In showrooms now, the thoroughly redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata marks the eighth generation of what Hyundai refers to as its signature product. Highlighted by a new design language, an all-new platform, two new engines, an interior rivaling European luxury sedans and cutting-edge technology, the Sonata returns for 2020 with little beyond its nameplate intact.
Running a tape measure around the newest Sonata reveals a sedan more than 2 inches longer and nearly 1 inch lower than the current model. Riding on a wheelbase nearly 2 inches longer, the front overhang (measured from the center of the front wheel to the farthest most point of the front of the car) is a tad shorter and the rear overhang a smidge longer. In profile, the roofline is more coupe-like on the updated version.
Hyundai calls the new design language "Sensuous Sportiness," emphasizing emotion through proportion, styling and technology. Penned at Hyundai's Irvine, California design center, the exterior lines conspire with the actual exterior dimensions to make the newest Sonata appear larger than it really is. Styling cues are extended as far as possible, dragging our eyes along with them. For example, the front LED daytime running lights, which Hyundai refers to as a lasso design, actually extend partway up along the hood line. Depending on how this styling innovation is received, there is talk of extending the DRLs even farther.
The 2020 model retains Hyundai's signature cascading grille but strengthens the look on turbo models with its new Parametric Jewel design. The most radical changes are at the rear, where the lasso lighting -- this time across the rear, just below the taillights -- reappears.
The sedan market may be shrinking, but there are still millions being sold. As with anything else hawked in a competitive market, the better mousetrap will prevail. With its amazing warranty and other desirable features, we think Hyundai has created that better mousetrap with the 2020 Sonata. Plus, the entry-level price is $24,330 with the factory delivery charge, while the fully loaded, top-end Limited crosses the finish line at just over $34,000. So, the value story is there as well.
The Sonata is totally redesigned. See the 2020 Hyundai Sonata models for sale near you
$24,330-$34,230
Currently, there are two all-new trim-level-based engines for the 2020 Sonata. Hyundai calls the powertrain family -- encompassing both engines plus the push-button 8-speed automatic transmission with selectable modes mated to them -- Smartstream. The SE and SEL use a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with idle stop-and-go (SE only) that makes 181 lb-ft of torque. Government-estimated mileage is 28 miles per gallon in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg in combined driving. Because the SEL has a little more weight to lug around, and its version of the 2.5L doesn't feature idle stop-and-go, those numbers drop 1 mpg across the board.
The SEL Plus and Limited rely on the new Smartstream 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It generates 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque is available from 1500 to 4500 rpm. Mileage numbers are 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. With the turbo, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters compliment the 8-speed transmission's push buttons.
When the N Line version appears in the fall of 2020, it will have a 260 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Torque will be an impressive 310 lb-ft available from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. This will make the Sonata N Line the most powerful Sonata ever. There will be some chassis and suspension tweaks to support the extra power. No word on fuel economy yet. Likewise, no information on the future hybrid version.
The Hyundai 2020 Sonata currently comes in four grades: SE, SEL, SEL Plus and Limited. The performance-oriented N Line and a more eco-focused hybrid will join the lineup in the latter part of 2020. All prices include the $930 factory delivery charge.
The well-equipped SE ($24,330) comes with 16-in alloy wheels, electronic parking brake, hill assist, nine air bags, rearview camera, LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, auto headlight on/off, remote keyless entry, cloth seating, 6-way manually adjusted driver's seat, 4-way manually adjusted passenger seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning, 60/40 split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, 8-in touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system with USB port, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Smartsense, with forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go, lane follow assist, auto high-beam assist and driver-attention warning. There are no available option packages.
Replacing or adding to the SE gear, the SEL ($26,430) provides 17-in alloy wheels, twin-tip muffler, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, hands-free smart trunk, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, rear center armrest, blind-sport monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, satellite-radio capability and Blue Link connected-car system with 3 free years of service.
The SEL grade unlocks four options packages. The Convenience Package includes a 12.3-in LCD instrument cluster, Hyundai Digital Key (smartphone as a key), wireless phone charging, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a rear-seat USB charging port. The Premium Package (requires the Convenience Package) includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, leather seating and a heated steering wheel. The Panoramic Sunroof also includes LED interior lighting. And finally, the Driver Guidance Package includes 10.25-in touchscreen, navigation system, Highway Drive Assist and the Blue Link Guidance Package with three years of free service.
