2020 Hyundai Sonata Road Test and Review

20sonatafrontbeauty2abtsessions ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Even as Hyundai is bolstering its SUV lineup with offerings in a wide-ranging array of sizes and price classes, it is also giving sedan buyers another reason to visit the brand. For 2020, the South Korean automaker spices up the mid-size sedan segment with a completely new Sonata. The swoopy and stylish 2020 Sonata is the eighth generation of Hyundai’s best-selling sedan, first introduced in 1989.

Including the mandatory $930 destination charge, the base 2020 Sonata SE is priced at a very reasonable $24,330. There are no options on the SE. The next step up is the $26,430 SEL, followed by the $28,380 SEL Plus, and the all-inclusive, check-all-the-boxes $34,230 Limited. A redesign of the gas-electric Sonata Hybrid version will follow later in the 2020 model year. 

Eye Candy

Celebrating its sedan-ness, Hyundai made the sleek new Sonata longer and lower, with a longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and a coupe-like roof profile. Low hood lines typically are difficult to attain in vehicles that need long suspension travel to deliver a smooth, well-controlled ride. In the 2020 Sonata, engineers were able to lower hood height by using shorter front shock towers. Another design touch is the hood running right to the edge of the grille opening, eliminating unsightly cut lines and gaps at the front.

Speaking of the front, the 2020 Sonata’s beltline chrome accent strip extends along the top of the front fender and wraps around the headlamps. And as the strip loops around the headlamps, the chrome strip undergoes an amazing transformation, segueing into a translucent spear that allows light to shine through it. There’s nothing else on the road like it.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Smartstream Propulsion

Hyundai calls the Sonata’s two all-new four-cylinder engines "Smartstream." The base engine on SE and SEL trims is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter with a new dual fuel-injection system, featuring 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It uses multi-port fuel injection for good low-speed driveability and cleaner emissions, and direct fuel injection for improved torque, high-speed power, and fuel economy. A new electric-motor-driven variable valve timing system improves engine responsiveness under all conditions. EPA fuel economy estimates are 28 mpg city/38 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for the base SE model with 16-inch wheels and idle stop and go, more than a 10% improvement over the 2019 model’s 2.4-liter base engine.

The other Smartstream engine is a 1.6-liter GDI turbo that’s standard on SEL Plus and Limited models. While it makes just 180 horsepower, its variable-valve duration helps the engine deliver its 195 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,500 rpm and stay strong up to 4,500 rpm for good tip-in throttle response. Although it may seem like both engines have nearly the same power output, the turbo brings a more generous and broader torque curve with basically the same fuel economy as the base engine: 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. 

Photo by Ron Sessions

Shifty Business

Like Hyundai's new Palisade SUV, 2020 Sonata sedan tosses last year’s traditional fore-aft lever-type floor shifter with push buttons. The shift buttons are generously sized and located on the console, freeing up some space there.

All 2020 Sonata models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an extra-low first gear for good low-speed acceleration and taller overdrive ratios for more relaxed highway cruising and improved fuel economy. Last year’s base six-speed automatic is dropped, as is the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in the 2019 Eco 1.6 model that sometimes suffered jerky starts from rest, particularly when starting out uphill. The new eight-speed features three driver-selectable drive modes — Smart, Normal, and Sport — that tailor upshifts and downshifts via a switch on the console. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included in the SEL Plus and Limited models for manual shift control.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Genesis-Worthy Cabin

Especially in the top-of-the-line Limited, but also apparent in all Sonata trims, is a design elegance that would be worthy of a model from Hyundai’s luxury Genesis division. On upper trims, you notice it just getting into the car, thanks to door handles that have a capacitive-touch feature for locking and unlocking.

The cabin has an open, airy, modern feel. It’s quiet, too, courtesy of acoustic laminated glass and extensive soundproofing. Thoughtfulness abounds. The instrument panel is low, enabled by extra-thin low-profile climate control vents that are only 35 mm high. The windshield posts and side mirrors offer minimal visual obstruction. The door armrests are well-padded for comfort, and long enough to provide a comfortable landing spot for one’s elbow regardless of his or her size. Seats are cloth in the SE and SEL, faux leather and suede in the SEL Plus, and leather in the range-topping Limited. Heated front seats, a power driver's seat, a proximity key with push-button starting, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on all but the base SE. Ventilated front seats are exclusive to the Limited model.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Sonata Connectivity

Two touchscreens are available: a base 8-inch unit with analog knobs for volume and tuning that’s standard in the SE, SEL, and SEL Plus models, and an extra-wide, horizontal-format 12.3-inch screen with a volume knob but none for tuning that’s standard on the Limited and optional on the SEL and SEL Plus. A navigation system is optional in the SEL Plus and standard in the Limited.

