Hyundai rolls out newest generation of its Sonata Hybrid sedan for 2020

Hyundai introduced the hybrid version of the midsize Sonata sedan as part of the sixth-generation for 2011; now, for the seventh generation, the 2020 Sonata Hybrid receives a stunning new look, while the plug-in model has been dropped.

The elegantly renewed Sonata Hybrid features a dramatic sport-coupe silhouette, with an aggressive new face that has impressive LED lights integrated with the chrome trim, appearing only when illuminated.

There are refined passenger accommodations with classy features, rear fastback styling with an exclusive spoiler, and because of its great fuel economy, about 680 miles of driving range on a tank of gasoline.

Pricing for the 2020 Sonata Hyundai wasn’t available during my test week, but following previous pricing models, should start about $28,500 for the SEL and $36,000 for the Limited, which is approximately $3,000 more than the gas-only Sonata. No comparison is available for Blue model pricing.

Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline direct injection four-cylinder gasoline engine (150 horsepower/139 foot-pounds of torque) and a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (51 horsepower, 30-kW) with a 270-volt lithium-ion polymer battery and hybrid starter generator delivering 192 combined horsepower through a six-speed hybrid automatic transmission.

The revised powertrain helps save fuel, while a Solar Roof System (debuting on the Sonata Hybrid) helps recharge the hybrid battery and prevents battery discharge (infotainment/HVAC) when the vehicle is turned off.

The solar roof can supply about two extra miles of travel after charging for six hours, or as much as 700 extra miles per year.

The Nocturne Black Limited model I drove was rated for 45 mpg city/51 highway/47 combined. Driving through the neighborhood to the four-lane to the drugstore and grocery store (social distancing), I achieved 53.3 mpg combined.

Several technology features debuted on the 2020 Sonata Hybrid, including Active Shift Control to control the electric motor for smoother, 30% faster shifts. This improves acceleration and fuel economy, and the durability of the transmission (reduces friction during shifts.

Eye-catching new lines include LED accent lights underlining angular LED headlights, outlined by chrome strips that sweep along the hood to the chrome molding flowing down the side of the car and around the side windows.

Chrome trim bisects the front bumper and loops around air vents at the outer edges. The unique eco-friendly cross-hole grille has five thin chrome-trimmed blades with a chrome Hyundai badge, in front of automatic air flaps, which close when less engine cooling is required.

Oval-shaped LED brake lights extending from side to side and a tapered tail give the Sonata Hybrid an unmistakable look from the rear. The redesigned rear spoiler (looping up from the outer taillight bezel), aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels (five wide angled L-shaped spokes, silver and gray, with deep pockets to deflect air) and underbody panels in the front and back of the engine bay, under the center floor, and in the rear enhance aerodynamics. Aerodynamic elements also include a bumper lip and wheel deflectors (fill in behind the wheel).

The chrome door handles had touch sensors to lock/unlock/open. The side mirrors were heated. A hands-free smart trunk made loading/unloading the large trunk a breeze.

Cabin lines were horizontal, including satin-silver-trimmed steering wheel posts, door panel and dash lines, and infotainment and instrument displays with the same trim.

The center console with two cupholders, phone slot, key slot, pushbutton shifter and wireless mobile charging pad had gloss black, satin silver, and black crosshatch-cut trim. Window and lock buttons had small satin-silver trim pieces – a little added luxury.

My leather seats and interior were Light Gray and Dark Gray, heated and cooled in the front.

The 10.25-inch high-definition, customizable infotainment touch screen supported a Bose Premium Audio system with 12 speakers, navigation, natural language and cloud-based speech recognition by Blue Link, controls for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth (phone calls, text-to-speech, audio), apps, vehicle information and settings, and surround-view cameras.

AM/FM/HD radio with USB and auxiliary input jacks, Hyundai Blue Link Connected Car System, Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care, Remote and Guidance were also standard.

A 12.3-inch gauge cluster displayed navigation maps with bird’s-eye view, traffic flow and incident data. Navigation includes Blue Link Multimedia/Map updates.

The quiet cabin was made possible with interior updates including soundproof glass, improved carpet, more sound-deadening materials, and other noise-limiting upgrades.

Safety and convenience technology included smart cruise control with stop/start capability, electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, proximity key, and digital key with NFC (near-field communication).

The digital key uses Bluetooth Low Energy and a dedicated Android app to turn the phone into a key fob capable of locking/unlocking, starting the engine, automatically adjusting seat and mirror settings, and more.

Using NFC, the key function can be shared with another Android phone, with the ability to limit functions and/or limit the key to a set amount of time. The “key” can also be revoked remotely.

The long list of standard safety equipment and technology includes lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring/blind-spot view mirror, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, surround-view monitor, lane following/lane keep assist, driver alertness monitor, and rear-seat monitor.

When a turn signal is on, a blind-spot view is displayed on the corresponding side of the instrument cluster, providing about 25 degrees more visibility.

Hyundai optimized the placement of the hybrid battery, increasing trunk capacity by 2.5 cubic feet and creating best-in-class front headroom and legroom. The split-folding rear seats had adequate legroom.

For 2020, the Sonata Hybrid is more than merely efficient, it stands out with appealing style inside and out, advanced driver aids and safety technology, and a well-designed and intuitive infotainment system.

Exact pricing wasn’t available, but my very well-equipped Sonata Hybrid should go for about $37,500.

The automotive columns of Emma Jayne Williams have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 2007. Contact her at emmajayne1948@gmail.com.