2020 Hyundai Sonata

[2o6]

Oh wow







https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a26692381/2020-hyundai-sonata-photos-info/

[cawimmer430]

Holy shit. It's gorgeous. 

The design looks superb, nice interior and it looks and probably feels more premium/luxury than mainstream.

But why did Hyundai invest so much in a car whose niche is dying out? I thought mainstream sedans were on a death bed.

[MX793]

Lines are good.  Not sure how I feel about the chrome strips that trail down the hood and around the headlamps.  And is it just me, or do the tail lamps look like they came from a Civic?

[12,000 RPM]

Looks great but it got even bigger. No dice for me. Does make me excited for the next Elantra which should grow to be the perfect size. Rumor has it an N version is coming.

But why did Hyundai invest so much in a car whose niche is dying out? I thought mainstream sedans were on a death bed.

It's still a big volume seller and with the Azera dead and Genesis as a thing it's the brand's flagship. They may move it a hair upmarket to cover its space and the gap left by the Azera.

[veeman]

Very good looking car.  Only the Mazda 6 maybe looks better in this segment. 

[MrH]

Chrome strips down the hood...?

[SJ_GTI]

I don't think it looks good. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[FoMoJo]

Pretty standard fare, slowly morphing into the Mercedes  shape with extra wrinkles.

[giant_mtb]

Daaaaaamn.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I like droopy butts, but I tink the grille is still too big.

[Galaxy]

I would like to see the Kia version of this, since I usually prefer their offerings.

[12,000 RPM]

Since 2016 or so I have preferred Hyundai's versions for the most part. Sonata/Elantra look way better than the current Optima/Forte IMO.

[veeman]

Since 2016 or so I have preferred Hyundai's versions for the most part. Sonata/Elantra look way better than the current Optima/Forte IMO.

I was a big fan of the Kia Tiger Nose look when it came out on the 3rd gen Optima.  I still like it but they should have changed it up a bit more on the newest 4th generation I think.  Kind of lazy design evolution. 

Why you get the Optima instead of the Sonata?  I'm assuming you found a good deal and just bit on it.

[cawimmer430]

It's still a big volume seller and with the Azera dead and Genesis as a thing it's the brand's flagship. They may move it a hair upmarket to cover its space and the gap left by the Azera.

Ah, I'd forgotten about the Azera, and how this car could take over its position on the market. 

[12,000 RPM]

Why you get the Optima instead of the Sonata?  I'm assuming you found a good deal and just bit on it.

I honestly cannot remember my train of thought when I decided to look at Optimas. I had just crashed the G and was in a mental fog. I knoew I consulted CR and it got good ratings there... but I didn't check recalls. If I had seen them I wouldn't have bought it. Should have at least checked out the Mazda 6 and Civic Turbo. Rushed the whole thing

In any case for what I could afford at the time I was limited to the 2011-2015s. I prefer the Optima to the Sonata in that year range. But for the current one my preferences switched. Wouldn't look at either before a 6 or Accord though.

[2o6]

This car is lower than the current one, and it's only an inch or so longer. Shorter rear overhang. Longer wheelbase.

[veeman]

I honestly cannot remember my train of thought when I decided to look at Optimas. I had just crashed the G and was in a mental fog. I knoew I consulted CR and it got good ratings there... but I didn't check recalls. If I had seen them I wouldn't have bought it. Should have at least checked out the Mazda 6 and Civic Turbo. Rushed the whole thing

In any case for what I could afford at the time I was limited to the 2011-2015s. I prefer the Optima to the Sonata in that year range. But for the current one my preferences switched. Wouldn't look at either before a 6 or Accord though.

  That is beautifully honest. 

[Northlands]

Front half is wonderful ( maybe minus the chrome trim. ).

Rear... kinda....wha? Definitely not boring though. Nice interior.

Not surprised that it grew. No Azera anymore. Unless they do the Santa Fe thing they did before and make a Sonata "XL". ( tacky when done on a sedan IMO ).

[2o6]

It grew 2".

