The 2014 Sonata’s 2.0-liter’s superior efficiency helps boost it to the top of the engine options. Its Mitsubishi-sourced turbo helps to give it an 82 horsepower bump over the 2.4 while maintaining a tight gap in fuel economy.
Key Points
- 2014 Hyundai Sonata features two engine options- a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter and a turbocharged 2.0-liter.
- The 2.4-liter features better fuel economy but lower power at 192 hp and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. Sonata’s 2.0-liter offers 274 hp and 24 mpg combined.
- Both engines stem from the Theta engine family and feature aluminum blocks and heads, direct injection technology (GDI), continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), and dual-overhead-cams (DOHC).
- Both engines suffer from a pair of recalls – a bearing that may wear prematurely and seize the engine and a leaking high-pressure fuel line.
2014 Sonata’s 2.4-Liter GDI Theta II Engine Makes for a Practical Daily Driver With 192 HP and Up to 34 mpg on the Highway
2014 Hyundai Sonata‘s base offering is a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder (G4KJ) engine. It’s a member of Hyundai’s Theta engine family and features 192 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter utilizes a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) design, an 11.3:1 compression ratio, and an 88 mm bore with a 97 mm stroke to power the front wheels. The engine block and head are each constructed of aluminum to ensure a lightweight engine. The block features an open deck to help with cooling.
Fuel economy is a win in the 2.4 with ratings of 24 city/ 34 hwy/ 27 combined mpg from the EPA. Fuel capacity sits at 18.5 gallons, meaning the 2.4 should provide at least 444 miles of travel with every full tank of gas. The 2.4 also takes regular 87 gas, so fuel-ups should be relatively cheap.
One of the prime benefits of 2014 Sonata’s 2.4-liter engine is its direct injection (GDI) technology. Hyundai’s GDI is a process in which pressurized fuel is sent directly into the combustion chamber rather than mixing with the air beforehand. The 2.4 uses multi-hole injectors mated to a high-pressure fuel pump at the top of the cylinder to deliver fuel. By using GDI technology, the G4KJ helps to increase overall engine efficiency and power.
Oil capacity for the 2.4-liter G4KJ sits at 4.9 quarts. Hyundai recommends using 5W-30 oil and a change every 9,000 miles. Hyundai also recommends adjusting the engine’s timing components every 60k miles.
Lastly, the 2.4-liter features continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) on the intake and exhaust camshafts. CVVT helps the 2.4 to adjust air intake depending on driver input for either power or efficiency.
274 HP and 30+ Hwy mpg in the 2.0-liter Turbo GDI Makes for a Fun, Powerful, and Fuel-efficient Turbocharged 2014 Sonata Engine
Jumping up to the 2.0-liter turbo GDI (G4KH) gets you an additional 82 horsepower for a total of 274 hp. In fact, The 2.0-liter turbo adds even more power than the 3.3-liter Lambda V6 it replaced. Torque levels increase to 269 lb.-ft. as well. Regardless of your driving style, the 2.0-liter affords more confidence and power when driving.
The 2.0-liter is available exclusively in the SE and Limited trims. Additionally, it features an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 city/ 31 hwy/ 24 combined mpg and a range of 388+ miles. 87 gas is the recommendation from Hyundai, but you’ll undoubtedly get better performance by using a higher octane fuel. Many even state a smoother ride on midgrade and premium fuels. When your engine features a turbo like this one, it’s typically the best call.
Like the 2.4-liter, 2014 Sonata’s 2.0-liter turbo engine is also a member of the Theta engine family. As a result, the 2.0-liter turbo shares a very similar construction to the 2.4-liter apart from turbo-related modifications and additions. Compression is set to 9.5:1, and a twin-scroll turbo along with necessary components comes standard as well. The 2.0-liter turbo likewise utilizes an aluminum head and block, CVVT, DOHC, and GDI technology. Like the 2.4, Hyundai recommends oil change intervals remain the same at 9,000 miles. Lastly, oil capacity jumps up due to the addition of the turbo and sits at 6.1 quarts.
The 2.0-liter was able to increase power and efficiency through a few key designs. The engine utilizes a Mitsubishi TD04-19T turbocharger. The turbo features a quick response rate on top of eliminating lag. This is possible thanks to fewer blades, a redesigned turbine wheel, and an electronic wastegate. Boost is set to 17.3 psi and helps to achieve better fuel economy and power than a naturally-aspirated engine of the same displacement.
2014 Hyundai Sonata is a Sedan Best Served with a 274 HP, 2.0-liters of Displacement, and a Turbo on Top
2014 Hyundai Sonata offers two solid engine options. The base 2.4-liter provides decent power and better fuel economy. It’s not going to win any awards for excitement, but it does offer 27 mpg combined. It’s undoubtedly the better option for the more fuel-conscious driver or anyone looking for a slower car, perhaps for a student driver.
On the SE and Limited trims, the 2014 Sonata features a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine. The 2.0-liter brings 274 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque to the table while maintaining 24 combined mpg. It’s a great compromise between stimulating power and daily fuel economy.
But if we have to choose one, we’re going with the 2.0-liter turbo. It’s hard to pass up on a 274 hp engine with decent gas mileage. We recommend you avoid the boring commutes and grab yourself a 2.0-liter turbo.
Photos: Hyundai