The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is one of the best redesigns on the market this year. Better gas mileage combined with new technology makes the Sonata Hybrid a solid choice for a reliable vehicle.

There are a lot of new hybrid vehicles vying for the top spot in a rapidly growing category. The Hyundai Sonata offers a lot to like about the improved hybrid with not too many things to dislike.

The benefits of owning the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

It’s easy to forget you’re driving a hybrid vehicle when you get behind the wheel of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The powerful acceleration and flawless shift transition make it feel like a gas-powered automobile. While most hybrid auto manufacturers tend to use a continuously variable transmission in their vehicles, the Sonata Hybrid’s six-speed automatic transmission allows for a seamless upshift.

Active Shift Technology helps to make shifting faster than a traditional car. The optional solar roof panel is a huge advantage as it is capable of charging not only the car’s 12-volt battery but the high-voltage hybrid battery pack as well. This simple addition makes the car stand out among similar vehicles.

The base Blue trim level of the Sonata gets an astounding 52 mpg, which is a big jump from the regular Sonata that gets 32 mpg combined. The 192-hp gas-electric engine performs similarly to the drivetrain of a non-hybrid drivetrain. The suspension offers a quick response without limiting performance.

Award-winning safety features that meet the needs of today’s drivers

Advanced safety features on the Limited trim level make the Sonata a Top Safety Pick with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The dependable sedan performed well in crash tests, and the forward-collision warning system received a superior rating from the IIHS. The automatic braking system is a welcome benefit of the Sonata and comes standard on all models.

Several other standard safety features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a unique driver-drowsiness monitor. The optional Highway Driving Assist feature keeps the car at a set speed, safely distanced from surrounding vehicles. A digital 360-degree camera that is accessible on the instrument panel allows drivers to see everything around them, virtually eliminating blind spots.

There aren’t many disadvantages to the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 

Cars.com took the Sonata Hybrid for a test drive and couldn’t find anything seriously negative about the comfortable ride. They did mention that the Apple CarPlay, which is a standard feature in the Sonata, doesn’t take up the full infotainment screen. Experts at the car review site also didn’t like the lack of a moonroof option in any of the trim levels. They also felt that the steering, although responsive, didn’t allow for adequate feedback from the driver.

The biggest complaint Cars.com had with the Hyundai was that the Remote Smart Parking Assist is not available in the Hybrid vehicle. They found it disappointing that a feature heavily promoted during last year’s Super Bowl did not yet exist.

The car testers at Car Buying Strategies found that the lack of all-wheel drive could be a deal-breaker for those living in wintry climates. They also found that despite the overall performance, some drivers may want a more powerful vehicle, which would inevitably come with a higher sticker price. Additionally, they suggested that someone looking to make a sports-tuned upgrade should look at crossover SUVs instead of the Hybrid sedan.

The advantages of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid far outweigh the minor problems that currently exist with this year’s model. The exterior styling, lifetime battery warranty, and spacious well-defined interior make this vehicle an attractive option for those looking for a dependable hybrid vehicle.