2020 Hyundai Sonata

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Rating7.4

Ranked #8 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$23,600 - $33,500
Starting Price 
Amratya Nigam's image
Amratya Nigam 

Automotive Journalist,

Updated on June 6, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

High-end spacious cabin

Less livelier handling than rivals

Fully redesigned

Healthy heap of standard driver-assist features

Meager engine power

Cool infotainment amenities

Above-average trunk size

Good reliability

Specs & Features

$23,600

price

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

horsepower

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Now in its eighth generation, the redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has a base MSRP of $23,600. It comes in four trims which include SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. The Sonata offers two powerplants under its hood- a 191-hp 2.5L engine and a 180-hp 1.6L turbocharged engine, both of which are fuel-efficient and punchy. In a 0-60 MPH test, the Sonata completes the sprint in about 7.8 seconds. 

The Sonata's cabin feels upscale and has the best fit and finish of materials. With some best-in-class features, the Sonata is all set to turn the needles in its favor. Hyundai has made safety a priority in the new Sonata and hence, offers all the latest safety tech as standard. Some of the well-established contenders in this segment are the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, and the Nissan Altima

Buying Advice

The best bang for your buck is the SEL trim that adds several comfort features and is also eligible for certain optional packages. This trim adds a hands-free power trunk, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and heated exterior mirrors. It also adds some technological features such as HD radio, satellite radio, Blue Link telematics, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Sonata has the aura of a more expensive vehicle- Edmunds

The Hyundai Sonata won't impress you with top-of-the-line styling, nor will it woo you with its massive power figures. However, it does get you a more punchy motor under the hood that sets it apart from the segment. The infotainment is another highlight of the Sonata and the only way it breaks out of the ordinary, thanks to the Blue Link interface. Further enhancing the experience, you get all of this at a cheaper price than some leaders of the segment.  

The all-new Sonata also stands out with low ownership costs than its rivals. Annually, it costs around $6,100 for owning the Sonata. This cost includes fuel, maintenance, repair, etc.  Thanks to its fuel-efficient engine, the average cost per mile is $0.41, which is nearly on par with most of the class rivals. In terms of reliability, the Sonata earned good ratings but ranks sixth on the list, below the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. 

Buying Advice

The best bang for your buck is the SEL trim that adds several comfort features and is also eligible for certain optional packages. This trim adds a hands-free power trunk, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and heated exterior mirrors. It also adds some technological features such as HD radio, satellite radio, Blue Link telematics, and blind-spot monitoring. 

Features
9.0/10

At some level, just about every safety and convenience feature is available on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata- Kelly Blue Book

The Hyundai Sonata is available in four trim levels namely SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. The Sonata carries a base price tag of $23,600 and it goes all the way up to $33,500 for the top-spec Limited trim. Two different engines are offered but only an FWD drivetrain is available. Hyundai has loaded plenty of comfort and safety features even on the base trim. 

As you go up the trim table, features keep on adding and so are the options. The Convenience package includes a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, a Digital Key, a leather steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless device charging, and a second-row USB port for $1,200. This package is exclusive to the SEL trim. A panoramic sunroof can be added for $1,000.

Model

SE

SEL

SEL Plus Limited

MSRP (FWD)

$23,600 $25,700 $27,650 $33,500

Key Features

16-inch alloy wheels

Adds/ Upgrades to SE trim

Adds/ Upgrades to SEL trim Adds/ Upgrades to SEL Plus trim
 

Rearview camera

8-way power driver's seat Synthetic leather upholstery

18-inch alloy wheels

 

8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Heated front seats

12.3-inch digital driver's display Genuine leather upholstery
  Manually adjustable front cloth seats

Hands-free smart trunk release

Wireless charging 4-way power passenger's seat
  6-speaker stereo Proximity keyless entry Paddle shifters Ventilated front seats
  Automatic climate control Heated exterior mirrors   Leather-wrapped dashboard
  Bluetooth connectivity Dual-zone automatic climate control   Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  Auto high-beam LED headlamps HD radio   Panoramic sunroof
  Adaptive cruise control Satellite radio   10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
  Automatic emergency braking Blue Link telematics   12-speaker Bose premium audio system
  Driver attention monitor Remote engine start   Head-up display
    Blind-spot monitoring   360-degree camera
    17-inch alloy wheels   Front & rear parking sensors
        Remote parking assist
        Reverse automatic braking

 

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The Hyundai Sonata drinks less fuel to deliver a punchy performance. The base 2.5L engine returns 28 MPG in the city, 38 MPG on a highway, and 32 MPG combined. This engine\s efficiency is better than the optional engine. A fuel tank capacity of 14.8 gallons is fitted in the Sonata due to which it delivers 488 miles of combined range.

