2024 Hyundai Sonata facelift caught on camera

The mid-life facelift for the Hyundai Sonata sedan has been caught on camera undergoing testing overseas, ahead of showroom arrivals due later this year. 

Although the images (via Kurdistan Automotive Blog) are blurry, there’s a high likelihood the refresh will mark a major improvement to the unusual appearance of the current model that went on sale three years ago.

The headlights on the current model are distinguished by a daytime-running light strip that looks like a large tick or a swoosh. 

It was designed to make the Hyundai Sonata look futuristic and reverse the sales slide of the medium-sized sedan, but unfortunately the daring appearance has not had the desired effect. 

The current Hyundai Sonata is one of the weakest-selling models to wear the name. 

Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show 536 examples of the Hyundai Sonata were reported as sold last year, a decline of 47.7 per cent from five years ago.

Last year the Hyundai Sonata was the fourth best-selling medium sedan priced below $60,000, behind the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and Skoda Octavia.

Figures show demand in the medium-car class (below $60,000) has dropped by 52.9 per cent since 2018.

The top-seller in the sub-$60,000 mid-size sedan class, the Toyota Camry, has experienced a decline of 37.5 per cent over the past five years.

Against these headwinds, Drive understands Hyundai Australia plans to continue with the Sonata for the foreseeable future.

Hyundai Australia is yet to announce price and specifications of the updated Sonata.

Further details are expected to be released closer to showroom arrivals due later this year, pending any delays. 

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Drive.com.au data centre.