[MrH]

I honestly cannot remember my train of thought when I decided to look at Optimas. I had just crashed the G and was in a mental fog. I knoew I consulted CR and it got good ratings there... but I didn't check recalls. If I had seen them I wouldn't have bought it. Should have at least checked out the Mazda 6 and Civic Turbo. Rushed the whole thing

In any case for what I could afford at the time I was limited to the 2011-2015s. I prefer the Optima to the Sonata in that year range. But for the current one my preferences switched. Wouldn't look at either before a 6 or Accord though.

It was the lingering effects of the concussion

[12,000 RPM]

It grew 2".

That is a normal size for a midsizer these days, but too much for me (and it seems most of the market).

Cars have just got too big. I did a weekend trip for 4 other people in my 1st Accord (93). We were all comfortable. The Elantra is roomier, more refined, more fuel efficient, faster and way cheaper after inflation. The Sonata as is doesn't add much to the Elantra in a practical way, and its growth only exacerbates the issue.

[veeman]

I find bigger cars (within reason) are better to drive and be driven around in in the US if you don't plan on driving too aggressively.  Quieter, more smooth ride, and more room. Better crash protection. Not a huge trade off in fuel economy.  Annual difference in fuel cost between a base 2019 Elantra and base 2019 Sonata is about $150. Course this doesn't take into account difference in initial cost of acquisition.  Just my personal preference though. 

[2o6]

That is a normal size for a midsizer these days, but too much for me (and it seems most of the market).

Cars have just got too big. I did a weekend trip for 4 other people in my 1st Accord (93). We were all comfortable. The Elantra is roomier, more refined, more fuel efficient, faster and way cheaper after inflation. The Sonata as is doesn't add much to the Elantra in a practical way, and its growth only exacerbates the issue.

No, it's not!


2" (actually 1.7") is *negligable*. That's 0.1" longer than the Camry.


2" could easily be chalked up to longer bumper covers.

[CaminoRacer]

That is a normal size for a midsizer these days, but too much for me (and it seems most of the market).

Cars have just got too big. I did a weekend trip for 4 other people in my 1st Accord (93). We were all comfortable. The Elantra is roomier, more refined, more fuel efficient, faster and way cheaper after inflation. The Sonata as is doesn't add much to the Elantra in a practical way, and its growth only exacerbates the issue.

My mom got a Cruze instead of a "mid-sizer" because the Cruze has the same leg room as a first gen Mazda 6. It's a bit narrower, but that's not a big deal. Middle seat is gonna suck no matter what, unless you're in a Hummer H1.

[BimmerM3]

I don't think it looks good. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

+1

In addition to the weird chrome bits on the front end, the shadow caused by the creases on the fenders/doors is very strange to me.

It's not off putting enough that I wouldn't purchase the car if it were otherwise what I was looking for, but the looks certainly aren't doing it any favors.

[12,000 RPM]

No, it's not!


2" (actually 1.7") is *negligable*. That's 0.1" longer than the Camry.


2" could easily be chalked up to longer bumper covers.

I'm not saying it's a lot bigger than the current one. The current Malibu is even longer. I'm just saying it's needlessly big for most sedan buyers

[Xer0]

I find bigger cars (within reason) are better to drive and be driven around in in the US if you don't plan on driving too aggressively.  Quieter, more smooth ride, and more room. Better crash protection. Not a huge trade off in fuel economy.  Annual difference in fuel cost between a base 2019 Elantra and base 2019 Sonata is about $150. Course this doesn't take into account difference in initial cost of acquisition.  Just my personal preference though.

The midsize segment is definitely where you get the best bang for the buck right now.  A 2019 Accord for like 23K is a hell of a lot of car, for instance.

[RomanChariot]

My mom got a Cruze instead of a "mid-sizer" because the Cruze has the same leg room as a first gen Mazda 6. It's a bit narrower, but that's not a big deal. Middle seat is gonna suck no matter what, unless you're in a Hummer H1.

What middle seat in the H1?

[CaminoRacer]

What middle seat in the H1?

Exactly. It's not even a seat. Just a giant flat "bed" to nap on. So comfy.

[RomanChariot]

Exactly. It's not even a seat. Just a giant flat "bed" to nap on. So comfy.

They should have just turned it into a chaise lounger.