My Week with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T Limited

I spend a week with the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited. It impresses with lots of high-tech features that the competitors don't offer, but with a price of $34,590 it's also more expensive than many of the competitors, who all give you much more power for the same money. While it's a very impressive car overall, it isn't perfect either. What do you think of the 2020 Sonata and do you think it's worth the price?
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[@alejandrohermosillo3287]

This car looks so good. At first I did not like the styling of the outside, but man has it grown on me!

[@christtv3576]

This is probably one of the best in depth reviews on this car💯

[@wtfx5757]

I find hyundais highway drive assist excellent on interstate highways, but yes...bad on more rural roads

[@stephenhendricks103]

Interesting point. As some other comments have noted, Matt's criticism of Hyundai's driver assistance feature is rare among reviews of the Sonata (or other Hyundai/KIA vehicles for that matter.) I think you may have hit on the reason. I have lane keeping assist, for example, on my GTI but the only time I use it is on a highway slog, typically a freeway. Frankly, I see little utility in the feature for secondary roads.

[@brianfranchuk543]

I mean....it's in the name. HIGHWAY Driving Assist. You can't really complain about it not working so well on winding backroads when the system was designed for use on the highway. Feels like he was just trying to find something to complain about.

[@TheKasai23]

That’s the first I’ve heard out of reviewers about the highway assist.... 🤔

[@smartkid1201]

Same here, everyone else loves it. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@skatenpro]

TheKasai23 for the highway Assist you have different mode settings to change from. You have a setting that will actively keeps you in the center. Or another one that doesn’t correct you till you get close to the line. He probably has it on the wrong one.

[@VfRuckus]

One reviewer said they drove like 100 miles with it without problem.

[@R1val909]

Thank you for the honesty Matt. Much appreciated

[@lordtyranus08]

Odd, every other car reviewer claims it is best in lane keep and departure assist... on the price aspect it is best value of the bunch, Camry&Accord are near 40k for top trims

[@lordtyranus08]

@Tyrel Tolliver yeah, that's my take too, he got a faulty Sonata

[@lowlanz]

That's what I thought too. Hyundai is usually praised for its infotainment/value/tech including cruise control and Sonata has the latest version of that. Maybe he set it at the lane departure warning mode, because ping-ponging is a characteristic found with lane departure warning only systems. Lane following assist as Hyundai calls it should hold the car at the center of lane.

[@YawmSaub]

I dont have any problems with mine either. Travel from Milwaukee to Minnesota and it is one of thee BEST cheap auto systems out there. Matt probably got one with a fluke.

[@BobKarnowski]

@@lowlanz Exactly!

[@BobThe9534]

hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was going to b good

[@MrGettemTV]

Other videos I've seen they said the Sonata had the best lane keep assist that they've seen in this price range. Hopefully when I get mine it doesn't have issue staying in lane like yours.

[@livinginoklahomacityofficial]

I think it's great tbh

[@mfmf100]

Great color combination on this one. Can you use regular gas?

[@jdmonte3326]

my lane keep in my 2019 veloster turbo is great

[@brianfranchuk543]

I suspect he had it set for Lane-Departure Assist not full Lane Keep Assist, as it is configurable. My experience with Hyundai's system is is *occasionally* stays close to the line but typically is really good at staying centered in the lane.

[@777jones]

Watched this at 0.75x. I really like these low displacement cars. Very cool.

[@techguyMD]

The lane keep assist on my 2017 Elantra is one of my favorite features on the highway... It works fantastic and steers smoothly around sweeping bends. I assumed the highway drive assist was basically the same but didn't beep at you as much as the LKAS?

[@brianfranchuk543]

My understanding is the main difference with Highway Drive Assist is it can automatically adjust the speed based on speed limit signs and maybe the Nav system too? The Limited has HDA but lower trims like SEL Plus and Sport still have lane centering, adaptive cruise with stop & go, ect. Maybe the HDA system uses a more advanced algorithm too but the information isn't very clear.

[@troy9er]

It really has grown on me in the looks department although I will be waiting to see the newer version with the 2.5 L dual injection model I keep hearing whispers about an N version! Hyundai is really coming up with some cool new stuff.

[@devn3813]

There will be an N line but no full on N

[@FishBeeProductions]

Looks nicer than previous models! I'd be curious to see how it compares to the new optima.

[@devn3813]

This has a lot more technology than the new k5

[@marcnobel3938]

I really like the Interieur color and the front of the car.

[@retgi1]

I don't think you quite understand the highway drive assist/lane keeping assist. I have the 2020 Palisade and it works fantastic! It does require the road you're on to have center painted lines on your left and right side road painted lines so the cameras can keep you properly within the lane! Without that, the car has no wayd to keep you within lane boundaries!

