2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid limited first drive

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models, pricing and specs

Instinctively, when I get in a car, I look at the gas gauge to make sure I have enough gasoline to get me where I’m going. On a full tank of gas, you would expect the needle to move quite a bit after 100 miles. Not in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid limited. Men and women are watching their dollars these days and getting good gas mileage is a way to stretch that dollar.

The Hyundai Sonata hybrid is a mid-sized sedan that is a great value for the dollar and an even better value for the miles per gallon. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 45 city, 51 highway and 47 combined. I got 50.7 miles per gallon on combined driving.

The Sonata Hybrid comes standard with intuitive technology and delivers a composed, smooth ride. The Hyundai Sonata gets better with every variant; gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid trim, with the PHEV offering the best fuel economy of the three choices. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid can go up to 28 miles using only electric power. The plug-in charges in 8.7 hours on a 120-volt outlet.

There are two models of the Sonata hybrid, and both trim levels are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 192 horsepower. Power is received from the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Energy captured from regenerative braking is stored in a trunk-mounted battery pack.

In terms of features, the Hyundai Sonata Limited provides standard LED taillights, heated rear seats, and leather upholstery. Some of the safety technologies Rear Parking Sensors. Smart Cruise Control with Start/Stop Capability. A new cool feature is a solar roof that recharges its batteries.

The upholstery is leather packaged in a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The nice touches added to the Sonata are a leather-wrapped dashboard, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Digital Key, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touch screen, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose system. I would prefer the turning radius on the Elantra to the Sonata.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid competitors

The competitors for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid are the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Kia Optima Hybrid.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid pricing and specs

Model: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

MSRP: From $35,300 ($36,430 tested)

Horsepower: 192 hp

MPG: 45 city / 51 highway (50.7 tested)

Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder

Tire size: P215/55R17

Curb weight: 3,505 lbs

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models

Blue $27,750

SEL $29,900

Limited $35,300