2020 Hyundai Sonata Review

　　

2020 Hyundai Sonata Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　If you've seen Hyundai's TV spots for its fully redesigned 2020 Sonata, you'll likely know that Hyundai's highlighting the car's new technology features. But if you just happen to see a new Sonata on the road, you might just be equally intrigued with the car's styling. The new Sonata looks significantly sportier than it did before thanks to longer and lower dimensions, as well as an aggressively styled grille and daytime running lights that stretch up over the hood.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$117/mo  for Sonata SE

　　Sonata SE

　　SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $23,600 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $25,700 MSRPSEL Plus 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $27,650 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　So about that new technology ... The first headlining feature is remote parking assist, which lets you be outside the car and direct it to move forward or backward using buttons on the key fob. The car even automatically makes minor steering adjustments, so you don't have to worry about being perfectly lined up with the space. The Sonata moves very slowly in parking-assist mode, so it's not a great solution for every parking lot. But in a pinch, it means you can use spaces that would be too narrow to allow you to get in or out of the car easily.

　　The second new tech feature is Hyundai's digital key, an app that lets you use your phone as a key. Unfortunately, this digital key feature isn't currently compatible with iPhones. Hyundai says it's working on partnering with Apple to enable its app, but for right now it only works on Android devices.

　　Hyundai has also completely reworked the interior. Climate controls are simple, the high-mounted touchscreen is easy to use, and the overall look is a little less cluttered thanks to a switch from a traditional transmission lever to buttons for park, drive, etc. The cabin is also spacious, with enough room for a 6-foot passenger to fit comfortably behind a 6-foot driver.

　　Put it all together and you've got a midsize sedan that has what it takes to compete with the luxurious Mazda 6, sporty Kia Stinger, popular Toyota Camry and, our current favorite, the Honda Accord.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Sonata drive? The turbo 1.6-liter engine produces acceptable power that the eight-speed automatic puts to effective use. While not exceptionally quick, the Sonata can edge out similarly powered family sedans, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. It doesn't have trouble keeping pace with traffic or on freeway onramps, but doing so requires more pressure on the gas pedal than you might be used to.

　　Steering, handling and braking are matter-of-fact, though there are some strange traits. The firm overall ride doesn't net a worthwhile handling balance. And the brake pedal emits a slight pulsation under light, constant application, like when you're heading down a gentle grade. There's nothing particular to object to, but there isn't much to praise either.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sonata? Though the Sonata gives the appearance of refinement, its interior comfort comes up short of expectations. The seats are firm and lack the supple comfort and adjustment ranges found in segment leaders. The ride too falls on the firm side. It's far from uncomfortable, but it transmits bumps and impacts into the cabin that other similarly priced family sedans wouldn't. The interior is a touch louder too.

　　On the upside, the climate controls, including heated and ventilated front seats, are quiet and effective. Overall the interior gets the job done, but it doesn't go any further.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Nearly all of the controls are simple to intuit, which is impressive considering the abundance of interior features. A push-button shifter remains the biggest wart. The layout requires extra attention to make sure you're selecting the right gear, which can add needless anxiety to a quick three-point turn.

　　Interior size is excellent, matching interiors of larger vehicles in the segment and ensuring there's plenty of room inside for occupants of all sizes. On the other hand, even those of average height have to duck slightly while getting in and out. We'd like more driver's seat adjustment range, especially in seat height.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Sonata has a segment-leading screen in size, response and appearance. The excellent voice controls understand most natural language commands for stereo, navigation and phone. Smartphone integration was flawless in our car, and it supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in widescreen format.

　　The Sonata has a suite of safety features like most family sedans, but it betters rivals with its compressive surround-view camera system that makes parking much easier. But some of these features — such as blind-spot cameras that appear in the digital gauge cluster and the driver-free Smart Park — are gimmicks that are ultimately best ignored.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? In total cargo capacity, the Sonata matches the largest family sedans. The trunk opening is large and the reasonable liftover height allows plenty of space to load items. We also like the rear-seat flip-down switches that are easy to access in the trunk.

　　The Sonata's center console is deceivingly capable. What looks like a mere open flat area has clever touches, such as a textured surface and a partition between the cupholders for a spare phone. The front passenger also has access to a small but nice storage area on the right side of the tunnel. When it comes to car seats, the lower car-seat anchor points are squished between seat bottoms and seatbacks, so you have to dig a bit to reach them.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA fuel economy rating for the Sonata with the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic is 31 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway). These figures fall right in line with those of similarly priced and equipped midsize sedans, though we were not able to match it. We averaged 26.4 mpg during about 400 miles of mixed city driving. It's worth noting that the base engine — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder — holds a slightly better combined rating of 32 mpg.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the Sonata a good value? A ton of technology features, a large interior, a class-leading warranty and strong ownership perks give the Sonata killer value on paper. If you prioritize advanced safety features and look-at-me style, the Sonata provides your money's worth.

　　The trade-off is a driving experience and interior that don't relay the sense of quality promised by the style. Top performers in the segment do both better. The Sonata's interior has some non-uniform panel gaps and occasional cheap-looking bits of trim that contrast against the otherwise stellar-looking appearance.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　If it only drove as neat as it looks. The exterior style causes double takes, and many people we talked to during our test assumed the Sonata was a luxury car. It's distinct on the road and in a crowded parking lot, but not in an ostentatious way. Big credit to Hyundai for making a family sedan that stands out.

　　While riding the boost of a turbocharged engine is always enjoyable, there's little else in the Sonata to muster enthusiasm. Ride, steering and handling get the job done but lack the tactile satisfaction you'll find in more enjoyable sedans. Also, similarly priced sedans offer more powerful (and entertaining) engines, making them more compelling propositions.

　　

Which Sonata does zzdcar recommend?

Buyers looking for just the basics will likely find the SE sufficient, but the SEL adds a number of modern amenities for a reasonable price bump. Upgrading adds a blind-spot monitor, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and aggressively styled bumpers. If you or your passengers frequently have a lot of personal electronic devices onboard, the Convenience package is also worth adding for its extra USB port and wireless charging pad.

　　

2020 Hyundai Sonata models

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan sold in four trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus and Limited. The SE has a solid list of standard features, including advanced driver safety aids. The SEL and the SEL Plus are reasonably priced upgrades that add significantly more convenience features. The Limited is fairly pricey but includes all options on lower trims, plus a handful of unique items such as ventilated seats and a remote parking feature.

　　The SE and the SEL are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The SEL Plus and the Limited use a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft on tap. There's no significant fuel economy or power gain by going with the turbocharged engine, so don't feel like you are missing anything by sticking with the base engine. All Sonatas come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Standard equipment highlights on the Sonata SE include LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　The SEL adds a lot of extras such as heated mirrors, a hands-free trunk opener, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The SEL offers two primary option packages. The first is the Convenience package, which includes a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad and a rear charge-only USB port. The Premium package brings a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

　　In addition to the turbocharged engine, the SEL Plus comes with simulated leather and faux-suede upholstery plus the contents of the Convenience package. On this trim you can select the Technology package that further adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, the Bose audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and an enhancement for the adaptive cruise control system that automatically matches the posted highway speed limit.

　　Step up to the range-topping Limited and you'll find all features listed above, plus an automated remote parking system, a digital key feature (lets you use your phone to enter and start the car), a surround-view parking camera, driver-seat memory settings, a head-up display, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and ventilated front seats.

　　

2020 Sonata Highlights

Trim: SESELSEL PlusLimitedSE

　　

Base MSRP	$23,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$117/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles