Five Things I Love About the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

I recently reviewed the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and I have lived with the car for a whole week. In this article, I will list out all five of my most favorite features.

1. I love the smoothness of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid. I find the smoothness of the engine cutting on and off as well as overall drivability to be superior to the 2020 Lexus LS 500h. There was no weirdness with the way the Sonata Hybrid drove, anyone, can get in this car and drive it without any red flags raising.

2. The two primary qualities that I love with all Hyundai’s continues with the 2020 Sonata Hybrid; it is quiet and comfortable. This car lowers my blood pressure as soon as I start it up and go for a drive. It has been one of my most favorite press cars I’ve had in a long time. In city driving speeds around 45 mph, there is hardly any road noise or wind noise. I will say in highway driving, the wind noise is much louder, most likely due to the thin windshields. As a whole, this new Sonata is extraordinarily refined and soaks up bumps exceptionally well.

3. A stand out feature on the 2020 Sonata Hybrid Limited I had is the solar panel roof. This feature is a brilliant touch for a hybrid vehicle. Hyundai says this solar panel will provide owners, on average, 700 miles of “free-range.” I assume this figure is possible if typically parked outside. Regardless, the panel offers other practical uses like letting the user listen to music or turn HVAC on without draining the battery. The solar panel is always charging all batteries to help prevent discharge.

4. The real-world fuel economy is excellent. The car is rated for 45 city and 51 highway. I was getting 40 mpg with aggressive city driving, which I think is excellent. After a whole week of driving the car, I only used half a tank of fuel. This car will get 600 miles a tank or more, which is convenient. It only cost me $10 to fill up this car after my week, the LS 500h cost me nearly $50 after one week, and that vehicle was empty. Now I understand one is a $100,000 luxury heavyweight flagship, but it is incredible to me how a $35,000 hybrid can be better in so many categories than a flagship luxury sedan.

5. Finally, value has to be the strongest point with the new Sonata. Hyundai’s have historically been the value king offering a quality object with a 10-year warranty. This limited trim is $35,000, and it is very efficient in the real world. There is a Blu trim, which is said to be even more efficient as it is the base hybrid, so you get even better fuel economy for $27,000. You get a plethora of features, sturdy build quality, practicality, and an exceptional driving machine that will lower your blood pressure with a 10-year warranty.

I did enjoy my time with the Sonata; it is even a vehicle I would consider buying myself. If you want to know about some of the things I didn’t like, there’s nothing major other than some nitpicks. Some hard touch plastics gets used even though it is put together very well and is solid. Infotainment is not as intuitive as it used it to, and I’ve noticed the Sonata is not as large as some competitors in terms of rear legroom.

Nothing in this world is perfect, but I think the compromises I listed can be tolerated by just about anyone interested in this car. Again, I have continually stated that if you are confused in this hyper-competitive market of family cars, start with Hyundai. Hyundai offers a well-rounded vehicle at an affordable price and a great warranty, which I am positive you will be happy to drive every day.

Kevin Meyn is an automotive journalist for Torque News concentrating on Hyundai content. Kevin is the founder of Exhaust Sports Auto Youtube channel, where he does professional car reviews on new and used vehicles. Through the use of various resources and extended Automotive expertise, Kevin documents the latest in automotive news revolving around Hyundai. Kevin graduated from NC State University studying Supply Chain Management but has had a passion for cars since he was a child. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Instagram @exhaustsports.