2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Redesign Features Solar Roof
The fully-redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid sedan, which has just been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, hosts a handfull of fuel saving powertrain technologies and premium safety features.
Scheduled to go on sale in the United States this spring, the new Sonata hybrid boasts a segment-first solar roof, which recharges the hybrid battery and increases the driving range of the car by a couple of miles.
In addition to the state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, the 2020 Sonata hybrid also offers more room inside, improved ride and handling, as well as up-to-date safety features.
2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid car: what’s new & changed
Hyundai Motor America released full details on their redesigned Sonata hybrid car.
Listed below are some of the most important changed and improvements:
- Best-in-class “highway” and “combined” fuel economy on Sonata hybrid Blue trim level
- 686 miles of driving range on the 2020 Sonata hybrid Blue trim level
- Solar Roof System, which increases driving range (up to 700 “free” miles/year)
- The top front-seat leg and headroom in the midsize sedan segment
- Unique design cues improve aerodynamics
- Active Shift Control technology makes shifts faster and smoother
- Hyundai Digital Key technology (optional)
2020 Sonata hybrid engine specs
Under the hood of the new Hyundai Sonata hybrid car, you will find the carmaker’s state-of-the-art 2,0L engine, which packs 150 horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque.
Mated to this fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine is a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission (not a CVT as some rivals!).
In addition to that, the vehicle also boasts a 51-horsepower electric motor with a maximum torque of 151 lb.-ft. of torque.
Combined, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid’s drivetrain system delivers 192 horsepower and EPA estimated fuel economy numbers of up to 50 city, 54 highway and 52 combined (for the Blue trim level)!
Here’s the table that showcases how well does the 2020 Sonata hybrid compare to the 2020 Camry Toyota hybrid and 2020 Honda Accord hybrid in terms of engine specs and mpg ratings.
| Specs & MPG | 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid | 2020 Toyota Camry hybrid | 2020 Honda Accord hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline engine size | 2.0L I4 GDI | 2.5L I4 GDI | 2.0L I4 GDI |
| HP/ torque (lb.-ft.) | 150 / 139 | 176 / 163 | 143 / 129 |
| Electric motor kW (HP) | 39 kW (51 HP) | 88 kW (118 HP) | 135 kW (181 HP) |
| Net horsepower | 192 HP | 208 HP | 212 HP |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy./comb.) | 50/54/52 – Blue | 51/53/52 – LE | 48/47/48 |
| 45/51/47 SEL, Limited | 44/47/46 SE, XLE | / |
2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid solar roof
The 2020 Sonata hybrid comes available with solar panel roof.
Having an output of 205 watts, the roof mounted solar panels directly charge the 12-volt and hybrid batteries.
According to Hyundai, the Sonata hybrid solar roof system provides several benefits, including:
- increased mileage by about 2 miles / day
- preventing the battery discharge from infotainment or HVAC systems when the car is off
- looks unique
Sonata hybrid active air flaps behind the grille
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid has a very low drag coefficient of 0,24.
In order to achieve such a low figure, Hyundai engineers applied active air flaps behind the Sonata signature grille, which close when less engine cooling is needed.
In addition to that, the vehicle also features several styling elements that reduce the drag. Those include bumper lip, front- and rear-wheel deflectors, undercovers in the front and back of the engine bay, center floor undercover and rear undercover.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid car cabin space
How roomy is the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid sedan?
The top front-seat leg and headroom in the segment
By optimizing the placement of the high-voltage hybrid battery, Hyundai engineers were able to increase the 2020 Sonata hybrid trunk capacity by 2.5 cubic feet, compared with the previous generation Sonata hybrid model.
This placement has also helped them to create best-in-class front headroom and legroom.
The table below showcases how much room does the Sonata cabin offer in comparison to the Toyota Camry hybrid and Honda Accord hybrid.
| 2020 Sonata hybrid | 2020 Camry hybrid | 2020 Accord hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headroom (F/R) in. | 40.0/37.8 | 37.5/38.0 | 37.5/37.2 |
| Legroom (F/R) in. | 46.1/34.8 | 42.1/38.0 | 42.3/40.4 |
| Shoulder Room (F/R) in. | 57.9/56.1 | 57.7/55.7 | 58.3/56.5 |
| Hip Room (F/R) in. | 54.6/54.4 | 55.4/54.7 | 55.3/55.0 |
