Hyundai might be a small automaker in the bigger scheme of things, but the Korean automaker is making some major waves. From making luxury vehicles that are actually affordable to creating new technology, Hyundai is quickly recreating itself into a major player. The Hyundai Sonata is on the frontlines of this new venture.

In an effort to keep its momentum going, Hyundai has completely redesigned the 2020 Sonata’s engine. It’s smaller, faster, and more efficient than ever. Here’s what Ward’s Auto had to say about the Sonata’s new engine, and why they ranked it as one of the top new engines of 2020.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is better than ever

When it comes to Hyundai, cheap doesn’t mean low quality. Quite the opposite in fact. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata starts at $23,600, but offers many of the same features that can cost closer to $30,000 on other cars. 

According to Kelley Blue Book,

“At some level, just about every safety and convenience feature is available on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. What comes standard even at the base level, however, is generous in anybody’s order book. Convenience standouts include auto-on headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and the soon-to-be-standard-everywhere-except-luxury-cars Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.”

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is already earning lots of safety awards. MotorWeek gave it the 2020 Driver’s Choice Award for Best Family Sedan. It’s the Top Safety Pick for The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, and even earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. 

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata’s engine is groundbreaking

Hyundai has really stepped up to the plate with its new 1.6L turbocharged 4-cyl with CVVD engine. This new engine gets up to 180 hp and It is the first phase of Hyundai’s new Smart Stream engine family that is going to replace the Gamma engine family. It can boost fuel economy by up to five percent, and the performance by 4%.

One of the things that Ward’s Auto really loves about this new engine is the fact that it is constantly changing based on throttle input. They also like the fact that the engine is so incredibly small. 

The new CVVD engine helps the Sonata get 37 mpg. It’s also quiet, making the Sonata the perfect vehicle for drivers who want something dependable to drive around during their daily lives.

Autoblog stated,

“It’s a torquey little four-cylinder with enough grunt to get off the line in a hurry. There’s plenty of torque throughout the rev band; lag is minimal, and it’s pleasant enough to listen to.” 

Are there any downsides?

There might be vehicles out there that all critics love, and no one has an issue with, but it probably hasn’t been created yet. That being said, not all review sites are in awe of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. 

Like many other critics, Car and Driver wasn’t overly impressed with the Sonata’s driving capability. It’s not bad, but it can’t quite keep up with competitors like the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. For someone who wants speed, agility, and power, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata may not be for you.

It’s also facing a recall already, although it’s a rather surprising one. Rather than a faulty engine or transmission that needs to be replaced, it revolves around two typos. The tire pressure label on the driver’s side door and the tire pressure in the driver’s manual are incorrect. 

That might not seem like a big deal at first, but this can cause problems for you that can lead to a wreck, such as a tire blowout. Thankfully, this is an easy problem to fix. Just head to your local Hyundai dealership, and they can change out the incorrect stickers.