All Sonata models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so the car’s infotainment screen can mirror your cellphone’s. The standard sound system is a six-speaker AM/FM unit, but the Sonata is now also available with a rich-sounding Bose surround-sound system; it's standard on the Limited and optional on the SEL and SEL Plus. A wireless phone charger, standard in the SEL Plus and Limited and optional in the SEL, has a built-in cooling system, so the phone doesn’t get too hot to the touch.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Couping the Sedan

Endowing the new Sonata with a coupe-like sloping roof that lowers the car’s profile 1.2 inches does have some consequences. Despite slimmer rear seat cushions, rear headroom decreases by 0.2 inches. The cushions, however, have variable-density foam to help preserve comfort. Also, you’d think the 2020 Sonata's 1.4-inch longer wheelbase would aid legroom, which it does for front-seat patrons that get a half-inch more of it, but rear seaters get 0.8 inches less in the bargain. Not to worry, as the mid-size Sonata still offers a generous amount of interior space overall.

Drivers with kids or pets can rest easier thanks to standard rear occupant detection, which alerts the driver to check the back seat after the engine is turned off if a rear door was opened before the trip. SEL and higher trims include a fold-down center-rear armrest. With the Sonata’s 60/40 split-folding rear seat, one or both sections can be lowered to increase the Sonata’s already-generous 16.3 cubic-foot trunk capacity or to make room for long items such as stepladders. The trunk can open hands-free with a foot pump under the rear bumper on SEL and higher models.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Your Phone Is Your Key

Today, just about everyone lives on their phone. For 2020, Hyundai makes this easier than ever for Android phone users with the Hyundai Digital Key. Standard in Limited models, it allows you to leave the car's normal remote at home and perform a myriad of functions, including locking/unlocking and operating the car.

The Digital Key utilizes highly secure Near Field Communication technology, so inputs are not slowed down by going to the cloud. The app is customizable, and profiles are stored in a database. The Digital Key function can be shared for a predetermined amount of time — say, if you're out of town and your neighbor offers to move your car off the street on trash day. The system, however, isn’t compatible with iPhones at this time. Or have you ever gotten back to your car to find another car parked so close, you can’t get the door open to get in? Using the keyfob, the new Remote Smart Parking Assist feature in the Limited model will pull the Sonata up to 30 feet out of a tight parking space. It will straighten the front wheels and use the parking sensors for getting in and out of the space.

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Safety and Driver-Assistive Items

All 2020 Sonata trims include a wide array of safety and driver-assistive features. These include adaptive cruise control with full stop and go, auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, a lane-keeping assist system that notifies the driver if the car drifts out of its lane, lane follow assist that helps keep the car lane centered, a driver attention warning system that monitors the driver’s activity and warns of inattentive behavior, and a backup camera with dynamic guidelines. 

Moving up to the SEL or higher trims brings blind-spot monitoring, and the top-of-the-line Limited adds rear cross-traffic assist. Also included with the Limited is a blind-spot camera, which is linked to the turn signal and provides a live image on the instrument panel of what may be hiding behind you. As shown above, the Limited model's backup camera adds a 360-degree overhead view of the car and its immediate surroundings, along with parking sensors. And the semi-autonomous Highway Drive Assist feature, optional on the SEL Plus and standard on the Limited, can automatically adjust the speed of the car to the posted road signs.

Photo by Ron Sessions

Luxury at Mainstream Prices

On the road, the 2020 Sonata benefits from a new architecture that brings a stiff, rattle-free structure, quicker steering with reduced steering system friction for a more precise feel, and rear suspension geometry enhancements that help quell bump steer. Around town or on the highway, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata drives and looks like a premium offering.

The new-generation Sonata is a car that offers extraordinary value for the money, with performance, fuel economy, comfort and convenience features, technology, and safety features rivaling any number of luxury sedans in the market today.

Photo by Ron Sessions