DecodedCars2020 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 50 city / 54 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,367 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 123% better than the average 2020 large car (23.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints198 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models — most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a large car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,367 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (50 city / 54 highway), 123% better than the 2020 large car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2020
- New body dimensions: 1.6 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No plug-in hybrid version any more
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 42 to 52
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Sonata →
Trims, performance & features
Engine–1.6L turbo
Engine–2.5L
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
LimitedSEL Plus, SEL Plus TechSEL Convenience, SEL PremiumSELSE
Safety & driver-assist features
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Built in: Montgomery, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Sonata configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.8 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 3,367 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid Blue Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 50 / 54 / 52 | +123% | $1,300 | 172 |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 45 / 51 / 47 | +102% | $1,450 | 189 |
| Sonata | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +37% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Sonata | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +33% | $2,150 | 293 |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 31 | +33% | $2,150 | 291 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2020 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2020 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V796000 · 85,043 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- Risk
- A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Mar 28, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V196000 · 63,461 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V213000 · 11,870 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Nexo and Sonata vehicles. The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 28, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V122000 · 5,044 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata vehicles produced between October 22, 2019 and February 13, 2020. The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers over the tire pressure label and in the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.
Not every 2020 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
198Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
2,855 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 48 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 40 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,855 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonata years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sonata | 51 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sonata | 51 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2023 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 103 |
| 2022 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2021 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 190 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 2016 Sonata | 41 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 887 |
| 2015 Sonata | 37 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 12 | 1,207 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →