2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — Stunning good looks, wow factor gas mileage

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 19, 2020) It’s a fact that nearly 75 percent of all new vehicles sold in America today are SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks. And while that craze continues, it’s also a fact that people are still buying sedans. The all-new-from-the-ground-up 2020 Hyundai Sonata is proof positive that the Korean automaker is committed to serving those buyers.


When the price of gasoline tumbles like it has in the past year, we’ve clearly seen the results with sales of hybrid models of all brands falling dramatically. However, when gas prices return to normal as surely as they eventually will the new Sonata hybrid is a compelling choice for fuel economy — as efficient as Toyota’s Prius and is certainly a handsome, roomy sedan at an affordable price.

While we thoroughly enjoyed testing the new Sonata several months ago, many of us were looking forward to driving the hybrid version just recently introduced. The hybrid can get up to 54-mpg and nearly 700 miles on a tank of gas depending upon which hybrid model you choose.



The new Sonata’s signature design cue is its wide, curvaceous hexagonal grille, and deep-set LED headlamps connected by a chrome line that starts below the headlamps and completely surrounds the cabin and glass of the vehicle in one sweeping motion; Hyundai calls it “the lasso”. However, what appears to be chrome trim is actually the daytime running light. It’s unique to be sure and like nothing we’ve seen on any other vehicle. The rear of the Sonata gets an integrated spoiler and an LED strip that links the taillamps for a distinctive look.

What sets the hybrid trim level apart from the convention gas-only powered Sonata on the exterior is a slightly tweaked grille and the deletion of fog lamps to improve aerodynamics and improve fuel economy. The wheels are noticeably different and more aero-dynamic styled. The only changes to the rear of the vehicle is obviously the chrome hybrid badge on the lower right of the rear decklid, and exhaust tips that are tucked further up under the bumper so aren’t noticeable.

The hybrid is available in three trim levels: Blue with a starting price of $27,750, SEL $29,900 and our tested model the Limited $35,300. All trim level prices add $975 for shipping and handling.

One of the more novel features on the Limited trim level is the two-panel glass solar roof. The solar panels can selectively generate the 12-volt and hybrid batteries with 205 watts of electricity that increases mileage by about 2 miles per day or 700 miles per year with the same amount of gasoline, that is as long as the sun is shining. It also helps prevent battery discharge from infotainment or HVAC systems when the car is off.

Under the hood the Sonata hybrid is powered by 2.0-liter 150-hp inline four-cylinder engine with 139 lb.-ft. of torque. The car’s electric motor delivers power output of 39 kW/51-hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque powered by lithium-battery located to the rear of the vehicle. That’s a total system of 192-hp. Our Limited trim had EPA fuel economy numbers of 45/51/47 mpg City/Highway/Combined. If you get the Blue trim it bumps up to 54 mpg Highway and 52 mpg Combined.  Oh, and try to drive away without your seat belt fastened and the emergency brake does not release.

We really liked that Hyundai paired their hybrid engine with a very good six-speed automatic transmission not a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that most hybrid vehicles use that just doesn’t perform as well feeling “rubbery” if you will.

On the road, like the gas-only Sonata models the ride is quiet, comfortable and smooth. There’s extra insulation in the floor and doors plus acoustical glass on the front windows and windshield.



Inside, our Limited trim test car looked handsome with leather upholstered seats and door panels. While not quite luxury class, it won’t disappoint either.

The entire cabin is satisfyingly roomy and even tall drivers like me are able to find a comfortable seating position, with ample leg, hip, shoulder and headroom thanks to the widely adjustable power seats and telescoping steering wheel.

Rear-seat passengers will find room that’s usually only found in larger sedans. Rear headroom is surprisingly generous, given the sloping roofline, and there’s plenty of legroom. All seats are well padded with bolstering in just the right spots. There’s power lumber adjustment in our Limited trim Sonata. Seats are heated and cooled — but not for the rear seat even in the Limited – and there’s a heated steering wheel too. There’s an elastic mesh pocket on the back of the passenger’s seat, but oddly not on the driver’s side. There are, however, USB outlets to charge devices.

Hyundai has switched to Bose for its premium audio system. A wireless charging pad has fans to keep phones cool. As for the infotainment user interface, vehicles equipped with navigation get a 10.5-inch screen that operates much like a Smartphone, with pinching to expand and contract images and one finger swiping to move images and content. 

We liked the “Sounds of Nature” icon located among the vehicles apps that calls up soothing nature sounds such as Calm Sea Waves, Warm Fireplace, Rainy Day, Lively Forest and others. It may seem funny but we found them to be relaxing and enjoyable.

While most controls are operated via knobs and switches, the Sonata uses just one knob to control the audio system volume levels. Station tuning is handled by two buttons but they’re a long reach over on the passenger side of the display screen.
 
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. There’s ambient lighting about the cabin trim and yes, you can change the colors.

The trunk is especially roomy, and the rear seatbacks fold forward in a 60/40 split for long items even with two passengers sitting in the rear seat. We liked that Hyundai also includes a real spare tire rather than just the flat-tire sealing canister.

The new Sonata offers a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. An enhanced backup camera with a 360° overhead view of the car uses guidelines that move when the car turns while backing up for extra help when negotiating a tight parking space. The lane-keeping assist system alerts when the car drifts out of its lane; lane follow assist helps keep the car lane centered. Adaptive smart cruise control with full stop and go, automatic high-beam control, and a driver attention warning system that warns of distracted driving are also included.

Our Limited adds blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The blind-spot monitoring provides a live image on in the instrument cluster to show what’s on either side of the vehicle when that side’s turn-signal is activated. Our Limited also included a Highway Drive Assist feature that, when active, automatically adjusts the Sonata’s road speed to posted road signs.

The new Sonata is also the only vehicle in its class where you can use your phone as the car key; you can leave the key fob at home. However, at launch, it’s only available on Android, but Hyundai tells us iPhone compatibility should be available by year end.

Another new feature — and one that was repeatedly shown in Super Bowl commercials is Remote Parking Assist. This feature requires using the car’s key fob, and allows the driver to pull the Sonata forward up to 30 feet out of a tight parking space, exit the vehicle and the Sonata will park itself without a driver behind the wheel. However, this feature is not available on the hybrid.

Also new for 2020 is a standard rear occupant detection that alerts the driver to check the back seat for children or pets after the engine is turned off if a rear door was opened before the trip. We first saw this feature a couple of years ago on the then-new Hyundai Santa Fe.

Overall, for those who prefer a sedan over a truck or SUV, the new Sonata or Sonata hybrid are very compelling choices. We thoroughly liked the new design both inside and out, along with its spacious cabin that’s one of the nicest in its class. For the top-of-the-line Limited, the all-in window sticker was $36,275, $1,910 more than the non-hybrid Sonata That just might be the best value in its entire class.

However, if we had just one complaint it was with our realized gas mileage of just 37-mpg combined, fully 10-mpg below the EPA rating of 47-mpg combined. Our test driving included suburban, urban and interstate highway miles. We simply offer no explanation for the variance.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $35,300
Price as Tested: $36,276
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-liter 150 horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 39 kW/51-hp lithium powered electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 45/51/47 mpg – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Montgomery, Alabama

Crash Test Results: Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the highest possible 5-star crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Clarity Hybrid
Honda Insight
Kia Optima Hybrid
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Prius Hybrid

Fab Features
Toyota Prius like fuel economy
Long list of standard features
Solid safety and predicted reliability ratings
Attractive new design inside and out