The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

51 MPG and a 686 mi Range for 28K

By Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel


Two disclaimers. First, the test vehicle I drove is the Limited which comes in around $35K however the Blue model starts at $28K (and gets the best mileage). Secondly, I am a big fan of hybrids which partially explains the use of somewhat effusive adjectives.

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The Limited version has a solar panel on the roof; adaptive cruise control; blind spot alert; video blind spot monitor; Apple CarPlay; Android Auto; LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights; front and rear collision alert and automatic braking; 12-speaker Bose audio; leather seats; heated and ventilated front seats, and a 10.25-inch touch screen.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Power. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor serves up 51 hp and 151 lb-ft via its 1.62 kWh lithium-ion battery which brings the combined output to 192 hp. It has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom.





PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The solar panel on the roof generates enough electricity to move the Sonata hybrid about 2 miles a day or 700 miles a year, if you live in a particularly sunny area. Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX) has stated that he will be presenting a new battery that will make hybrids price tags competitive. I hope so, but we shall see.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

There's no scrimping on the interior materials at all. There is a luxury feel to the cabin, instrumentation, and storage areas. Passengers seated in the back have 34.8 inches of legroom and 37.8 inches of headroom. In the cargo area, there is 16.0 cubic feet .


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Putting this sedan through its paces on both city streets and somewhat empty freeways, I came away with a strong desire to get one of these beauties for my wife, who would enjoy the peppy electric motor, the interior quiet as well as the sound system for her rock n roll, and the much less frequent stops at the greedy fossile fuel stations.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Bravo, Sonata !