The 2020 Hyundai Sonata lasts around 200,000 miles with some check engine light and brake wear issues. At $18,400 to $29,998, it’s a good value for a midsize sedan with an upscale cabin for the money.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Hyundai Sonata since it offers a great cabin and long ten-year warranty. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, quiet interior, and the advanced safety technology features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a midsize sedan, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also better than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Sonata. Avoid models from 2011–2015, which have a lot of engine problems, while 2016–2022 are more dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Both of the four-cylinder engines offered on the 2020 Sonata are fairly weak, but focus more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Sonata is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include remote parking assist, along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 32 MPG, offering 508 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $51 cheaper than average at $148 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is cheaper than some other midsize sedans while offering reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Sonata?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a stand out compared to other midsize sedans with good visibility, and it earns high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Hyundai Sonata at 4.4/5, enjoying all the interior storage space, but dislikes the relatively weak engine choices compared to other sedans.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sonata a 4.3/5, praising the advanced technology features, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive for snowy areas.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata include check engine lights, chipped paint, along with excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to other cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Sonata ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Sonata owners, showing up within the first 10,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a sensor failure, which causes the light to turn on. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the computer, and then you can diagnose the problem. Repairing a check engine light ranges from $0 to $650, depending on the source.
Chipping paint along the front bumper is another problem mentioned by some Sonata owners at around 5,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper edges is thin, and easily susceptible to stone chips. Some people do touch up paint for around $100, while others repaint the bumper, costing roughly $1,000.
Excessive brake wear has also been found on some 2020 Hyundai Sonata models within the first 20,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear down quickly. Replacing the brake pads costs around $200, while a new set of rotors is an additional $350.
There are three recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, which is similar to other sedans from the same year. The most serious recall covers the remote smart parking assist software, which can make the vehicle move in unintended ways. Hyundai will reprogram the controller for free on affected models. Other recalls cover tire size labels, and the trunk release, which Hyundai will also replace for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Hyundai Sonata can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other sedans like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $418 per year.
As a used 2020 Sonata reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition lock cylinder for $250, engine oil cooler costing $370, along with the control arm bushings, which cost around $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great and includes a relatively large 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a Bose audio system.
Standard safety technology is excellent and features:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rearview camera
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane follow assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind view monitor
- Blind spot monitoring
- Head-up display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Remote parking assist
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a decent value since it offers a lot of features and a very long warranty. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,400 to $29,998, making it less than a Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. When new, the price range was $23,600 to $35,500. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Sonata?
There are four main models of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata offered, from the entry-level SE through to the more luxurious Limited. The Sonata is only available with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is not offered.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 8-inch touch screen
- Android Auto compatibility
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- USB port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rearview camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Lane follow assist
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Driver attention monitor
- Alloy wheels
SEL is a step up, adding:
- Proximity keyless entry
- Hands-free trunk opener
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- Second USB port
- Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system
- Optional leather seats (on some trims)
- Available wireless device charging
- Optional 12.3-inch digital driver display
SEL Plus offers more items such as:
- Turbocharged engine
- Simulated leather and faux-suede upholstery
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Wireless device charging
- Optional 10.25-inch touchscreen (with Technology package)
- Available navigation system (with Technology package)
- Optional Bose audio system (with Technology package)
- Optional panoramic sunroof (with Technology package)
- Enhanced adaptive cruise control (with Technology package)
Limited is the flagship model with:
- Automated remote parking system
- Digital key feature
- Surround-view parking camera
- Driver-seat memory settings
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- Ventilated front seats
- All features from SEL’s Convenience and Premium packages
- Leather upholstery
- 25-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Bose audio system with 12 speakers
- Head-up display
- Sunroof
- Blind spot camera
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hyundai’s remote parking assist system
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Sonata?
- The 2020 Hyundai Sonata comes with two engine options. The base model is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower, achieves an estimated combined fuel economy of around 32 MPG, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; this setup allows the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 8 seconds.
- For those seeking more pep, there’s the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower, offers a combined fuel economy of about 31 MPG, and is also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; this turbocharged variant can reach 0-60 MPH in roughly 7.3 seconds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Sonata Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Sonata?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is designed with comfort in mind, boasting a spacious and well-appointed interior that has received praise from both critics and consumers. Passengers can enjoy ample headroom and legroom in both the front and back seats, making it suitable for long journeys. The seats themselves are supportive and cushioned, with higher trims offering additional luxuries such as leather surfaces, power adjustments, and even heated and ventilated options.
The Sonata’s ride quality further contributes to its comfort profile; it’s tuned for a smooth and quiet experience, effectively absorbing bumps and road irregularities. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated from outside noise, providing a serene environment. Ergonomics are also a strong point, with controls within easy reach and a user-friendly infotainment system that reduces the distraction and stress that can come from more complicated interfaces. All these factors culminate in a driving and riding experience that ranks the Sonata highly in its class for comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Sonata Have?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata offers a generous amount of storage space for a midsize sedan, which is a vital aspect for families and travelers alike. In terms of cargo capacity, the trunk provides about 16 cubic feet of room. This space is quite accommodating, allowing for the comfortable storage of several full-size suitcases or about a dozen grocery bags, making it suitable for long road trips or weekly errands.
Additionally, the Sonata includes practical interior storage solutions. These consist of a glove compartment, door pockets, a center console bin, cupholders, and a small storage area beneath the center stack, which can be used for smartphones, wallets, or other small items. Moreover, for added flexibility, the rear seats can fold down in a 60/40 split, which is especially useful for fitting longer items like skis or DIY materials while still accommodating a passenger or two in the back seat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the Hyundai Sonata was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new cabin, engines, and technology.
2016: Standard 7-inch touchscreen on models with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rearview camera is also standard.
2017: Offers the same features as earlier years.
2018: Minor exterior styling changes, more standard safety features, and a new eight-speed transmission on the 2.0T models.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with new technology, engines, and updated styling.
2021: Stronger N-Line model introduced, and small changes to the standard features.
How Does the Hyundai Sonata Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a good midsize sedan, offering plenty of advanced technology features paired with a comfortable interior for the money, helping it earn our recommendation.
The Hyundai Tucson is an SUV offered by Hyundai which is available in the same price range. Passenger and cargo room is better in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a smoother driving experience. We recommend the Hyundai Sonata since it’s more up-to-date.
The Honda Accord is another midsize Sedan, which costs about $3,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Honda Accord, while the Hyundai Sonata offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Honda Accord as a used car since it will last longer.