The 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid has a reasonably face. And though it is poor type to touch upon such issues, it has a reasonably bottom, too. It is most likely okay when it is a automotive, although. Well mannered or not, we might hate to get so caught up within the Sonata’s seems to be that we fail to understand what’s on its inside: comfy seating, aggressive cargo area, extra security and comfort tech than you may shake a stick at, and gasoline economic system estimates within the 50-mpg neighborhood. The Sonata is enticing and gifted, and it must be acknowledged as such.
Lots of the Sonata hybrid’s highlights are the identical as the standard sedan’s, so let’s begin with what makes the hybrid completely different. It has a model-specific grille and entrance bumper lip, the higher to combine its energetic air flaps, deflectors, and clean underbody panels. Smoothing out the underside of the automotive and blocking components of the grille when the engine would not want the cooling air each cut back aerodynamic drag. The result’s a Sonata hybrid with a 0.24 Cd (drag coefficient). That makes it as slippery as a Toyota Prius, however we expect it is a far shapelier bar of cleaning soap.
Modest Motivation
All this discuss of drag and aero might need you pondering that the Sonata is a race automotive. You’ll be able to take off your helmet, Parnelli, because the Sonata hybrid’s 150-hp 2.0-liter inline-four and 51-hp motor-generator mix for a complete of 192 horsepower. That is a dozen extra horses than the non-hybrid’s turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 and a single pony greater than its 2.5-liter 4. However the hybrid’s output is extra sufficient than astonishing when it is time to speed up. The Sonata can obtain freeway speeds and climb hills with out elevating your blood stress, however overlook about drag races. It is right here to chew gum and save gasoline, and it is all out of gum.
In comparison with the earlier technology Sonata hybrid’s 39-mpg mixed EPA estimate, the brand new mannequin’s Restricted and SEL trim ranges carry a 47-mpg mixed federal ranking. We did not drive the Blue trim degree, which will get smaller 16-inch wheels (17s are customary on different trims) and a lighter load of apparatus with a purpose to obtain a 52-mpg mixed estimate. These rankings make the Sonata a stable competitor for the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids, which max out at 48 and 52 mpg mixed, respectively.
Even within the Sonata’s fairly fancy Restricted mannequin, the hybrid’s fuel-sipping methods are noticeable. After a full week of driving, we barely observed the needle transfer in its gasoline gauge. With a full tank, the Sonata possible will outlast the common road-trip bladder by not less than 400 miles. Whereas many of the credit score for the hybrid’s gasoline effectivity goes to its drivetrain and physique, the Restricted additionally will get a range-boosting solar-panel roof, which seems to be correctly sci-fi and acts as a trickle charger for each the standard 12-volt battery and the hybrid system’s 1.6-kWh lithium-ion pack. Hyundai says with sufficient publicity to the solar, the roof can replenish as much as two miles of driving vary per day.
The trade-off for the hybrid’s improved gasoline economic system over the standard Sonata is a clunkier driving expertise. The automotive itself could also be extra streamlined, however the transitions between electrical and internal-combustion energy are noticeable, as are the shifts from the usual six-speed computerized transmission. That is regardless of Hyundai’s nifty Energetic Shift Management for the six-speed, which makes use of the electrical motor so as to add or take away torque on the enter shaft to make gear modifications faster and smoother. The shifts may do with being faster and smoother nonetheless. The entire Sonata may. It is not an disagreeable dealing with machine, but it surely would not really feel as secure because the Honda Accord. Even within the regular Eco driving mode, it responds to inputs in a herky-jerky style. Sport mode solely amps up the jitters till the automotive responds like a cartoon elephant confronted by a mouse. Sit back, Sonata, it may’t damage you. Good mode splits the distinction between Sport’s over-caffeinated throttle and Eco’s lackadaisical response, however the packages may all stand a contact extra tuning.
Flush with Expertise
Paranoia could also be programmed into the Sonata, as Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assistance applied sciences are additionally somewhat overboosted. Not solely will each shrub in your driveway set off a stream of beeps and flashes, however the entrance collision sensors often take a second to remind you that there is a automotive in entrance of you at a stoplight. It is not all dangerous, although. The adaptive cruise management operates easily, and if you get to your vacation spot, parking the Sonata is straightforward, due to glorious rear- and surround-view cameras. The Sonata additionally exhibits a rear-side view within the gauge cluster when the flip indicators are activated. This may very well be equally useful or distracting, however it’s a neat trick.
When not displaying the automotive’s blindspots, the gauge pods could be personalized to indicate velocity, journey mileage, electrical effectivity, navigation, or leisure. The majority of your interplay shall be finished through the 10.3-inch middle touchscreen that’s properly built-in into the sprint. As a touchscreen must be, it’s fast to answer even gentle touches and is surrounded by simply the correct quantity of exhausting buttons. Each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are supported, and there are many charging and storage choices for smartphones. Hyundai additionally provides a digital key possibility, which is at the moment solely appropriate with Android telephones. One high-tech piece from the common Sonata not obtainable on the hybrid is Hyundai’s Good Park distant parking system. Hyundai says it may very well be an possibility down the street. Whilst you’re ready for that to be a factor, maybe reap the benefits of the Sonata hybrid’s soothing sounds of nature function within the infotainment system. You’ll be able to select from full of life forest, ocean, rainstorm, café, snowy village, and crackling hearth. It is like Tesla’s fart sounds, however for grown-ups with anxiousness.
Hyundai hasn’t launched pricing but for the 2020 Sonata hybrid, however the 2019 hybrid fashions price about $3000 greater than their standard counterparts, which for 2020 begin at $24,555. The at the moment low gasoline costs in the US would possibly have an effect on the marketplace for hybrids, however much less fuel burned is extra owls saved, it doesn’t matter what the worth is on the pump. For each hybrid and non-hybrid variations, Hyundai’s reps instructed us that the reasoning behind the design and tech of the Sonata was to “give individuals a purpose to need to purchase a automotive over an SUV.” The Sonata definitely would work as an alternative choice to a small crossover. It comfortably seats 4 giant adults and would solely be barely much less comfy with 5 aboard. It has ample back-seat room for automotive seats, in addition to an honest 16-cubic-foot trunk. Even in hybrid type, the brand new Sonata is a distinctive-looking sedan that is price a better look.
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