The 1.6L turbocharged engine in the SEL Plus and Limited trim is less efficient. It hosts a larger 15.9-gallon fuel tank but still, its EPA-estimated ratings are 1 MPG less than the base engine. However, its large tank translates for a better driving range of 500 miles. Therefore, fuel money-savers should opt for the base engine. 

Models

2020 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Toyota Camry

2020 Nissan Altima

2020 Honda Accord

MPG (City)

28

29

28

30

MPG (Highway)

38

41

39

38

MPG (Combined)

32

34

32

33

Fuel Tank Capacity(Gallon)

14.8 14.5

16.2

14.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 414/562/488 421/595/508 454/632/543 444/562/503

With 34 MPG combined, the Toyota Camry has the best fuel economy in this segment. The Honda Accord's MPG figures are somewhat similar to the Sonata but it is slightly more efficient. The Nissan Altima has the lowest efficiency in this competition but its large fuel tank owes to the best driving range here. 

 

Interior
8.0/10

Inside, the Sonata shines, with what appears to be one of the best cabins in the segment—at least on the top-trim- Automobile Magazine

The interior of the Hyundai Sonata looks stylish and functional while avoiding gimmickry. The material quality looks really good with a pleasing ratio of soft to hard surfaces. Despite the standard cloth upholstery, the front seats are comfortable and supportive. You can choose synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery as an optional upgrade along with power-adjustable front seats with heated and ventilated functions. 

The steering gives great grip and has a good feel, overall making the driver’s seat an engaging and fun place to be in. At the back, the rear seatbacks have a good recline angle. In terms of passenger space, the Sonata feels amply accommodating. The cabin feels roomy until you have taller passengers in the back, then the sloping roofline feels like a hindrance. But an average-sized adult should do just fine at the back. 

Hyundai has probably the most ergonomic and user-friendly interface in its Blue Link infotainment system in the segment. It consists of an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. Both the screens support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 6-speaker is standard but a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system can only be found on the Limited trim. The touchscreen has no lag and the graphics are crisp and clear. 

Models

2020 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Toyota Camry

2020 Nissan Altima

2020 Honda Accord

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.0/57.9/46.1

38.3/57.7/42.1

39.2/58.2/43.8

39.5/58.3/42.3

Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.4/56.1/34.8

38.0/55.7/38.0

36.9/57.1/35.2

37.3/56.5/40.4

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)

16.0

14.1

15.4

16.7

Speaking of practicality, the Sonata has a trunk volume of 16 cubic feet, which is good for a midsize sedan.  It can easily fit in four luggage bags. The square-shaped trunk is an added advantage for storing bulky items. A hands-free trunk is standard from the SEL trim onwards. The loading lip is a bit high and therefore can be challenging to load heavier items into the trunk. The main cabin features of the Sonata are:

  • Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering wheel 
  • Power front heated & ventilated seats
  • Cloth, synthetic leather & leather seats
  • Color-adjustable ambient lighting
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Hands-free trunk
  • Aluminum foot pedals
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 8 & 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Navigation system
  • Wireless device charging
  • 12.3-inch digital driver's display

Exterior
8.0/10

Love it or not, it's hard to deny the Sonata looks more conventionally attractive than its rivals- MotorTrend

The Hyundai Sonata is a beautiful well-proportioned sedan that has stood the test of time pretty well since most of the sedans have moved onto edgier designs rather than the fluidic theme that Hyundai maintains. Hyundai’s cascading grille design blends into the lower fascia for an aggressive face while the base SE trim has a more conservative grille design. The headlights are LED on every single trim but the LED DRLs extend up to the hood of the car. In normal condition, it looks like a chrome trim but when the vehicle is on, it lights up that gives the front-end a stylish look.

