2020 Hyundai Sonata – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs
Mind you the Hyundai Sonata can be had for as little as $26,999 with the highest ultimate trim at $38,599.
With former Audi Designer Peter Schreyer making the big calls as Hyundai’s president of design management, expect nothing less than aesthetics with the Hyundai Sonata. What used to be a boring substandard 4-door sedan is now a thing of unique curvatures, perfect proportions and paint formerly made exclusive to a luxury pamphlet’s color palette. Hyundai has gone a bit further than just looks with the introduction of its first-ever new hybrid powertrain model that can achieve up to an astonishing 42 mpg combined city and highway.
Making it all Digital
Standard on all trims come equipped with SmartSense technology package including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure, Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Safe Exit Alarm.
A heads-up display working with its vehicle telemetry system simplifies navigation display portrayed directly over the driver’s swindshield. and simplified navigation icons directly on the driver’s windshield.
The 10.25 touchscreen infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay for convenient data and app access directly from your smartphone.
Interior Cosmetics
Interior tech appoints a few fancy tech tricks and one of them is a 64-color mood lighting that’s can be customized. Hyundai touts its stealthy interior design cockpit is inspired by aircraft ergonomics as well
The slim dual climate-controlled vents and flat button shift panel located on the center console are slick design features that adds another layer of depth to the design while the chocolate and cream colour interior combination completes the overall lush looks the Hyundai Sonata tries to achieve.
Powertrain
Engine configurations are offered in three choices: a 2.0L 4-cylinder producing 191 horsepower or a smamller 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 180 horsepower. You’ll get a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission along with it – nothing too fancy here.
Offered on the Sonata lineup is also a hybrid variant that is powered by a
2.0L Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine that outputs192 horsepower and Hyundai makes things interesting by installing a 6-speed dual clutch transmission to offer a more engaging driving experience in lieu of the more industry-standard CVT. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel are also installed for managing manual sequential shifting.
The Looks
Unfortunately, the Hyundai Sonata is more looks than substance and the low plastic grade finishing and hallow materials used throughout both the interior and exterior are all indicators of such. Certainly it gets the job done and may even wow and fool spectators. Nevertheless, Hyundai achieves eye-candy from afar and warrants satisfaction for consumers who are seeking exactly that on a tight budget.
The Hyundai Sonata achieves a unique offering of a well dressed sedan that; while looks classy but doesn’t quite have the snuff to fit in with the big leagues. Still, its attempts are present somewhat of a good effort that may appeal to fresh buyers presented with additional choices on the crowded sedan market.
The base Sonata equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine can be had for as little as $26,999. Opting for the Ultimate trim that gets you the more efficient 1.6L turbocharged engine, larger infotainment screen and up-scaled interior chocolate/cream color trim sets you back at $38,559.
