First Drive: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Is a Big Step Forward

This affordable midsized sedan impresses with a roomy cabin and advanced safety features that come standard

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

Updated April 3, 2020

The redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata midsized sedan leaves behind the upright styling of its predecessor for the stylish silhouette of the Sonata of two generations ago. It’s cloaked in sleek sheet metal that gives it a sporty look. In our first drive of the new Sonata we’ve found that it handles well, has plenty of power, and is quite roomy.

We just bought an SEL trim Sonata with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. This version is expected to be the most commonly sold. In addition, we rented a Sonata Limited 1.6T from Hyundai so we could get impressions of its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and all the features that are available.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, you can see our detailed test-drive impressions below. If you're not, click below to join and get access to the full review and all of our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.

Membership also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road tests.

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in December 2019, we finished testing the Sonata.

See the complete Hyundai Sonata road test.

What we bought: 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL
Powertrain: 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; 8-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
MSRP: $25,500
Options: $240, which includes carpeted floor mats, a cargo net, and wheel locks
Destination fee: $930
Total cost: $26,670

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.