2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
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2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review
- High fuel economy
- Comfortable ride quality
- Offers lots of safety and technology features
- Enjoyable and easy to drive
- Interior materials quality isn't as high as that of some rivals
- Road and wind noise is a bit elevated
- Fully redesigned hybrid variant
- Part of the seventh Sonata generation introduced for 2020
Hyundai fully redesigned the Sonata for 2020, giving it a striking new look and impressive technology features. The same goes for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which ups the ante with a far more efficient powertrain.
Depending on trim, the previous-generation Sonata Hybrid managed 41-42 mpg in the EPA's city/highway combined estimate, making it one of the least efficient choices in the hybrid sedan segment. By contrast, the 2020 model sips fuel to the tune of 47 mpg combined in most configurations and 52 mpg combined in the eco-friendly — and wallet-friendly — Blue trim. This is right up there with the Accord Hybrid (48 mpg) and the Camry Hybrid (46-52 mpg).
The new Sonata Hybrid provides a great value considering what it's equipped with, how much it's likely to cost, and how much it'll save on gas.
Our verdict | |
The Sonata Hybrid grabs your attention with distinctive styling and cool features such as an available solar panel roof. It's more efficient than its predecessor and packed with tons of attractive technology. Add in a pleasing driving experience, high levels of comfort, and a spacious cabin and you've got one of the best hybrid sedans out for 2020. | |
How does the Sonata Hybrid drive? | |
The Sonata Hybrid is adequate from a performance perspective. Acceleration feels good off the line but tapers off once you're rolling. Essentially, it feels zippy around town but may take some planning to pass cars at freeway speeds. In Edmunds' testing, our Sonata Hybrid test car covered 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. That's about as quick as the Camry Hybrid but a little slower than the Honda Accord Hybrid. Around turns, the Sonata Hybrid feels balanced and controlled. It's also easy to drive around town. The six-speed automatic transmission is quicker to downshift than the continuously variable transmissions in the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. In general, the Sonata Hybrid drives a lot like a regular car, which could be a high point for some buyers. The brakes also feel pretty natural without any of the hybrid weirdness that can stem from blending generative and regular braking processes. | |
How comfortable is the Sonata Hybrid? | |
The Sonata Hybrid is a pretty comfortable car, but it isn't perfect. The front seats have a nice shape to them, but we found the padding a bit stiff, which can reduce your comfort on long trips. The outboard rear seats are nice and cushy, but the middle seat is stiff and uncomfortable. Ride comfort is a high point and strikes a good balance between being compliant and controlled. The Sonata Hybrid's suspension absorbs impacts well without being overly floaty or soft when you take on curvy roads. The climate control system blows strong and cold at its max and is very effective at regulating cabin temperature in auto mode. Surprisingly, road and wind noise is higher than average. It's not bothersome or loud, but you know that it's there. There's some engine noise at freeway speeds as well. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Sonata Hybrid's interior is intuitive to learn. The center stack controls are easily reachable for both driver and front passenger. The sharp and responsive 10.25-inch infotainment screen (in the SEL trim level) is also easy to read and use. There's plenty of interior room for front occupants, and rear-seat legroom is among the best in the segment. Most drivers will find that it is easy to settle into a comfortable driving position due to the decent range of adjustments that come from the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good to the front and sides. But rear visibility is a little impeded because of the thick rear window pillars, sloping rear roofline and high rear deck. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Sonata Hybrid is loaded with tech and everything works pretty well. It leads the segment in infotainment screen size and response. It also has a segment-first solar panel roof that charges the hybrid battery when the car's moving or parked. Smartphone pairing and integration are excellent for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and they work with the wide-screen format. The screen is also great when using the available surround-view camera system while parking. The voice controls work well with natural speech commands for radio, navigation and phone. The advanced driving aids suite is comprehensive, and the aids work well in concert. The warning sensors can be sensitive but never annoying. The instrument panel features unique side-view cameras when merging into the left or right lane. | |
How’s the storage? | |
There's a good amount of storage in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. It's easy to load things into the cargo area. The trunk is deep and broad, has a wide opening, and the hybrid battery doesn't intrude too much. Having rear-seat access levers in the cargo area is a plus. Inside, there's plenty of storage to keep small items. The center console area alone has plenty of spaces for multiple phones, electronic passes and other items. The console itself is about 5.5 inches deep, and the cupholders are sizable enough for larger cups and bottles. As for installing child safety seats, there's plenty of room in the rear for even a rear-facing seat. The lower car seat anchors are somewhat buried in the upholstery, so installation can be a little tedious. | |
How economical is the Sonata Hybrid? | |
The Sonata Hybrid SEL, our test car, has an EPA estimate of 47 mpg (45 city/51 highway). That's right about what the other top-performing midsize hybrid sedans get. A trim-matching Camry XLE is rated at 46 mpg, while the Accord is at 48 mpg. All comparable. We averaged 47.1 mpg during our mixed-driving evaluation route, which indicates the EPA's estimates seem to be spot-on. Hyundai also offers an optional solar panel for the Sonata Hybrid. It covers the length of the roof between the windshield and the rear glass. It directly charges both the 12-volt battery and hybrid battery pack, and Hyundai says the solar panel can potentially power about 2 miles of extra driving per day. Toyota offered a solar roof on the Prius in the early part of the last decade, so it's not an all-new idea, but the Prius' panel could only power the climate control system. | |