Coming to the wheels, 16-inch alloys are standard but the SEL gets 17-inch alloys while the top two trims settle for 18-inch alloy wheels. Compared to its rivals, the Sonata's ground clearance is lower to increase the potential for speed and easy ingress and egress. It also boasts a wide wheelbase for a stable ride but still, its rear row lacks enough legroom. The rear design looks like nothing else on the road let alone a midsize sedan with a trunk that's bent to make a spoiler and LED taillights that cross the entire back. Down below, you get a single exhaust with two tips on all but the SE trim. 

Models

2020 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Toyota Camry

2020 Nissan Altima

2020 Honda Accord

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,120

3,241

3,212

3,131

Length (in)

192.9

192.1

192.9

192.2

Width (in)

73.2

72.4

72.9

73.3

Height (in)

56.9

56.9

56.7

57.1

Ground Clearance (in)

5.3

5.7

5.2

5.8

Wheelbase (in)

111.8

111.2

111.2

111.4

The Honda Accord has high ground clearance, which is good for preventing the underbelly from being scraped. The Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima share the same wheelbase, which is shorter than the Sonata. However, the Camry's rear row is spacious, unlike the Sonata. Some main exterior highlights of the Sonata are:

  • LED cornering headlights
  • LED DRLs
  • LED taillights
  • Door courtesy lights
  • Power & heated exterior mirrors
  • Black grille
  • Chrome window trim
  • Body-colored door handles with chrome accents
  • Rocker panel chrome accents
  • Chrome exhaust tips
  • 16, 17 & 18-inch alloy wheels

Safety
8.0/10

Hyundai's SmartSense package of driver-assistance features is standard- CarAndDriver

Both NHTSA and IIHS treated the Hyundai Sonata nicely. It earned a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS. This is the second-highest award by IIHS. It received 'Good' ratings in all six crash tests plus a 'Superior' rating for the front crash prevention and a 'Good' rating for its headlights. 

The Sonata comes with a plethora of standard safety and crashes mitigation features to keep you safe in the cabin and instill confidence that Hyundai got your back. As you move up the trim level, more driver aids add to the list. Moreover, the Sonata comes with a suite of nine airbags right out of the box. Some of the safety features are given below:

  • Adaptive cruise control w/ stop & go
  • Lane follow assist
  • Auto high-beam assist
  • Driver-attention warning
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Highway drive assist
  • Head-up display
  • 360-degree camera
  • Front & rear parking assist
  • Rear parking collision avoidance system
  • Pedestrian detection 

Competition
7.0/10

2020 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the sedans previously mentioned which sport an edgy design compared to the fluidic styling on the Sonata. The engine performance on these sedans is quite similar, however, in terms of economy, the Accord is unrivaled. The interiors are comfortable in both of the sedans but the rear seats are roomier in the Accord for the taller audience. The infotainment in the Sonata is top-notch but both the sedans earn the same safety ratings and features. 

2020 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has a collection of powerful yet efficient engines and has excellent driving dynamics. But its on-road performance is equivalent to the Sonata. The Camry's interior feels roomier than the Sonata but the trunk volume offered is the least in this competition. The Camry's infotainment features are also less than the Sonata and it surely can't beat Hyundai's long warranty. Like the Sonata, the Camry also offers an extended list of safety features. 

2020 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is the least powerful car in this competition and hence, its acceleration is also slower than the Sonata. Moreover, it is less efficient. However, the Altima's optional engine is more powerful. Inside, the Altima is equally spacious as the Sonata but the latter's cabin feels upscale and modern. The Altima's cargo room is slightly less and it also offers fewer standard features than the Sonata. However, the Altima ties lock with the Sonata in terms of safety. 

Final Verdict

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata, much like the Honda Accord, is an all-rounder. Albeit a notch below the Accord, it surpasses most of the competition in driving dynamics, economy, and versatility. The Sonata’s infotainment that Hyundai calls the Blue Link has a flawless touchscreen and voice recognition. The transmission is smooth and predictable. If you’re looking for a great midsize sedan, the Hyundai Sonata is the perfect alternative to the Accord.

