The 2020 Hyundai Sonata sedan benefits from a jaw-dropping new redesign both inside and out, boasting technology previously limited to luxury cars.
The Hyundai Sonata has always been an upmarket midsize sedan. After the recent eighth-generation redesign, the 2020 Sonata is a showcase of Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language. At launch, the top trim level was the Sonata Limited. Only recent special editions offer any additional features.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata received an aggressive new grille and a fastback rear window, which led Motor Trend to comment, “the Sonata looks more conventionally attractive than the Accord, Camry, or Altima.”
Every 2020 Sonata ships with an impressive array of standard features. These include nine airbags, LED headlamps and tail lamps, LED daytime running lights, traction control, brake assist, and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
The Sonata also offers luxury-car technology on every trim level with Apple Car Play, Android Auto smartphone integration, and Bluetooth hands-free with wireless audio streaming.
The Sonata’s standard three radar systems, five cameras, and 13 ultrasonic sensors enable an arsenal of new driver-assist features at all trim levels: Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), a Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), forward collision-avoidance assist, lane follow assist, driver attention warning lights, and automatic high beam assist.
The top trim Sonata Limited can even claim highway drive assist and remote smart parking assist—both unprecedented technologies in this class.
2020 Sonata Offers Several Powertrains
With the 2019 redesign, Hyundai launched four trim levels of the Sonata: The SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. In September 2020, Hyundai released the 290 hp Sonata N Line.
The Sonata SE and SEL are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four (I4) engine. It is naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) but can achieve a compression ratio of 13.0:1. The base model engine produces 191 hp but must rev to 6,100 rpms to do so. Its torque curve maxes at 181 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpms.
The Sonata SEL Plus and Limited come with a lower-displacement, lower-horsepower engine. But the top-trim 1.6-liter I4 is turbocharged; the little engine can produce 195 lb.-ft. of torque at any rpm between 1,500 and 4,500. The result is a smooth-accelerating engine that Car and Driver said offered “ample power.” The Sonata Limited makes the sprint from zero to 60 in just 7.3 seconds.
Reviewers admitted the Sonata Limited did not have the best performance in its class but added that it feels more sporty than most any crossover. Car and Driver’s only complaint was that the car’s “taught ride doesn’t translate to engaging handling.” Sonata SE and SEL cars come with 16-inch alloy rims while the SEL Plus and Limited enjoy 18-inch alloy rims.
As for the N Line, it offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine capable of 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, making it a great choice for those seeking a bit more thrill on their daily commute. All Sonata engines are mated to Hyundai’s “Smartstream” eight-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai offered a 10-year and 100,000-mile warranty on all new Sonata drivetrains.
Top Trim Sonata: Cutting-edge Technology
The Sonata SEL Plus and Limited trim levels feature technology the SE and SEL do not, including:
- 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster
- Wireless device charging
- Digital key with proximity entry
- Push-button engine start
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCAA)
- Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA)
Luxury features abound, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row air vents, and charging ports.
Only the Sonata Limited comes standard with the following:
- Highway drive assist
- Remote smart parking assist
- Color heads-up display
- Parking collision-avoidance
- Blind view monitor
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12-speaker premium Bose audio with multiple device connectivity
- Leather seats
- Heated steering wheel
- LED interior lights with 64 available colors of ambient lighting
Several of these features are available on the Sonata SEL Plus as extras.
Hyundai Sonata Limited: Sporty & Intuitive, Say Critics
Unsurprisingly, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata has won over auto reviewers, with Edmunds reporting that the new fastback Sonata “looks significantly sportier than it did before.”
Inside, the 2020 Sonata is elegant yet simple, and has led to Car and Driver writing, “perhaps most amazing is that it manages to have intuitive controls despite the abundance of functionality.”
In addition to the luxurious attributes, the Hyundai Sonata Limited can park itself, drive itself, boasts the interior of a luxury car, and has cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity features. Many of these options are not yet standard on exotic cars that cost six figures.
Starting at $33,500, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited is a game-changer.
Check out the Matt Maran Motoring YouTube review for a closer look at the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited with the 1.6-liter engine.
He points out a few of the unique exterior details specific to the brand’s new design language and then jumps inside to cover the interior tech.
With the rest of the car reviewed, he finishes with a test drive, concluding, “The Sonata here, I’m very impressed with it. Again, I don’t think it’s best in class in any metric, but I do appreciate its bold styling, which is something that’s kinda missing here in this segment.”
He continues, “tech, I’d say this is probably tops as far as that goes. But you know, as far as driving and stuff like that, it’s definitely on the softer side, so definitely give one a test drive.”
Photos: Hyundai