Is the Sonata Hybrid a good value? | |
The Sonata Hybrid delivers on Hyundai's strong value proposition, giving you a lot of features for your money. The Limited trim level, which is the model we tested, validates its top-level price with exclusive features such as a solar panel roof and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The interior and exterior build quality looks pretty good too. The assembly is precise, though Honda and Mazda manage to do interiors a bit nicer. Perhaps it's the dominant gray interior texturing that still looks a little cheap. | |
Wildcard | |
Whether you enjoy squeezing the most miles from every gallon of gasoline or having a hybrid that's enjoyable to drive on curvier roads, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a willing partner. It's big on visual appeal too. It looks sporty, sophisticated and futuristic at the same time. It's a head-turner in a fairly vanilla segment. | |
Which Sonata Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
For most people, the base Blue trim will easily satisfy. But we suggest stepping up to the SEL trim for the best value of the Sonata Hybrid lineup. It's not much more than the base model and comes with a collection of features that make the Sonata Hybrid feel a bit more special.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a five-passenger midsize sedan that is available in three trim levels: Blue, SEL and Limited.
Save as much as $6,766 with Edmunds
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Limited
2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A
Edmunds Suggested Price$30,069
1 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- driving experience
- appearance
- handling & steering
- climate control
- engine
- electrical system
- comfort
- sound system
- warranty
- transmission
- technology
- fuel efficiency
- wheels & tires
- steering wheel
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, after 6 months
Craig,
SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
I get 50 mpg and it drives a bit better than most sedans. It is quiet and feels solid on the road. No issues at all with 5K driven. This is my first Hyundai and I’m impressed. I bought the mid level SE and like the tech which works well. On the Highway the car is quiet and surprising quick. The weight of the battery pack under the rear seat helps the car feel planted on the road. The car is large and comfortable. The warranty of course is excellent. I recommend this car without hesitation.
5/5 stars, You need to Drive this car!
Jimbo,
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
40+ miles per gallon. 550+ miles on a tank full. Great drivers car. Paddle shifters on steering wheel. In sport mode you will let it rip!. Amazing driver assistant mode in Smart cruise control!
5/5 stars, By far best in show
Ron Lake,
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
This is my 2nd Hyundai Hybrid. I absolutely love this vehicle, it is fun to drive, looks very flashy, and sips gasoline. (53 miles per gal out the gate).
I have owned Toyota, mazda, VW, and Ford's in my life. Hyundai takes lots of pride, and you can see it in their vehicles.
If your looking for a very comfortable, great looking, great running car, this is the one.
Rev Ron Lake
5/5 stars, Quiet and great on gas!!
Sukblud,
SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A)
Got the SEL trim and enjoy it beyond words. It has pep in its step and the Bose sound system is awesomely awesome.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sonata Hybrid safety features:
- Smart Cruise Control
- Maintains a driver-selectable distance between the Sonata and the car in front.
- Surround View Monitor
- Provides a bird's-eye view of the car for ultimate parking precision.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Warns if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and will intervene if you attempt to move into that occupied lane.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. the competition
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2020 Honda Insight
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. Honda Insight
The Sonata Hybrid is currently tied for first place with the Honda Insight. For slightly less than the price of a midgrade SEL Sonata Hybrid, you can get a range-topping Insight in Touring trim. That means you'll get more significant features for the money. The Hyundai, though, does enjoy a big power advantage.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The Toyota Avalon comes in third place behind the Sonata Hybrid and Honda Insight, but in many ways, it could be in a different class. The Avalon is a bigger sedan and, not surprisingly, it's more expensive. It does return strong fuel economy figures that are just a few mpg short of the top-ranked hybrids.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid
The Accord Hybrid gets high scores for its efficiency, generous passenger space and big trunk. We have some issues, though, with the noises the powertrain makes and longer-than-average braking distances. It's a solid hybrid sedan choice nonetheless, but it does cost a little more than a similarly equipped Hyundai.
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FAQ
Is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Sonata Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. You probably care about Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Sonata Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 47 mpg to 52 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Sonata Hybrid has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:
- Fully redesigned hybrid variant
- Part of the seventh Sonata generation introduced for 2020
Is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
To determine whether the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sonata Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sonata Hybrid's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Sonata Hybrid and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Sonata Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,750.
Other versions include:
- Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $35,300
- Blue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $27,750
- SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) which starts at $29,900
What are the different models of Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the next question is, which Sonata Hybrid model is right for you? Sonata Hybrid variants include Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), Blue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), and SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A). For a full list of Sonata Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more