Building on the SEL, the SEL Plus ($28,380) includes the SEL Convenience Package plus the 1.6L turbo, paddle shifters, 18-in alloy wheels, aluminum pedals and leatherette seating with faux suede inserts. Its available Tech Package includes the panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, navigation system with the 10.25-in touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose audio system and Highway Drive Assist.
The fully loaded Limited ($34,230) includes all the aforementioned options plus upgraded LED Matrix-type headlights, memory for driver's seat and outboard mirrors, 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, color head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, front/rear parking sensors, 360-degree Around View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, blind spot view monitor, and rear parking collision-avoidance system. There are no options available for Limited.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata checks all the usual safety system boxes, such as stability control, antilock brakes and traction control. Every Sonata comes right out of the box with nine airbags and Smartsense with forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go, lane follow assist, auto high-beam assist and driver-attention warning. Moving up to the SEL adds blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Drive assist is available in an option package on the SEL, as well as the SEL Plus and is standard on the Limited. The Limited also adds head-up display, 360-degree Around View Monitor, front/rear parking assist, blind spot view monitor and rear parking collision-avoidance system.
As of this writing, no third party has crash tested the 2020 Sonata in the U.S.
We'll take a moment here to wax on about the new Sonata's cabin. It's a well-groomed space providing plenty of people room. Thus far, our in-car experience has been with the upper SEL Plus and Limited trims. These beautifully styled interiors border on luxurious, particularly in the Limited. We like everything about this interior, from its elegant lines and uncluttered dash to its space and comfort. There are hard controls for the climate control and a volume control for the audio system. Although the touchscreen sticks up above the center of the dash, Hyundai found a way to make it look integrated into the dash, rather than perched atop it like a cemetery grave marker. The unique steering wheel is another pleasing touch.
There is a healthy amount of cargo space at 16 cu-ft under the trunk lid. That can be increased by folding down the rear-seat sections.
We put a couple of hundred miles on the SEL Plus and Limited versions on the roads between Phoenix, Arizona and Roosevelt Lake for the 2020 Sonata media launch in December. The roads weren't particularly challenging, but the updated Sonata performed well. Hyundai has done a brilliant job mitigating noise and harshness. The cabin is quiet and comfy. Although the audio system has a speed-volume feature, it isn't necessary. The cabin remains reasonably quiet even under hard acceleration.
We think most drivers will find the acceleration with the 1.6L turbo to be sufficient, if not breathtaking. It has plenty of grunt to pass slower traffic on those two-lane stretches. Flipping the driving mode switch to Sport helps a bit, too. The steering provides quick response and a fair amount of feedback. Likewise, handling fulfilled our expectations for a midsize family hauler. It isn't an uber sporty experience, even in the more performance-focused SEL Plus, but neither was there any real drama when hitting what few twisties populated our route.
We did get to clock a couple of miles in a camouflaged preproduction prototype of the upcoming Sonata N Line. This was done on Phoenix streets around our hotel and again, didn't offer much to tax the N Line's handling. But we did have the opportunity to goose the throttle a few times, which was rewarded with a satisfying blast of power. Any grumblings about the performance of the current two engine offerings you might hear will be sufficiently addressed with the N Line.
2020 Toyota Camry -- The most compelling Camry ever, it now offers AWD and a TRD trim with a specially tuned suspension, bigger brakes and a cat back exhaust.
2020 Honda Accord -- Historically, Accord has been a top-selling midsize sedan. It's a bit sportier than the Sonata, with turbocharged engine choices.
2020 Subaru Legacy -- For those seeking a more conservatively styled midsize sedan (or one with standard AWD), the Legacy is a good place to turn. Its value, safety ratings and reliability are all strong. It's also redesigned for 2020.
2020 Nissan Altima -- Offering AWD, the Altima provides two efficient engines, decent fuel economy and a suite of standard safety and driver-assist technologies.
Although we think the SE grade is well equipped and priced right, for a few grand more, we would opt for the SEL for its additional standard goodies, such as satellite-radio capability and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. We'd then top it off with at least the Convenience Package to pick up the 12.3-in instrument cluster and Hyundai Digital Key. Find a Hyundai Sonata for sale