Trims

    SE
    $23,600 onwards
    • 8-Inch touchscreen
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Forward collision warning
    • Lane keeping assist
    • Led headlights
    SEL
    $25,700 onwards
    • Hands-free trunk opener
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    SEL Plus
    $27,650 onwards
    • Digital instrument cluster
    • Simulated leather and faux-suede upholstery
    • Wireless charging pad
    Limited
    $33,500 onwards
    • Automated remote parking system
    • Digital key feature
    • Driver-Seat memory settings
    • Head-Up display
    • Surround-View parking camera
    • Ventilated front seats

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,600- $33,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.37

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque

195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$33,000- $48,950

Gasoline

6.89

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,095- $33,320

Gasoline

6.57

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,170- $36,450

Gasoline

6.57

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

174 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,390- $32,190

Gasoline

7.32

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,090- $52,500

Gasoline

7.84

255 hp @ 6200 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,745- $35,895

Gasoline

7.49

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,425- $35,130

Gasoline

7.62

202 hp @ 6600 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,870- $36,100

Gasoline

8.38

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,300- $35,180

Gasoline

6.72

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.7 sec--
    6.1 sec14.6 sec-
    6.1 sec14.7 sec132 mph
    6.7 sec14.9 sec-
    6.8 sec14.3 sec124 mph
    7.6 sec15.9 sec122 mph

    2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg38 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.414.4/562.4 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg14.8 gal.444/562.4 mi.
      28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg16.2 gal.453.6/631.8 mi.
      29 mpg36 mpg32 mpg15.8 gal.458.2/568.8 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg18.5 gal.499.5/647.5 mi.
      2020 Mazda 6

      Ranked #4

      26 mpg35 mpg29 mpg16.4 gal.426.4/574 mi.

      2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.9 in.73.2 in.56.9 in.5.3 in.111.8 in.
        198.1 in.74.4 in.57.7 in.3.8 in.112.2 in.
        196.7 in.73.6 in.57.9 in.-112.4 in.
        194.2 in.73 in.57.9 in.4.6 in.111.4 in.
        193.6 in.72.2 in.58 in.5.4 in.110.4 in.
        192.9 in.72.9 in.56.7 in.4.9 in.111.2 in.

        2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.107.8 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.
          2020 Mazda 6

          Ranked #2

          14.7 cu.ft.99.8 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          15.9 cu.ft.120.7 cu.ft.147.4 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.102.8 cu.ft.83.1 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.100.8 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.

          2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            13 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.-
            39 cu.ft.15.7 cu.ft.39 cu.ft.-
            63.7 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.-
            -15.9 cu.ft.--
            8.5 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.8.5 cu.ft.-
            2020 Mazda 6

            Ranked #6

            148.9 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.-

            2020 Hyundai Sonata vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1234 lbs.3120 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3410 lbs.
              1000 lbs.926 lbs.3325 lbs.
              --3126 lbs.
              --3230 lbs.
              2020 Mazda 6

              Ranked #2

              -1036 lbs.3437 lbs.

              2020 Hyundai Sonata Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              150

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2020 Hyundai Sonata User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              RLH

              Rachel L Hendricks

              2021 Hyundai Sonata

              Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 8A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 19, 2024

              Reliable, fancier than expected car.

              Pros - ["The ride was nice, smooth but you still could feel the road a bit. It's a nice balance.", "The car looks are pretty nice. It's a sedan but with a little character - particularly the headlights."]

              Cons - ["The original stock Pirelli tires. They're aweful for anyplace that has rain somewhat regularly.", "The Digital Key. For three years this gimick was hit or miss, in the last 2 months updates were made to my phone and the app and it worked much more reliably but when far from home I wouldn't depend on it."]

              In the three years, nearly 30,000 miles I had the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL I had no issues. The styling of the bright Calypso Red car is what got my interest in it. Driving it made me want to get it. The SEL with it's 180hp Turbo it's not winning any races but it's plenty to deal with rush hour traffic. Inside the car is comfortable with still a bit of a sporty feel. That nice interior - particu...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              JF

              Jonathan Fox

              2019 Hyundai Sonata

              SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 30, 2024

              Great Value for the Money!

              Pros - ["Great value for the money - love the features for the SE with touchscreen stereo and Apple Play, etc.", "Great gas mileage!"]

              Cons - ["4 cylinder is a little sluggish but to be expected I guess - or I wouldn't save money on gas!", "Wish the fog lights on the SE were a little brighter."]

              This is my first Hyundai and originally looking for an Elantra with the value package but not able to find anything close to me with what I was looking for but the Sonata was available. Very impressed with the features the car has for the money. Power everything and a nice touchscreen stereo with Apple Play...great climate control system and dash layout. I have been very happy with this vehicle a...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review