With former Audi Designer Peter Schreyer making the big calls as Hyundai’s president of design management, expect nothing less than aesthetics with the 2020 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.
There’s no shortage of tech features either. Standard across all trims comes generously with Hyundai SmartSense that includes 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.
There’s even an oversized 10.25 touchscreen infotainment screen available with Android Auto and Apple Carplay that can seamlessly connect to your smart phone to access all your apps and data conveniently. Even the instrument cluster is a full-stack LCD that also conveniently displays navigation with full map view. A heads-up display is also included that portrays vehicle telematics and simplified navigation icons directly on the driver’s windshield for added convenience.
The smooth dark charcoal colours and the soft touch materials are sure to wow any spectator. Center and climate control panels are well laid out within. Hyundai has also integrated a few unique design features within the cabin space including the slim high-tech vents that run along the entire front vehicle dashboard, customizable 64-color mood lighting and a cockpit inspired by aircraft ergonomics.
Keyless entry, push-start engine ignition, blindspot monitoring and ultra-crisp rear-view camera are also added points in its long list of tech features.
Powering the Hyundai Sonata is a miniature 2.0L Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine producing a net 192 horsepower and 195 lbs.ft of torque. Instead of the conventional CVT transmission used by virtually all other manufacturers in their hybrid vehicles, Hyundai has instead installed a 6-speed dual clutch transmission to offer a more engaging driving experience. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel are also installed for managing manual sequential shifting.
The glass roof is subtly inlaid with solar panels to continuously charge the Sonata and add an extra 1,300 kms of driving range per year!
Hyundai has done a decent job with their hybrid powertrain on their first attempt. Acceleration is smooth thanks to its instantaneous torque delivery made readily available by its onboard 32kW electric motor.
The 2020 Sonata Hybrid could use some improvement in the stability and handling area as torque steer was slightly noticeable under hard acceleration while steering and handling remained mediocre with inability to keep the body precise and stable during cornering.
With a starting $40,199 price tag for the 2020 Sonata Hybrid, you get a well rounded, nicely equipped, luxurious sedan with some engaging performance and loaded with technology.
