The 2020 Hyundai Sonata starts at $23,400

"LJ909" (lj909) 12/17/2019 at 13:06 • Filed to: 2020 Hyundai Sonata

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All new from the ground up for ‘20, the Sonata goes to show that the sedan isn’t dead by offering loads of features and value in typical Hyundai fashion. Here’s the pricing/option breakdown.

There are 4 trims levels to the Sonata spread over 2 engine choices: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. One of the things I never cared for with the Sonata is its weak engine offerings. That hasn’t changed for 2020. Weirdly the more powerful bigger engine is the base engine. Hyundai’s tried and true 2.5 I4 is the base engine. This time around it makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb/ft of torque. The uplevel engine is a 1.6 turbo 4 with 180 horses and 195 lb/ft of torque.

Those base wheels don’t do it justice

The base SE starts at the aforementioned $23,400. With this being Hyundai, standard features are extensive. From LED headlights with LED DRL’s, to a suite of driver safety aids like smart cruise control with stop & go, forward collision avoidance, etc that other brands charge thousands for as options, it comes nicely equipped for the price. Also of note, every single trim comes standard with the large 8” touchscreen as well. There are 7 exterior color choices and 2 interior colors. Both cloth and no charge. With no option packages and accessories like a cargo package, wheel locks etc, a base Sonata SE rings in at $24,330.

The next trim up is the SEL. Starting at $25,500 it builds on the SE by coming standard with things like heated front seats, 17” wheels, push button start and a power driver’s seat. It also gets a different front fascia and grille. Exterior color choices are the same as well as interior colors, though the SEL gets leather seating options. However they are only available with certain option packages.

There are 3 option packages on the SEL, all of which can be combined. The first is a $1200 Convenience Package. It comes with:

12.3” LCD instrument cluster

Hyundai Digital Key

Wireless phone charger

Autodimming mirror

Leather wrapped steering wheel

2nd row air vents (should be standard)

2nd row USB charge port

The next is a $1,850 Premium Package. It includes:

Bose audio system with 12 speakers

Heated steering wheel

Leather seating

The last option isn’ t a package per se, but just an option. Its a pano roof for a grand. I added all 3 of these . It should be noted that selecting any of the leather seating options (of which there are 4) requires all 3 of these packages. All in, a loaded Sonata SEL rings in at a not bad $30,480.

The next trim up is the SEL Plus. This trim can be closely compared to the previous gen Sport trim. It starts at $28,380. On this trim the Sonata comes standard with the new 180 horse 1.6 turbo I4. It builds on the SEL by coming standard with the 12.3” LCD instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, 18” wheels and Hyundai Digital Key. It pretty much comes standard with the Premium and Convenience packages but without the Pano roof and Bose audio system.

Exterior color choices differ only in that the option of the Sonata’s new Glowing Yellow paint can be chosen on this trim . Interior color choices are limited with this being the “sport” trim of the Sonata. The only choice is Black Leatherette seats with suede inserts.

The only option package on the SEL Plus is a $2,750 Tech Package. It bundles together:

Pano roof

LED interior lights

10.25” touchscreen navigation system

Bose 12 speaker audio system

Highway Drive Assist

All in, a Sonata SEL plus is still a not bad $31,130, just a mere $650 more than a loaded SEL.

The final trim of the Sonata and the top of the hill for the line is the Sonata Limited. Starting at $33,300, its loaded. Literally. It comes standard with every option package that’ s an option on the other trims. There are no options. The only choice you need to make are what color you want the exterior and the standard leather seats to be. A Sonata Limited rings in at $34,230

The Sonata looks to be a winner on the value front, not only coming standard with but offering features that are either not offered on competitors or they cost thousands more. The main downside however is the relatively weak engine offerings which, like I mentioned before, have always seemed to be a problem with the Sonata. This should be remedied soon with the coming 290 horse Sonata N-Line.

412GTI > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 14:03

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Bless them for keeping a traditional auto (and we own an 18 Accord with CVT). Looks very competitive and the leasing incentives are already strong, so hopefully that work for them.

Sidenote - I believe the 2.5 motor is all new as the last couple generations used a 2.4 that dated back to the “World Engines” era of Damiler, Mit subishi, & H/K.     

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 14:05

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Can they make it start at $2,340?

jimz > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 14:05

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All new from the ground up for ‘20, the Sonata goes to show that the sedan isn’t dead by offering loads of features and value in typica l Hyundai fashion.

The Sonata might as well be dead, at least in this country:

I know Hyundai is stubborn, but if this new one doesn’t move the needle substantially then this may indeed end up being the last Sonata.

Chariotoflove > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 14:07

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I agree that the biggest problem is the engine. It’s not that it’s a bad engine or isn’t up to the job. It’s just that having a little more oomph for on ramps and passing is expected these days above the base level. It kind of undermines the upscale-ness in the more optioned trims. 

No1metsfan69 > jimz 12/17/2019 at 15:32

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This Sonata is gonna sell well, especially in big cities like NYC. We are flooded with Sonatas here. The '20 is just beautiful inside & out, you have to see it in person. It'll do well.

LJ909 > 412GTI 12/17/2019 at 15:37

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Yes this should give them a run for their money  Honda never really has good lease specials  

Yes you are correct. This is a new engine with more power thank god. 

