Hyundai’s mid-size sedan, the Sonata, has been a consistent and affordable choice since its inception. Introduced to the North American market with the second-generation model in the late 1980s, the Sonata has evolved steadily over the years.
The third-generation Sonata, debuting in 1993, showcased a modern design akin to competitors like the Toyota Camry. However, as its production neared its end around 1998, the design started to feel dated. Subsequent iterations aimed for bolder designs, balancing novelty with familiarity.
In the late 2000s, Hyundai experimented with sharp, angular designs before returning to a safer approach with the seventh-generation model in 2014. However, with the current eighth-generation Sonata, Hyundai has embraced a thoroughly modern aesthetic, especially in the N Line variant.
The latest facelift, introduced last year, brought a futuristic touch with unconventional full-width daytime running lights beneath the hood and headlights positioned lower, hidden above the air intakes.
The grille was also repositioned, adding to the sharper design elements. Particularly, the N Line version stands out with its sporty enhancements, boasting a 290 horsepower turbocharged engine and an array of unique features, starting from $34,950.
Interestingly, a rendering by Kolesa removing the full-width light bar revealed an equally compelling design, if not more striking, resembling a fusion of the IONIQ 6 and BMW 7 Series/i7. This alteration highlights the Sonata’s bold front-end styling, distinguishing it in the market.
