2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Debuts With Up To 52 MPG, 686-Mile Range

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid debuted in the South Korean market last year, and at the Chicago Auto Show, it has finally come to North America. It goes on sale this spring.

The 2020 Sonata Hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower (112 kilowatts) and 139 pound-feet (189 Newton-meters) of torque. The electric motor contributes 51 hp (39 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm). This provides a total system output of 192 hp (143 kW). The powertrain runs through a six-speed automatic gearbox that features Hyundai's Active Shift Control system that works with electric motor, engine, and transmission to reduce shift times by 30 percent.

Hyundai estimates the efficiency-focused Blue trim of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid gets 50 miles per gallon city fuel economy, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. Plus, this model has a 686-mile (1,104-kilometer) driving range. The SEL and Limited grades offer 45 mpg city, 51 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined.

To further improve range, the Sonata Hybrid has a solar panel on the roof to recharge the batteries. According to Hyundai, the tech can "increase the driving range by a couple of miles after 6 hours of charging." The company says in the course of a year, the system would provide an extra 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) of range.

The Sonata Hybrid looks largely similar to the regular sedan, but the company adds elements to give the body better aerodynamics. There are active grille flaps, air deflectors at the front and rear fenders, and panels covering the underside of the vehicle. The wheel spokes have a spoke design to make them more aerodynamic, too.

Inside, the Sonata Hybrid comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment screen. Buyers can upgrade to a 10.25-inch display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The standard driver assistance suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Highway Driving Assist is an optional extra.