2020 has been a fantastic year for fans of the hybrid life. There are more options than ever for those looking for a new vehicle while keeping their gas mileage in check. One of the most anticipated hybrid cars coming to showrooms soon is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This hybrid car has been getting great reviews and is set to outpace many of its competitors. But what about it is so great?

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid shines in the interior

While we wait for Hyundai to release the 2020 Sonata Hybrid — which has only been announced to be sometime this spring — we can obsessively read reviews. MotorTrend recently reviewed the interior of this new hybrid model and narrowed it all down to one word: upscale.

The 2020 Sonata Hybrid’s interior has upgraded technology, comfort, and finishing touches. While MotorTrend noted that there were a lot of “grainy plastics” inside the interior, there is also plenty of leather finishes, as well as geometric metallic accents to spice things up. Heated and ventilated seats go a long way to provide you with plenty of comfort on road trips. 

The back seat of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers less space than some of its competitors, like the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but the seats are comfortable enough that the lack of space isn’t as big of a deal. Cargo space isn’t missed; you’ll find 16 cubic feet of trunk space, which is plenty of room for two full-size suitcases to lay down flat. 

More technology than ever before

Most noticeable in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the 10.25-inch touchscreen control panel. The upgraded touchscreen is able to go into a split-screen mode, allowing you to utilize two functions at once; keep your navigation app running while checking your fuel economy. You’re also able to use more voice commands than ever before, giving you the freedom to safely use your favorite apps while driving.

Likewise, the 12.3-inch instrument cluster is a bright spot in this model. This unique feature has many functions. Using your turn signal initiates a display in the instrument cluster that shows you a live view of the car to the right or the left, letting you know if there are vehicles in your blind spot without yanking your head around. The instrument cluster also scans through information like fuel efficiency, powertrain energy flow, and a system to monitor whether you’re driving attentively or not. 

On top of those unique tech features, you’ll also find USB ports in the front and back seats, giving all of your passengers the ability to charge and connect their smartphones. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

Are there any trouble spots in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

As stated earlier, MotorTrend seemed to have an issue with the amount of legroom offered in the backseat. You’ll find more room in some of the Sonata Hybrid’s rivals, but you won’t find the rear shades on them like you would get with the Sonata. 

And while the high-tech instrument cluster is a unique and exciting feature, it’s also easy to see that something as interactive as that could be distracting to drivers. The instrument cluster sits right in front of the steering wheel, making it all too easy to stop paying attention to the road around you and instead choosing to scan through the various systems at hand. 

Other than that, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a great hybrid car. Able to get up to 52 mpg combined city/highway and featuring a one-of-a-kind solar rooftop, this is one hybrid car you won’t want to miss.