The 2020 version of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is out, and there may be some mixed feelings about it. Some people may not be impressed with the Sonata Hybrid’s looks, and others could be disappointed by the powertrain. 

In fact, most consider it pretty average. But is average a terrible thing? Certainly not. Cars.com explains how it can be ordinary and special at the same time. 

Overview of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is much like the gas-powered version as far as how it drives and handles on various road conditions. There’s not too much to its styling, and it’s pretty average when it comes to its luxurious offerings in the interior. 

The hybrid powertrain has a four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor that, combined, puts out 192 hp. Along with that is a six-speed conventional automatic transmission, which gives the Sonata enough power to maneuver around the city and handle higher speeds on the highway to pass other vehicles in front of you. 

Gas mileage ratings are competitive, but it doesn’t stand out from others in its class. In fact, it’s pretty much neck and neck with the likes of the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. You can get 52 mpg, but only with the base Blue trim level. The higher trims are only rated for about 47 mpg. 

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is an ordinary hybrid sedan in most ways. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything special about it. There’s actually more to this car than meets the eye. 

So what makes it special then?

If you look beyond the styling, you’ll find more to this hybrid sedan than you might have thought. Hyundai offers dependable, reliable, and affordable vehicles, so they put their time and effort into those things and keep others, like the styling to a minimum. 

While its interior is pretty average, it’s one of the most comfortable in its class. With heated and ventilated leather seats in the front and plenty of head and elbow room in the back, lengthy drives are more than tolerable in the Sonata Hybrid. 

The powertrain isn’t as powerful as most other hybrids offer, but the Sonata Hybrid handles really well on the road no matter which surface you’re driving on. The ride is relatively smooth; the suspension is pretty good, and the steering wheel has more of a response than you would usually find in a hybrid vehicle. 

Add all that up and then consider the price tag. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is one of the most affordable hybrid sedans on the market. The money Hyundai put into it goes to what’s really important, like its reliability, handling, and ride comfort. For the base level, the Blue trim, you can expect to pay $28,725. If you go for a higher trim like the Limited, for example, you can expect to pay around $36,000. 

How safe and reliable is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid hits a home run. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, at least for the Limited trim. The other trim levels missed joining the Limited because their headlights weren’t performing as well as their sister trim. Otherwise, those trims would have also been one of the top-rated safety vehicles available. The other configurations even passed all crash tests. 

Standard safety and driver-assist features for the Sonata Hybrid include blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, driver’s drowsiness monitor, stop-and-go capability, and even lane-keeping assist. 

For optional features, you can get a 360-degree camera system, rear automatic braking, highway driving assist, and the blind-spot monitor that displays activity on the screen in front of you. 

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid isn’t the most edgy-looking vehicle on the market, nor is it the most powerful. But it wasn’t really meant to be. Hyundai markets to those looking for fuel economy, good handling, an excellent ride, and good reliability and safety scores.