All-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata
Entry price: $23,600 Price as tested: $34,680
This week, we’re driving the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata, and when Hyundai says “all-new,” they mean it.
Arriving in top-flight Limited trim and featuring a 1.4inch longer wheelbase, re-designed exterior and interior, and loaded with the latest in driver and passenger amenities, it’s hard to believe you can park one in your driveway starting at just $23,600 for the entry SE.
Even if a consumer chooses the entry SE, which doesn’t offer some of the upper-most safety items, they’ll still receive enhanced safety as each 2020 Sonata arrives with Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Automatic High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist,
Lane Follow Assist, Driver Attention Warning, LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED tail lamps and Apple and Android compatibility.
Most impressive is Sonata’s new look, as a distinct sporty front end with large grille is most prominent.
Compared to last year, it’s longer by 1.8 inches, lower to the ground and features a novel front headlight design that creeps its way up into the hood.
The new rear features wraparound taillights and a builtin rear spoiler.
Built in Montgomery, Alabama, Sonata is Hyundai’s popular four-door sedan with room for five.
Following the entry SE is the SEL at $25,700; SEL Plus at $27,650; and our tester Limited that starts at $33,500 fully loaded.
Turbo engines power the SEL-Plus and Limited while the SE and SEL rely on naturally aspirated fuel injection for combustion.
Hyundai’s eight-speed automatic is now standard across the line, replacing the non-turbo’s six-speed automatics.
This new generation features a roomier interior with extra rear legroom.
Sonata’s independent suspension is upgraded to deliver both comfort and handling while Hyundai designers took some big liberties creating a novel design over and above the Sonata’s last refresh in 2018.
Powering the non-turbo SE and SEL models is a 2.5-liter inline-four that develops 191 horsepower and 181 lb. ft. of torque.
Coupled with the aforementioned eight-speed automatic Shiftronic transmission with shift by wire buttons, the resulting EPA fuel mileage is very good at 27 city and 37 highway.
The SEL Plus and Limited trims utilize a turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder producing 180 horses and 195 lb. ft. of torque.
These turbo models deliver outstanding EPA numbers of 27 city and 36 highway, both very good while delivering more passing performance and acceleration attributes. The paddle-shifted Shiftronic is flawless and allows for drivers to select their driving style with a push of a console button to initiate sport, normal, custom or smart modes that allow for better RPM control, economy or more aggressive motoring.
On the road, expect solid handling thanks to the strut front and multi-link rear design.
This secure handling comes thanks to the suspension working in tandem with Michelin 18-inch tires on lightweight alloy wheels for optimum road grip.
The result is good steering feedback and a pleasant driving experience. As for rear seat passengers, there’s a good amount of rear legroom thanks to the extended length of the new Sonata while cargo room is very good and similar to the last generation at 16.0 cu. ft. The fuel tank, meanwhile, is smaller by 2.6 gallons versus the previous generation.
This all-new eighthgeneration Sonata adds nicely to the Hyundai success story, especially with all its bold, novel, new design features.
Notable, too, are the impressive reliability owner ratings and the famous 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, the latter still the best in the industry.
Regardless of model, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a Test Drive overall best buy, hands down.
Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and Gannett Co. Inc. Contact him at greg@gregzyla.com or at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, PA 18840.