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2020 Hyundai Sonata Makes U.S. Debut At New York Auto Show

2020 Hyundai Sonata (U.S. model) 42 photos
Photo: Hyundai
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As far as mid-size sedans are concerned, the Sonata isn’t the kind of car that stands out in the crowd. Save for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, Hyundai doesn't have much of a competitive advantage against the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But for the 2020 model year, the Sonata returns as a four-door coupe with technologies such as Digital Key.
Revealed at the 2019 New York Auto Show, the all-new Sonata comes with a 1.6-liter turbo as standard, featuring 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. In conjunction with the eight-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai estimates the combined fuel economy at 31 miles to the gallon.

The 2.5-liter engine which relies on natural aspiration levels up to 181 horsepower but it’s down on torque (181 pound-feet). On the upside, customers can expect up to 33 miles to the gallon on the combined cycle. Later on, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid will return to the lineup with better numbers than the current generation of the Sonata.

“Sensuous Sportiness” is how Hyundai calls the design language, but the South Korean sedan also happens to be extremely efficient in terms of aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.27, which is better than the Toyota Camry. The directional wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches and sleek taillights help the Sonata in this regard, as do the eye-catching trunk spoiler and diffuser.

Taking inspiration from the Le Fil Rouge four-door coupe concept from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the mid-size sedan “will prove to be a yet another successful step for our new design language and will provide emotional value for the customers” according to Sang Yup Lee, senior vice president and head of Hyundai Design Center.

Step inside, and you’re treated to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that’s a first in this segment. A 10.25-inch HD touchscreen is how the infotainment system is controlled, and instead of a gear lever, the transmission is operated by pressing buttons on the center console. These buttons are arranged in an R-N-D cluster flanked by P to the left. Looking at Acura, it’s fair to claim that Hyundai has a better implementation than Honda’s luxury division.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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