2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Details revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier today, South Korean automaker, Hyundai revealed details of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid model. The hybrid model will join the 8th gen sedan range that was introduced in March 2019.

From the outside, there are only a few elements that differentiate the hybrid model from the rest of the range. Included in the list are the cross-hole cascading front grille, unique alloy wheel design, rear spoiler, and a hybrid badging. However, it’s when you perch yourself a little higher, you’ll be able to recognise whether or not it’s a hybrid instantly. How? Well, the 2020 Sonata Hybrid gets a roof-integrated solar panel system. The said system makes its debut with the sedan and recharges the battery to maintain the operating range. According to Hyundai, the solar panel system can provide an additional 1,300 km of travel distance per year, provided six hours charging daily.

Under the 2020 Sonata Hybrid hood rests a Smartstream G2.0 GDi HEV powerplant that churns out a maximum power of 150 hp along with a peak torque of 188 Nm. The mill is paired to a 6-speed hybrid gearbox. The electric motor develops 51 hp and 205 Nm; the numbers are identical to the 7th gen LF hybrid facelift specs.

For the Korean market, the total system power output is 192 hp, and the combined fuel economy rests at 20.1 kmpl. Hyundai has not revealed the total operating range of the hybrid version, and we expect it to mirror with the 2018 LF facelift, i.e., 1,050 km (provisional estimate) under typical driving conditions.

There’s no mention about the output and rating of the battery pack. However, one thing that’s better than before is the boot capacity that has gone up to 510-litre from the previous 377-litre.

One highlight that Hyundai is shouting about is the introduction of Active Shift Control (ASC) technology. The Hybrid Control Unit gets a new control logic software that enables the electric motor to align with the rotational speed of the transmission and engine, thus reducing the shift timing by 30 percent. Apart from performance enhancement, the ASC tech is known to improve transmission durability.

On the equipment front, the Hybrid model mirrors the rest of the range, and it even gets the Hyundai Digital Key that utilizes NFC to control selected vehicle system remotely via smartphone.

The safety tech is also shared, the 2020 Sonata Hybrid benefits from a wide array of Smartsense advanced driver assistance systems like Lane Follow Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.