The all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata showcases a sleeker design that is lower to the ground, wider and has a more athletic stance compared to the 2019 Sonata. Similar to a sports coupe, the 2020 Sonata has an aggressive design with sharp lines, flowing curves and sporty design cues that are reminiscent of the styling of the Mercedes sports sedan.
SPORTY EXTERIOR
The sleek exterior of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is lower and wider than its predecessor. Headlights that form part of the unique design, are incorporated into the lines and curves of the front end. The daytime running lights are uniquely sophisticated as they blend in with the attached chrome strips when not in use. Theses daytime running lights accompany the jewel eye headlights projecting 4 beams of bright light and surround the almost full height glossy black mesh grille.
The side profile showcases the sports sedan styling with a gently sloping rear end, the low ground clearance and long shape of the body. Moving around to the rear, the elegant design brings it all together with a chrome twin tip exhaust and C shaped taillights that are reminiscent of the Honda Civic. While similar in a lot of ways, the Sonata delivers a sleeker design with much more refinement. Another feature, adding some uniqueness to nighttime driving, is the full width LED light that splits the trunk and connects the C-shaped taillights on each side.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
Stepping inside the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, you will be pleasantly surprised by some of the thoughtful features that not only help the appearance but also improve functionality. A full length panoramic sunroof makes the interior bright and inviting, while offering a view to both front and rear passengers. A huge 12.3” digital display for the gauge cluster offers a great new functionality of displaying blindspot video when turn signals are on. The design and colours of the display also adapt depending on the drive mode you have selected.
When you opt for navigation, a wide 10.25” touch screen display sits atop the dash and features multiple views while reversing, simplifying navigating tight spaces. Without navigation, an 8” touchscreen is equipped and still controls most functions and settings of the interior. The selectable ambient lighting feature is a great touch and all cars should have this feature these days. You can select from up to 64 colours depending on your mood, to apply ambient lighting to the door panels and dash strip.
The interior of the 2020 Sonata is also equipped with all the latest comfort and convenience technologies from the heated & cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and multiple power adjustable driver’s seat and seat settings memory buttons all the way to when you first enter through the keyless entry. The proximity keyless entry initiates a greeting light sequence when approaching, followed by a push button unlock and push button ignition. This feature also allows for starting the Sonata remotely via the FOB or through the Bluelink feature explained in more detail below.
PERFORMANCE & DRIVE
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata offer a choice between two seemingly under-powered (by the hp) engines. The base is a 2.5L four cylinder engine outputting 191h, which provides excellent mid-range power for great all around driveability. Upgrade to the 1.6L turbo charged four cylinder engine that delivers 180hp and provides a more sportier drive, with the low end power being the focus for fast and powerful acceleration and response times. While both of these engines may seem low on the power rating side (both sub 200hp), the majority of drivers will appreciate the fuel savings that come alongside the power savings. Also worth noting, is at no time during our test drive did we feel like the vehicle was underpowered, although signs did start appearing when driving with a fuller load.
Both engines are paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission with silky smooth shifts and an electronic selector to change gears at the press of a button. You can modify the driving feel easily with the press of the drive mode selector button on the center console. Choose between smart, normal, sport or custom modes to optimize steering feel and engine and transmission mapping.
Other convenient and safe driving technology featured in the 2020 Sonata are the heads up display to deliver important driving information to you without having to take your eyes off the road and the Bluelink connectivity feature. The Bluelink connected vehicle system basically allows you to control certain features of your car from the app on your mobile phone, like locking and unlocking the doors remotely, remote vehicle starting and even adjusting the climate controls remotely. In the event of an emergency, you can have an automatic notification sent for assistance.
Overall, the driving feel of the 2020 Sonata is smooth, sturdy and responsive. The Sonata delivers a comfortable ride for its occupants while providing a bit of excitement for the driver. The lowered powered engine also helps to post some incredible fuel consumption numbers. The 2020 Sonata achieves 8.8 L/100km driving in the city and 6.4 L/100km on the highway!
FINAL THOUGHTS
With a starting price tag of just $26,999, there isn’t much to complain about. Even the base model offers many standard features that would be considered options on most other competitive offerings. Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata offers great value for money, showcases a sleek and sporty design and offers passengers a bright and elegant interior. Make sure to include a Sonata if you’re in the market for a mid-sized sedan.