LJ909 > jimz 12/17/2019 at 15:39

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It still sells though. Sedans as a whole do. Just look at the Elantras sales numbers. And plus, like I’ve mentioned before, brands like Hyundai are going to be in a  better position when gas goes up due to them having something for everyone. A lineup of just crossovers won’t work. 

LJ909 > Chariotoflove 12/17/2019 at 15:40

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Right and that’s what I’ve never liked. It’s not a bad engine. It just needs to be faster. Sport mode can only do so much. It needs to at least have 220 horses standard. 

Chariotoflove > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 15:51

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And I bet the engine can be tuned for that without too much problem. The main thing I see is that people looking in this market probably (I have no proof) look at class leading mileage as a top priority. But it doesn’t seem to me that you need to go sub-200 hp  in this day and age to get that.

Under_Score > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 16:01

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The lack of sunroofs on lower models is what has knocked Hyundai out of my parents’ car searches. Honda and Toyota have made sunroofs more readily available for years.

That yellow is beautiful, though. I like the Digital Key, too. 

7:07 > 412GTI 12/17/2019 at 16:13

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How do you like your Accord? I'm assuming the 1.5L turbo engine.

LJ909 > Chariotoflove 12/17/2019 at 16:49

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Yea these cars for the most part are for people that want comfortable commuting and family duties with good mileage. I know that’s what drew me to the Sonata. But the enthusiast in me knows that sub 200 horses isn’t enough. 

LJ909 > Under_Score 12/17/2019 at 16:51

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Yea a lot of models are like this now and it’s annoying. In this class it seems you have to spend at least 27k to get a sunroof or pano roof. And not offering it on lower models assumes bargain shoppers don’t like nice things. 

camarov6rs > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 17:27

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Isn’t the uplevel engine more fuel efficient? I thought Hyundai did pretty well in choosing the possibly more efficient engine with additional torque as the option. It will likely feel faster to normal people and return on what they care more about.  

Under_Score > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 17:34

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It’s better now than before. In 2012 and 2016, a Limited with a package was the only way to get any sunroof (pano) on the Tucson. My mom’s CR-V EX has basic nice-car features, as well as a sunroof. No leather and extra costs.

412GTI > 7:07 12/17/2019 at 17:55

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Yes, it’s a Touring 1.5. This is my fathers car and I’ve only driven it maybe a total of 3-4 hours since I’m not super close to them anymore. However, in that amount of time I’ve been impressed. Great handling while still offering a good ride. Touring is a little firm on 19s, but can get over that relatively fast. Seats are great and love that they offer cooling on this model.

The 1.5 is a decent motor. It’s definitely a bit more refined than the old 2.4 in our 16 because of the low-end torque. It’s has power, but I feel the CVT kinda holds it back or makes it a bit annoying to tap into. It’s not a bad CVT, but we were originally going to go with the 2.0 and it’s a bit disappointing if you’ve driven that motor.

Only thing that I really complain about is I swear my GTI has less road noise than the Accord which seems wild to me. 

hike > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 18:09

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We've gotten to the point where adaptive cruise and forward collision are expected to be standard on this class of cars since Toyota made it standard. What's crazy is the domestic and European brands still changing an arm and a leg for it while Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and Hyundai all offer it standard or on the 2nd lowest trim (which is generally the volume car anyways). 

LJ909 > camarov6rs 12/17/2019 at 18:20

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I would assume so. This engine is equatable to the last gens Eco model I think. 

LJ909 > Under_Score 12/17/2019 at 18:42

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Right. Honda’s model of just having a non top trim but still nicely equipped model should be followed by more automakers. If I want a pano roof, I  shouldn’t have to add a useless nav system and heated seats just to get it. 

LJ909 > hike 12/17/2019 at 19:07

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Yea it’s crazy and a good road to go down. Chevy seems to be wanting to try it out with the new Trailblazer coming standard with things like forward collision warning. But other than that it’s all extra with them.

That’s why I always point out you’d have to be a fool to ignore the value that Hyundai packs in. My base ‘18 Sonata came with both lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert standard for less than 25k. That’s not including other standard features like both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. 

7:07 > 412GTI 12/17/2019 at 19:17

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I’ve heard road noise is high, or seems high, even if the decibel numbers aren’t.  I’m going to test drive the 1.5 and 2.0 soon and will compare it with the Mazda6 2.5 turbo motor.  I’d really rather a Charger SRT, but money and stuff...

412GTI > 7:07 12/17/2019 at 20:23

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The road noise isn’t too bad honestly for the class , I just notice my MK7 seems a bit quieter. We were between the Accord and Mazda6 GT and basically went with the Honda just because it felt newer, better interior space, & infotainment . Both are excellent cars though.

I do some work for a FCA dealer and can say even the lowly Charger R/T can be a lot of fun. 

davidh > LJ909 12/17/2019 at 21:08

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Still no mention of the hybrid model?  Price?  Options?  Release date?  There are online reviews so they're already out there somewhere.

LJ909 > davidh 12/17/2019 at 23:50

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I looked for info on a release date for the Hybrid and could find anything. Everything just says its coming in 2020.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > LJ909 12/18/2019 at 09:55

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and it still looks like a fish