[@BobKarnowski]

Every other review I've watched on this Sonata heaps tons of praise on the lane keeping. My 2020 Santa Fe doesn't have this same system (its less advanced than Sonata) but it still does a great job of lane keeping. I'm assuming you went into the settings and chose the level of assist you wanted. In my SF there is off/passive/active settings. If you didn't change the settings you were probably at the factory default passive setting. With my SF in passive mode, if I let the wheel go it does exactly what you described. It bounces back and forth in the lane. Surprised that you didn't mention the forthcoming "N-Line" and its 275hp motor. I'm sure that it'll be a big hit and should satisfy the people who need more power.

[@cbowser8604]

Does it got SMAHT PAHK?

[@broadwayblues]

You didn’t have lane centering active. I’m pretty sure you just had lane keep assist ping ponging you down the road. You need to look for a green steering wheel in the HUD. A white one means there’s not enough of a view of the road to center the car in the lane.

[@Caldwell1234]

You are right on.👍🏽

[@jacobyo99]

I have been using HDA since December and have had no issues

[@lowlanz]

I think, 180hp with some good torque at the lower speeds is adequate considering the great MPG. Especially if you live in a city. If you prefer power to MPG, I think it's worth waiting for the N-line, which is predicted to get nearly 300hp with wet DCT developed for N cars. After all, other competitions just don't have the stylish body line Sonata has.

[@ambidexstress]

This makes me wanna do a review on my B18c type r crx

[@jeffragar3493]

The sweet spot for fuel mileage is set the cruise control to 45 mph in smart mode. I got the average mileage gauge on the dash up to 40.2 once. At highway speed I get about 36.8.

[@MrVette213]

I had a 2000 Sonata GLS with the V6 even that would scoot but it’s still a far cry from this one. It’s come a long way for sure

[@BulletProofBreast]

I've got no wind noise on mine. Try putting some silicone spray on the rubber

[@renegadezen7841]

I like the looks 👌

[@ChunkyBunny2]

I ultimately dream of owning an electric car, but damn this car is beautiful both inside and out. Hyundai has really stepped up their game. I'm excited to see their purely electric vehicles coming in the future.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

They do have the cool hybrid version with the solar roof!

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

What it's This Color From Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6

[@klasseact6663]

Maybe there's an update coming for the highway assist...or you could trust your competent self and turn it off.

[@rishabvaishya]

can someone confirm whether the wind noise still exists in 2021 Sonata?

[@12345nick7]

Matt, i work for hyundai and I can assure you this sonata has one of the best steering assist systems out there, did you have the lane following assist turned on by pushing the steering wheel button on the right side of the steering wheel? And not just using the out dated lane keeping assist ?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Hey Nick, yeah I hit the steering wheel button and like I said, during the media drive last fall and this press car both had trouble staying in the lanes. It looks like someone else in the comments has the same issue with their Genesis.

[@Santi-my5pf]

Hey Matt I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a sporty sedan under 20k?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Hey Santiago, are you looking to buy new or used? If you send a message to my Facebook page, I answer people's car shopping questions there :)

[@desertmike680]

Value aspect is why I bought the Mazda 6!

[@Yoomaro]

Michael Z not to mention it looks better

[@desertmike680]

@@Yoomaro The Sonata looks really nice is a lot of aspects, but it seems a little over done? I love my 18 6, but my lease is up in 10 months, so its time for something else.

[@panzer_TZ]

I'm actually happy he mentioned the Grand Touring Reserve trim. The Signature gets all the attention from reviewers, but the Mazda 6 GTR trim is one of the lowest-key best-values in the segment.

[@desertmike680]

@@panzer_TZ good call with that. I completely agree!

[@myront]

I own this car in quartz white. A lot of what he is saying simply isn't true, or is cuz his car is pre-production. This car is brilliant. Super quiet inside, no rattles, and the highway assist is very good. On my roads, aside from The occasional keep hands on wheel message will drive all day with little to no input from me. (Please drive responsibly though). I have owned 3 generations of Sonatas. The 2020 limited simply smashes it out of the park.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Tell me about the quartz white. Is there any sparkle at all or is it like a refrigerator? Thx

[@myront]

@@MrMuchachos75 it has a very iridescent sparkle to it. Looks absolutely stunning in the sun.

[@crittendon1000]

i can't figure out what's going on with the front end. Is there lighting on the hood? Is that a chrome strip connecting to the chrome trim on the doors? Maybe its the angle or something but I'm not getting it.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Lighting goes about a third of the way up the hood. The whole piece is chrome as well so the chrome continues where the lighting stops.

[@crittendon1000]

@@MattMaranMotoring interesting.....thanks for the clarification!

[@hellokyle_]

Your feedback is perfect for what a real car shopper wants. Love these week long videos.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Kyle!

[@sjwang40]

THANK YOU for calling Hyundai on their lane keep assist. I test drove a G80 last week and their lane keep assist was terrible. It bounced me back and forth in the lane and immediately went over the yellow line with a minor curve on the highway. And this is in Ohio where the roads don't bend much!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Glad I'm not the only one! Everyone else seems to love it here in the comments lol.

