Efficiency Meets Elegance

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata arrives with a bold new look and a host of improvements, solidifying its position as a compelling option in the midsize sedan segment.

After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that Hyundai has crafted a vehicle that deftly balances efficiency, comfort and value.

The most immediately noticeable change is the Sonata’s dramatic exterior redesign. Hyundai has given its midsize contender a thoroughly sporty makeover, with a long, low hood, a wider grille and sleek LED lighting that stretches across the front fascia.

It’s a head-turning look that stands out in a segment often criticized for bland styling. The new design isn’t just for show, either. Improved aerodynamics contribute to the Sonata Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy.

And impressive it is. The hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 192 horsepower, delivers an EPA-estimated 44 mpg in the city and a remarkable 51 mpg on the highway.

On the road, the Sonata Hybrid provides a refined and comfortable driving experience. The transition between electric and gasoline power is nearly imperceptible, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

While not overtly sporty, the Sonata handles competently, with precise steering and well-controlled body motions.

However, the soft suspension tuning can lead to some bounciness on undulating roads, a minor quibble in an otherwise composed ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s redesign features a low-slung profile and striking LED lighting, giving this efficient sedan a sporty, premium appearance.

One of the Sonata Hybrid’s standout features is its whisper-quiet cabin. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well suppressed, creating a serene environment more reminiscent of luxury vehicles costing thousands more.

This tranquility is complemented by supportive seats and high-quality materials throughout the interior.

The Limited trim I tested came lavishly equipped, with features including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The infotainment system, accessed through a responsive 10.25-inch touchscreen, is intuitive and feature-rich. Wireless

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available across all Sonata models, a welcome addition for 2024.

Hyundai’s suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, work seamlessly together to reduce fatigue on long drives. The system keeps the Sonata centered in its lane with minimal ping-ponging, and it smoothly adjusts to the flow of traffic.

A whisper-quiet cabin, high-quality materials, and a tech-forward dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens elevate the 2024 Sonata Hybrid’s interior to near-luxury levels of refinement.

At $38,560 as tested, the Sonata Hybrid Limited represents strong value in the midsize hybrid sedan segment. It undercuts similarly equipped competitors while offering a more comprehensive list of standard features along with

Hyundai’s generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

However, it’s worth noting that Hyundai — along with its corporate cousin Kia — have faced some engine reliability issues in recent years. While the long powertrain warranty provides peace of mind, potential buyers should be aware of this history.

Despite this concern, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited impresses as a well-rounded package that should appeal to a wide range of buyers. Its combination of striking style, excellent fuel economy and premium features at a competitive price point make it a compelling choice in the midsize sedan segment.

For those seeking a fuel-efficient daily driver that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or style, the Sonata Hybrid deserves a spot at the top of the test drive list.

It proves that practical family transportation doesn’t have to be boring and that impressive efficiency can coexist with an engaging driving experience.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited ($37,200). Options: Carpeted floor mats ($210). Price as tested (including $1,150 destination charge): $38,560
Wheelbase: 111.8 in.
Length: 193.3 in.
Width: 73.2 in.
Height: 56.9 in.
Power: Four-cylinder engine plus electric motor (192 combined hp)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 44 city, 51 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 7
Price: 9
Handling: 6
Ride: 9
Comfort: 8
Quality: 8
Overall: 8

Why buy it?

The Sonata offers an enticing blend of eye-catching style, exceptional fuel economy and premium features at a competitive price point.

Posted in Hyundai

Adrenaline Injection

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The Toyota GR Corolla is a testament to automotive alchemy, transforming the traditionally staid Corolla into a fire-breathing hot hatch that will leave enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear.

After a week behind the wheel of the Premium trim, it’s clear that Toyota’s GAZOO Racing division has created something truly special.

At the heart of this pocket rocket is a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that defies expectations. Despite its diminutive size, this powerplant churns out a whopping 300 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque, figures that would have been impressive in a V8 not too long ago. The low-end grunt is particularly astonishing, with boost coming on strong and early, catapulting the GR Corolla forward with startling urgency.

Paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla delivers a visceral, engaging driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape.

The shifter action is precise and satisfying, with well-defined gates that make rowing through the gears a joy. An automatic option is not available, thank goodness. It would undoubtedly dilute the raw, connected feel that makes this hot hatch so special.

The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla’s subtle yet aggressive styling belies its potent performance capabilities, making it the ultimate sleeper hot hatch.

On twisty backroads, the GR Corolla comes alive. Its rally-derived all-wheel-drive system, which can split power between the front and rear axles in various configurations, provides tenacious grip and allows for impressive cornering speeds. The steering is direct and communicative, giving you the confidence to push harder with each successive bend.

Visually, the GR Corolla strikes a balance between aggression and subtlety. In the neutral gray paint of my tester, it doesn’t scream for attention like some of its more extroverted rivals. Instead, it’s a sleeper that will surprise unsuspecting sports car drivers at stoplights.

Functional vents and a subtle rear spoiler hint at its performance potential without crossing into boy-racer territory.
Inside, the GR Corolla is more focused on function than luxury. The supportive sport seats hold you firmly in place during spirited driving, and the digital gauge cluster provides all the necessary performance information at a glance.

While not as plush as some competitors, the interior feels well-built and purposeful.

Surprisingly, the GR Corolla isn’t as punishing in daily driving as one might expect from such a performance-focused machine. The ride is firm but not brittle, and road noise is kept reasonably in check. That said, it wouldn’t be my first choice for long highway slogs or if comfort is your top priority.

