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New York 2019: North American Premiere for 2020 Hyundai Sonata

2020 Hyundai Sonata
Photo: Hyundai
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Derek Boshouwers
Sedan gets upgrade in styling, develops an edge…sort of

Hyundai has introduced to North America its updated and upgraded new 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The New York Auto Show was the setting for our first look at a sedan that’s been improved no matter which aspect you look at: Tech, powertrain, comfort, styling, etc.

Car (and not SUV) it may be, but it’s clear that the venerable Sonata is still a core product for the Korean automaker:

“Sonata is one of our signature products… part of our legacy, and it needs to be special and memorable in all attributes. Sonata signifies our vision for future Hyundai designs, great active safety systems and cutting-edge technology that is effortless.”

- Steve Flamand, Director of Product & Corporate Strategy, Hyundai Auto Canada

Outside
The new Sonata is built on Hyundai’s new third-generation platform, and the body that sits on that architecture is a manifestation of the automaker’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, built in this case around the concept of a coupe-style four door silhouette, led by a (new) cascading grille. The front end also features graduated LED daytime running lights embedded with hidden lighting lamps (a first for Hyundai), all on a chrome strip running the width of the nose.

It’s the first non-utility Hyundai model to get the new visual treatment, by the way.

The company also claims it took inspiration for the styling from the dramatic Le Fil Rouge concept car unveiled in Geneva in 2018, but from where we stand you have to squint kind of hard to see that.

Photo: Hyundai

Inside
Again, from what we know the new Sonata is an upgraded product in comparison with the model it’s replacing. The horizontally aligned dashboard harbours a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while another 10.25-inch HD screen handles infotainment; that screen by the way can be split to view more info simultaneously. The instrument panel features satin chrome elements and is designed for a floating effect, while the new Shift by Wire (SBW) gear selector is included in order to free up more space on the lower console area.

A sunroof comes standard, buyers can opt for a panoramic sunroof to shed even more light on all the new tech, accents and different materials of the interior.

Other standard equipment includes a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad for smartphones.

Photo: Hyundai

The powertrain
The base model Sonata in Canada gets a 178-hp 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo engine, with the next choice up being a new 191-hp 2.5L inline-4 engine (taking the place of the old 2.4L mill). The base engine works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

There are rumours that a more muscular powertrain will be made available at some point, but for the moment that remains just that, a rumour. The Sonata’s EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption is 7.6L/100 km.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata will be available at brand dealerships in Canada as of October 2019; pricing and trim details will be announced closer to launch date.

2020 Hyundai Sonata
hyundai sonata 2020
2020 Hyundai Sonata
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Photos:Hyundai
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Derek Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Automotive expert
  • Over 5 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 50 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 30 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists