Hyundai Sonata 2020 Review

As a main contender in the mid-size sedan segment of the Malaysian market, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5 Premium directly targets family users with a budget under MYR 200,000 who prioritize a balance of space and features. In this price range, Japanese rivals often sacrifice equipped features for brand premium, but the Sonata takes a "value-packed" approach to create differentiation. The core focus of this test drive is to verify whether its feature advantages can translate into practical user experiences, while also examining if the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine performs adequately for daily commutes.

From a distance, the coupe-style fastback design of the 2020 Sonata is quite striking, and its overall style is noticeably younger compared to the previous generation. The parametrically styled gemstone grille at the front is large enough in size, complemented by sharp LED headlight clusters on both sides, giving it high visual recognition. The LED lighting is standard across all trims and includes an auto on/off feature, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments during daily use. The shoulder line running along the side of the body extends from the fender to the tail lights, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels to visually elongate the car's length. The connected LED tail lights at the rear are a definite highlight; when lit at night, they are easily identifiable. The dual exhaust layout on both sides of the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness to its mostly family-oriented positioning.

Inside, the interior design leans towards simplicity and practicality. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper layer featuring soft-touch materials and a silver trim accent in the middle. The texture may not feel overly luxurious but meets expectations for this price range. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is clear and allows theme switching, and the HUD (head-up display) projects driving speed and navigation information onto the windshield, eliminating the need to look down, thereby improving safety. The 8-inch center touchscreen is responsive, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is convenient for daily smartphone connectivity. Below the screen, some physical buttons are retained, making it easier to adjust the climate temperature compared to a fully touchscreen design. The front seats feature 8-way electric adjustments for the driver and 4-way electric adjustments for the passenger, with moderate cushioning for comfortable long drives. A standout feature is the rear seating space; with a 2840mm wheelbase, there’s about two fist-widths of legroom. The relatively flat floor in the center makes it comfortable to accommodate three passengers without feeling cramped. The rear seats come equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, catering to the backseat passengers’ needs. The trunk offers 510 liters of capacity, enough for two suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split to accommodate longer items when necessary.

In terms of power, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 180PS and a peak torque of 232N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth at startup without the abruptness associated with turbocharged engines. The lightweight tuning of the accelerator pedal makes city driving and following slower traffic effortless. While mid-to-high speed acceleration may not feel very aggressive, stepping on the accelerator harder prompts the transmission to downshift promptly, providing enough confidence for overtaking. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, throttle response is more subdued, which helps save fuel during daily commutes, whereas in Sport mode, the transmission shifts later, keeping the RPMs higher, and the power output feels more direct. The steering wheel offers moderate feedback with minimal play, providing precise handling around corners. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It absorbs most bumps and vibrations when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, leaving little harshness. At high speeds, the vehicle maintains good stability, and the steering wheel remains steady even at 120 km/h.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive was roughly half in the city and half on the highway. The dashboard showed an average fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km, slightly lower than the official figure of 9.1L. For daily use, 92-octane gasoline is sufficient, making the cost of ownership relatively low. The brake pedal tuning is linear, providing sufficient braking force in the initial phase. During emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable with no evident nose-diving. Noise control is average; below speeds of 80km/h, tire and wind noise are not evident, but noise slightly increases on the highway, still within an acceptable range.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Sonata 2.5 Premium lie in its space and configuration—at the same price range, its rear legroom is more spacious than the Toyota Camry 2.5G. In terms of features, it includes HUD (head-up display), a 360-degree panoramic camera, and lane change assist, making it highly cost-effective. Compared to the Honda Accord 260TURBO luxury version, although its performance is not as aggressive as the turbocharged version, its naturally aspirated engine offers greater reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs, making it suitable for families seeking stability.

If you need a mid-size sedan that balances daily commuting and family travel, with a budget around RM 190,000, and prioritize space, configuration, and reliability, the Sonata 2.5 Premium is a good choice. It does not have any significant shortcomings and performs quite balanced in all aspects, making it suitable for practical family users or newlyweds. Overall, this car compensates for the lack of brand premium with its features and space, making it a cost-effective mid-size family sedan.