While not luxurious, the GR Corolla’s focused interior puts all necessary controls at the driver’s fingertips, with supportive seats ready for both spirited drives and daily commutes.

Fuel economy, rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, is respectable given the performance on tap. However, enthusiastic driving will quickly see those numbers plummet.

At $42,132 as tested, the GR Corolla Premium represents strong value in the hot hatch segment. It undercuts some European rivals while offering comparable (or superior) performance. Standard features are generous, including a premium audio system and advanced driver aids.

The GR Corolla isn’t without faults. Some interior plastics feel a bit cheap, and the infotainment system, while improved, still lags behind the best in the class. Rear seat space is also tight, a reminder of the Corolla’s compact roots.

But these are minor quibbles in the face of the GR Corolla’s overwhelming charm. It’s a car that makes you seek out the long way home, that begs to be driven hard, and that proves Toyota can still build thrilling driver’s cars when it puts its mind to it.

For enthusiasts lamenting the demise of affordable performance cars, the GR Corolla is a beacon of hope. It’s a hot hatch that punches well above its weight, delivering supercar-rivaling thrills in a practical, relatively affordable package.

The fact that it wears a Corolla badge makes it all the more remarkable.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Premium ($39,920). Options: Special color ($425), carpet floor mats ($289), door sill protectors ($179), frameless HomeLink mirror ($175), cargo net ($49). Price as tested (including $1,095 destination charge): $42,132
Wheelbase: 103.9 in.
Length: 173.6 in.
Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 58.2 in.
Engine: 1.6-liter three cylinder (300 hp, 273 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 21 city, 28 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 10
Price: 6
Handling: 9
Ride: 6
Comfort: 3
Quality: 8
Overall: 9

Why buy it?

It offers blistering performance, rally-bred all-wheel-drive grip, and surprising daily usability in a package that won’t break the bank.

Posted in Toyota

Rugged Practicality

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Honda Passport is a study in pragmatism, a vehicle that, for the most part, eschews frills in favor of sheer usefulness.

Refreshed for the new model year with updated styling, improved off-road chops and a more versatile interior, this midsize SUV is tailor-made for weekend warriors who prioritize cargo space and reliability above all else.

Slip behind the wheel and the Passport immediately impresses with its cavernous interior. With over 50 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row, this Honda can swallow gear for even the most ambitious adventures.

The rear load floor is low and flat, making it a breeze to load bulky items. For those who frequently haul messy cargo, the Passport’s durable floor covering is a welcome touch.

On the road, the Passport’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is a smooth and willing companion. With 280 horsepower on tap, this Honda has no trouble merging onto highways or passing slower traffic. The nine-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless shifts, making the most of the engine’s ample power.

However, that potent V6 comes with a notable thirst for fuel. During my week of mixed driving, I averaged just over 20 mpg, a figure that trails more efficient four-cylinder rivals. For buyers who rack up serious miles, the Passport’s fuel economy could prove a significant long-term expense.

Rugged styling updates give the 2024 Honda Passport a more adventurous look, hinting at its off-road potential and spacious, utilitarian interior.

Honda has tuned the Passport’s suspension for a firm, controlled ride that errs more towards capability than outright comfort. While the ride never felt harsh, it didn’t quite soak up imperfections with the supple refinement of some competitors.

The upside is confident handling for a vehicle of this size, with minimal body lean in corners and a planted feel on the highway.

Inside, the Passport’s cabin prioritizes function over luxury. The materials are hardy and well-screwed together, but some of the plastics feel a bit hard and utilitarian compared to more upscale rivals.

Still, everything operates with a reassuring heft, and the controls are laid out with intuitive simplicity. This is an interior built to withstand years of abuse from muddy boots and soggy camping gear.

The Passport’s standard equipment roster is generous, with even the base EX-L model offering features like leather upholstery, a power moonroof and a full suite of driver assistance technologies. However, the lack of a more basic, affordable trim level may turn off buyers who don’t need or want all the bells and whistles.

The 2024 Honda Passport’s cabin focuses on functionality and durability, with ample cargo space and well-built, if not overtly luxurious, materials.

For those seeking maximum off-road capability, the TrailSport model adds rugged hardware like an off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain tires.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to push the TrailSport to its limits, its extra wheel travel and standard all-wheel drive should make it a formidable companion for modest off-grid excursions.

Ultimately, the 2024 Honda Passport is a vehicle for pragmatists, those who prioritize dependability, utility and resale value over coddling luxury or pulse-quickening performance.

It’s not the most refined or fuel-efficient option in its class, but its spacious interior, strong reliability record and solid driving dynamics make it a compelling choice for adventurous families.

Including the destination charges, pricing starts at $43,295 for the well-equipped EX-L and tops out at $49,365 for the more upscale Black Edition. The Transport occupies the middle rung of the Passport ladder at $45,895.

At A Glance

What was tested? 2024 Honda Passport AWD Trailsport ($44,500). Options: Sonic gray paint ($455). Price as tested (including $1,375 destination charge): $46,330
Wheelbase: 110.9 in.
Length: 189.1 in.
Width: 78.6 in.
Height: 72.2 in.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp, 262 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 19 city, 24 highway

Ratings

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 7
Handling: 9
Ride: 6
Comfort: 6
Quality: 9
Overall: 8

Why buy it?

It offers a winning combination of versatility, capability and reliability, making it an ideal choice for active families who prioritize practicality over pampering.

Posted in Honda

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