2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2024 Nissan Sentra received a styling refresh that enhanced its visual appeal. The updated design featured a wider grille that seamlessly blended with the headlights, which now included black interior bezel elements. Chrome trim around the edges and vertical elements resembling air vents at the front fascia's edges contributed to a broader appearance. The Sentra maintained its balance between flair and subtlety, avoiding the eccentricity of some competitors while offering more style than others. The trim levels remained consistent with previous years, with the S, SV, and SR grades, each offering distinct wheel designs and styling elements. Inside, the Sentra's interior showcased large round air vents inspired by the Z sports car, a plunging dashboard, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, creating a distinctive design for an entry-level car.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid underwent significant styling updates, particularly at the front, where a streamlined fascia was crowned with a slim lightbar called the "seamless horizon lamp." This modern touch, along with the repositioned badge and independent headlights, gave the Sonata a contemporary look. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide "H" shape with the taillights, reminiscent of the new Hyundai Santa Fe. While the side profile remained similar to the 2023 model, the Limited-trim test car's 17-inch wheels and fashionable enamel gray color, "Transmission Blue," added to its appeal. The interior saw changes with vents flowing across the dash, a redesigned steering wheel, and a gear shifter moved to the steering column. The Sonata Hybrid offered three interior color schemes, with the tan and charcoal combo being a standout choice.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While Nissan had previously offered performance versions, the 2024 Sentra focused on efficiency, with a reengineered CVT for improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. An engine start-stop system was added to enhance mpg. Despite its efficiency focus, the Sentra provided a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a laid-back suspension setup. However, the updated CVT exhibited an unexpected surge of acceleration at around 45 mph, though this might differ in production models.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 192 horsepower. Unlike many hybrids, it used a six-speed automatic transmission, offering more control and an EPA rating of 47 mpg combined. The steering wheel paddles allowed for regenerative braking management in Eco mode and gear shifting in Sport mode. The Sonata Hybrid's steering feel and handling were commendable, and the configurable driver-information display allowed simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system's power flow. The novelty of accelerating at 0 RPM remained intriguing throughout the test period.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra offered decent interior space, particularly in the front row, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Kia Forte and Mazda 3. However, it lagged behind in second-row legroom compared to competitors. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, providing comfort, while low window sills and a slim dashboard offered excellent forward visibility. The Sentra's interior included practical features like generously-sized cupholders, a phone slot, and a change slot. The All-Weather Package added comfort features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat for added versatility.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive interior space, with the Limited trim's panoramic moonroof offering 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom. Rear-seat headroom was also competitive, and the front row prioritized legroom with 46.1 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats, a slimmer steering wheel rim, and a trunk close button for added convenience. The Sonata Hybrid's trunk space and interior flexibility made it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra offered functional tech but felt a step behind some rivals. The base Sentra S model featured a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display with analog gauges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but wireless versions were not available. The SV and SR models upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, along with a six-speaker audio system and SiriusXM compatibility. The Premium Package added an eight-speaker Bose audio system and Wi-Fi connectivity for the SR model. While the screens were nicely integrated, the graphics appeared dated compared to competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid impressed with its selectable functionality of the driver's side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on all trims, and the curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel. The Limited trim offered navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. The intuitive layout of climate control and media functions made it easy to use, even for new users.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra's safety ratings were incomplete at press time, with mixed results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received a "Good" rating in the original side-impact crash test but only an "Acceptable" rating in the updated version. The Sentra's front crash prevention scored "Advanced" in daytime testing but "Basic" at night. It received a "Poor" headlight rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. SV and SR models added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and more as standard. The Limited trim added a blind-spot-view monitor and surround-view monitor. All trims included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim featured Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to access and understand.