As one of the most essential Hyundai sedans, the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata debut marks a pivotal moment for the Hyundai brand. With a revolutionary and bold design, new technology on board, and all-new architecture under the metal, some would even say that the Sonata reaches for the premium segment. While completely redesigned, and now inspired by the gorgeous Le Fil Rouge concept, the Sonata features a few bold styling novelties we have never seen before. More importantly, Hyundai stretched its wheelbase and length a little bit, while lowering the car as a whole. This is the trick everyone takes into account when making a clean, planted car. As a final touch, Hyundai reworked the interior to offer significantly more upscale ambiance and equipment.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Has Plenty Of Premium Details

Considering that the Hyundai-owned brand Genesis is a premium proposition in the Korean side of things, I am quite smitten by some of the apparent premium details on the new Sonata. Some of the shapes, contours, and design solutions usually appear on high-end cars. I am talking about:

-* A large hood that extends toward the grille (an expensive car characteristic)

-* Rich chrome accents that naturally flow with the front LED lights visually extending all the way from the front lights to the glasshouse

-* The thick LED bar at the back and Volvoish taillights that form a part of the rear end decklid spoiler

-* Intricate and well-defined side creases

-* Side mirrors mounted on the doors and not the glasshouse (elegant)

-* Almost teardrop shaped glasshouse completely different compared to the preceding model.

All of the novel and surprising design touches continue inside where the Sonata received an all-new, four-spoke steering wheel (that looks awesome), dedicated smartphone charging pad, and an exceptional transmission selector that would not be out of place even in much more expensive vehicles. While I can draw parallels with some other cars, I find the new Sonata delightfully unique. In a good way, too. Just look at that slim vents and quilted leather inside. It is entirely different compared to anything seen in the Sonata before.

I would not be surprised if Hyundai makes the Sonata more expensive than ever before.

"The Sonata is our signature product," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, product, corporate and digital planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Having been one of our first and most successful nameplates, Sonata is 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."

2020 Hyundai Sonata exterior dimensions

Well, Mr. O'Brien, you knocked it out of the park. Not only is the new Sonata memorable and unique, but it packs a comprehensive selection of high-end technology. Driver assistance technologies include:

-* Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (standard)

-* Lane Keeping Assist (standard)

-* Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (standard)

-* Highway Driving Assist

-* Lane Following Assist

-* Safe Exit Assist

-* Blind-Spot View Monitor and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

-* Surround-View Monitor

-* Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

-* Remote Smart Parking Assist (It can bring the vehicle out of a tight space without you getting in it. It is a first for its class.)

-* Touch Sensor Outside Door Handles

-* Remote Start

Moving to the rear seats, the occupants will get more legroom, air-con vents in the back of the front central tunnel, and a net pocket behind the passenger seat. I wonder what the headroom is like with such a radically sloped roof?

And please, note the interior door handles. It's details like this that make the cars so lovable. The Hyundai Sonata has become one of those cars!

2020 Hyundai Sonata interior dimensions

Unfortunately, Premium Character Isn't Supplemented With Premium Powertrains. Yet!

The other proposition includes a turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-cylinder that develops 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Only for the SEL Plus and Limited models though.

We will have to wait a bit for the more powerful engines and a plug-in hybrid tough.

2020 Hyundai Sonata drivetrain specifications

At the New York Auto Show debut, Hyundai officials confirmed the new models, along with the much needed Sonata N-Line.

“There will be an all-new hybrid coming next year,” Brian Smith, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America said. “Not too long after that, we’ll introduce the next model in our N line—a high-performance, turbocharged Sonata with over 275 horsepower.”

Conclusion

Trying to find new buyers for its popular sedan in the world of SUV-loving people, Hyundai reinvented a whole idea about the Sonata. Not only did it become a coupe-styled sedan, but Hyundai went all in gifting it with fabulous premium details only seen on high-grade cars. The Sonata migrated from the conventionality into a world of uniqueness and appeal. Hyundai did try to do something similar with the 2011 Sonata, but that did not play out as neatly as this one clearly is. With the new hybrid and the N-line versions on the horizon, the 2020 Sonata is still secretive. The 275-horsepower Sonata N-line could surprise us even more than the stunning regular version.

Further reading

The All-New 2020 Hyundai Sonata Has a Striking Face and Upmarket Interior

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.