“Have you driven the Sonata N-Line yet? Holy crap, it’s amazing. Great power, fun to drive. Man, it really surprised me. Anyway, here are the keys to your hybrid.”

And so began our week with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited.

Now let’s get the obvious out of the way: the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited certainly isn’t as exciting as we imagine the N-Line to be. Compared to said N-Line, the Hybrid is down almost 100 horsepower, wears wheels that are 2-in smaller, and doesn’t have fancy “N”s embroidered on its seats. But what the Sonata Hybrid does have is tech – lots of it.

Let’s start outside. Active grille shutters are a given, as are the various undertrays used to help smooth airflow around the car – this is a hybrid, after all. But to help make this Sonata feel more like the future, Hyundai has transformed the roof into one giant solar panel. Hyundai claims that one day of solar charging can increase the Sonata’s total driving range by up to two miles. But with a standard claimed driving range of 686 miles, the addition of solar roof feels more like a gimmick. Like, this Hyundai could probably eke out those two extra miles of range if it went with a lighter, standard roof.

Other bits of “ooh, neat” tech include the optional Hyundai Digital Key, which transforms your smartphone into a car key. If you don’t want to download an app to your phone, you can also get into and start your own Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with an NFC-enabled card.

Opt for the Limited trim – like our tester – to get the high-res displays. On the infotainment side, the touch-screen display increases to 10.25 inches in size and is paired with a high(-ish)-end Bose sound system. The gauge cluster is all-digital as well, with the screen transforming into a live-view of your blind spot every time you use your turn signal. It really feels like a forward-thinking piece of tech, and to this writer, it’s shocking that we’re first experiencing it in a Hyundai.

And that brings us to the real crux of this review, where we once again state our admiration for just how far the brand has come. In the same opening conversation with our Sonata’s delivery driver, we commented on how, back in the ‘90s, Hyundais were disposable. They were basic modes of transportation, built cheaply, with no part made to last.

Contrast that to today, to cars like this Sonata Hybrid Limited. It’s a truly handsome design, with excellent proportions and bold details. And that exterior lighting really elevates the Sonata’s appearance. The way Hyundai has hidden driving lights in the front chrome trim is genius; and the thin, elegant taillight treatment speaks to our TRON-inspired dreams.

And for this writer, this is also the first Hyundai where the interior wasn’t let down by material choice. Fit and finish is excellent, and the cheap materials we saw in other Hyundais – just as recently as last year – don’t seem to have a home here. In all our years of reviewing cars, this Sonata is the first to make us feel like Hyundai has finally arrived as a mature carmaker.

That doesn’t mean that the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited is perfect. Not sure if it’s just our test car, but once we’re travelling over 45 mph, we get a ton of wind noise coming from the B-pillar – you know, the area right next to our ear. The drive itself isn’t anything to write home about, either. This car is in no way fast, dynamic or capable. Sport mode does nothing. And while there are paddle shifters, you don’t really want to use them for anything.

But the type of person who’s coveting a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited doesn’t care about performance. And if we’re honest, this car will suit all their needs, and then some. It’s truly comfortable inside, boasting a good driving position and plenty of room for the driver and all passengers. It’s nicely appointed, with real buttons used to activate things like the heated and cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel. And the Sonata is pleasant to ride in, even if the driving experience itself is a bit forgettable.

What the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited is, is an incredibly competent commuter, loaded with enough tech, luxury and design to make it feel special. That it can offer up to 52 mpg combined is just a nice bonus. And that it all comes in a package that retails for just $35,000 makes this car that much more appealing. But is it a better daily than the Sonata N-Line? We plan to find out the answer to that, and a whole lot more, very soon. Stay tuned.

Highlights	Description
Engine	2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder Engine/Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Horsepower	192 @ 6000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed auto with SHIFTRONIC
Suspension, F/R	MacPherson strut/Independent Multi-Link
Brakes, F/R	4-wheel disc
Wheels and Tires	17-in. alloy, 205/55R17 tires
Curb weight	3530 lbs.
Overall length	192.9 in.
Overall width	73.2 in.
Overall height	56.9 in.
Wheelbase	111.8 in.