Hyundai Sonata vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Hyundai Sonata

$38,990 - $51,990

2024 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A200

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 Hyundai Sonata

2023 Lexus LS

By Laura Berry

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Update brings modern exterior
Double 12.3-inch cabin displays
Great performance and dynamics for the class

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

No Sonata station wagon
Only one version - the N Line
No hybrid or EV variant

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2024 Hyundai Sonata Summary

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is a sedan. Not a hatchback, not a fastback, nor a coupe and definitely not an SUV.

And even though only a handful of people in Australia buy the Sonata N Line each year it’s been updated with a completely different look and new technology, making it an outstanding car in many ways.

The thing is, because we’re obsessed with SUVs in Australia most people will never know how good this sedan is - unlike you.

So, let me congratulate you for making it this far. There’s probably so few of you I could possibly congratulate all of you in person. In an afternoon.

The big question is, though, is the Sonata N Line fit for Aussie families? Well, it scores well, but maybe not where it counts…

Let’s see what’s new and what the Sonata N Line can do.

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Hyundai Sonata 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

The updated Sonata N Line looks beautifully modern from its new face to the refreshed cockpit, while remaining a ‘driver’s car’ with good dynamics, and a sporty engine.

The Sonata isn’t an ideal family car, however. This is down to a lack of practicality. Although the cabin is fairly roomy, if that roofline wasn’t so coupe-like and cabin storage was better, and the boot had a large hatch opening, and the ride height was more elevated then it would be a great family car. Oh, I’ve just described an SUV.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Hyundai Sonata vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Sonata vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?