The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has arrived in New York ahead of its launch later this year. Sporting a new “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, the 2020 Sonata is a radical looking four-door coupe which shares a number of styling cues with the Le Fil Rouge concept.

The front end is dominated by a low and wide “digital pulse cascading grille.” It is flanked by slender headlights which feature distinctive LED daytime running lights. Designers incorporated a unique feature here as the chrome stripes, that run down the sides of the vehicle, have LED lights embed into them. Dubbed “hidden lighting lamps,” the strips appear chrome when the vehicle is off but illuminate when the car is started.


The distinctive styling continues further back as the Sonata has flowing bodywork and pronounced character lines which continue all the way to the taillights. The latter are connected by LED strip and curve at the top to match the shape of the integrated rear spoiler.

The sleek styling isn’t just for looks as Hyundai says the Sonata has a drag coefficient of just 0.27. The model also has a flat underbody cover and a “range of body enhancements – including small fins across each taillight – that help keep the car fuel efficient, as well as stable.”


The unique styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find a distinctive steering wheel, an upholstered dashboard and ambient lighting. The model also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The center console is dominated by a new shift by wire gear selector. It features four different buttons and Hyundai says it takes up “significantly less space than a traditional gear selector.”

Full details will be announced closer to launch, but the 2020 Sonata will be offered with a wide range of options. These include heated / ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. Customers will also be able to order a panoramic glass sunroof, a head-up display and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system.


One of the most interesting features is the Sonata’s new digital key. Owners can download a dedicated smartphone app – on Android devices – and then use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to unlock the vehicle. Each car will also come with a NFC card which effectively does the same thing. The digital key is more than just a gimmick as it allows owners to easily share their vehicle with family and friends. As an example, children could be given access to the car for a preset period of time. If they misbehave, you can revoke their access remotely.

Speaking of technology, the 2020 Sonata comes with three years of complimentary Blue Link service. It allows owners to remotely lock/unlock doors and start the vehicle while also warming or cooling the interior. The service also includes a stolen vehicle recovery function – among other things.


The Sonata comes equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. The model can also be outfitted with Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and a Surround-View Monitor. There’s also a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The latter allows Sonata owners to ‘drive’ their car in and out of parking spaces using a smart key.

Under the hood, the 2020 Sonata will be available with two different engines. First up is a turbocharged 1.6-liter that produces 180 hp and 264 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the sedan to return to an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 mpg combined. Customers can also opt for a 2.5-liter engine that produces 191 hp and 245 Nm of torque. This engine is also paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but it has a slightly higher fuel economy estimate of 33 mpg combined.


The 2020 Sonata will go into production in Alabama this fall and U.S. sales are slated to begin in October.