in the room, these vehicles, likely used for testing, are quite dirty and look almost ragged. The vehicle parked outside even has some stone chips. Given that these cars have likely driven long miles, it’s hardly a surprise that they’re a little worse for wear.
When it gave the world its first look at the updated Sonata, Hyundai said that it was receiving more than just a facelift. Indeed, the work to the outside of the vehicle has a significant impact on its overall appearance.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Revealed With A Bold Design That’s More Than Just A Simple Facelift
With a new hood and grille, the front of the 2024 Sonata looks distinct and fresh. Featuring Hyundai’s full LED light bar across the front, as well as an enormous grille underneath, the car looks rather wide and low.
Although the rear-end has changed less significantly than the front, it also distinguishes itself from its predecessor, thanks to the almost Ioniq-like pixel lighting elements. They are contained within a large black section that almost mirrors the front end. Along the sides, there are even fewer changes, but the differences at the front and back are enough to make the car feel significantly changed.
The doors were, unfortunately, locked on both models, meaning none of the videos could get inside the vehicle and use its new suite of technology. However, it does all look good, in a minimalistic kind of way.
The updated vehicle will get a pair of 12.3-inch screens that are both contained within a single housing, making them appear to be a single, extremely wide screen. One of the videos also points out that the interior features HVAC controls that resemble the ones used by Genesis, which should give the sedan an upmarket feel.
That was a focus for it with the updated Sonata. Hyundai said on Sunday it was going after an “improved passenger experience with tasteful interior color combinations to enhance the sense of sportiness and premium character simultaneously.”
Further details on the car will be revealed at the Seoul Mobility Show, which runs from March 30 to April 9, as well as at the New York Auto Show next week where the Sonata will have its North American debut.