[@captainfantastic5]

Thanks for thr honest review Matt. As someone who is very anal with rattles and other road noise, that is very valuable info. The lane keep assist issue is also a turn off. I just disable that in my MDX because I don't trust thr car robots to not kill me yet. Haha

[@ja4lyfe20o8]

Matt I have a 2015 Hyundai genesis sedan and I have the same problem with the rattling from the sunroof and it is the most annoying thing I've ever had to deal with in a car and it doesn't stop rattling until you open the sunroof plus last year Hyundai sent out a letter stating that those panoramic sunroof on the genesis have know to shattered so they have extended my warranty to a 120,000 miles so it is a known problem with Hyundai and their sunroof from their current vehicle owners

[@Mr_Gorillazzz]

ja4lyfe20 o This may help your rattling sunroof : stingerforum.org/threads/sunroof-rattle-fix.14701/ Instead of silicone I used felt tape in the same areas circled in blue...took care of my noise. Just clean the rail really well before applying tape or foam tape. Hope that helps.

[@ryanhutton50]

Matt would you pick the Accord or Stinger 2.0 AWD?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Accord if you want a manual, Stinger if you want a hatch. Personally I'd probably go Stinger.

[@ryanhutton50]

@@MattMaranMotoring Thanks for the reply! I would have to agree. Keep up the great work and content!

[@davidefland1985]

I have the 2.5 motor l averaged 41 to 44 mpg on a trip doing 75 mph in normal mode.

[@letsgocapsbeatpens]

The wind noise is a deal breaker for me. I want a quiet cabin, especially at this price point.

[@brianfranchuk543]

I drove one of these in a really hard rain storm, you couldn't hear much of the outside even with the sunshade open on the moonroof. Imo it's actually quite quiet for the class, especially with those laminated front side windows. At a stop with the wipers on max I couldn't even hear them, nor really any of the rain hitting the roof of the car.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Hmmm. Funny how one thinks it’s noisy and another says no

[@kevinconnolly8784]

I own a 2021 Sonata Limited and road noise / interior noise level is actually very low. And the highway drive assist works VERY well; it’s great on highways, not especially suited for 2 lane suburban or rural roads.

[@ssr1680]

You only one who had issues with the Sonata driver assist system, you must have a preproduction car that's unfinished

[@ssr1680]

@Tyrel Tolliver Me personally I don't trust any these new systems, I trust my mirrors and that's it, I think blind spot monitors are decent but I still look in mirrors. Old school driving 👍🏾

[@clairekennedy8767]

Great review as usual! Cars in general are getting to expensive, I think Hyundai is saving a higher performance engine for the N line.

[@clairekennedy8767]

Ray Be kind to others, it goes a long way I agree. If you want pay cash, you can’t afford it.

[@klasseact6663]

Matt, that Sonata makes you rethink that M-B in your driveway, huh🤔

[@MattMaranMotoring]

That’s my wife’s choice. She pays for it. She still loves the Mercedes.

[@kilpel2]

Good review, no one else mentioned the excess noise. Can't deal with road noise no matter how nice the car is.

[@EllinasOsToKokalo]

If they ever decide to bring that model in Europe that 1.6 engine will be the selling point because most countries have an extra luxury tax from 2.0 + the standard emissions

[@waynegallo7002]

Sonata out sales the Mazda that speaks for it self.

[@MrMuchachos75]

They most all do. Mazda looks good, but no one buys them

[@TheAdventureAuto]

I agree that the Mazda6 would be a much nicer option. It has a much more upscale look when compared to this new Sonata, which has a really weird looking front grille. I had a vehicle with that 1.6T in it and it was a very underwhelming engine. Im surprised you thought that 28.2mpg was decent. My Genesis with a V8 averages about 22mpg. 5.0 vs 1.6T and only 6mpg difference? Dont even get me started on how bad the new Elantra's look. Hyundai has really taken a step back lately.

[@Yoomaro]

The Adventure Auto the Mazda3 remains the best looking entry level sedan

[@TheAdventureAuto]

@@Yoomaro I agree! I recently drove one and I would definitely go with a manual due to the automatic having too much of a computer controlled feel. It's hard to explain.

[@DJL78]

Excellent review! Specifically your critical comparison between the Sonata and it’s rivals. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! 👍

[@klasseact6663]

I would hope a 2.0T and 2.5T makes more power than a 1.6T in a true mid-sized car, let's compare the N-line when it comes out. Maybe compare the regular Accord with its 1.5T🤔

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Compared with the 1.5T Accord, this Sonata is way overpriced, but Honda doesn’t offer a fully loaded model with the 1.5.

[@klasseact6663]

@@MattMaranMotoring well, people want tech so Hyundai gives it to them. I hate to say it but everyone doesn't care for or need alot of power, you know this. Additionally, just look at the Sonata, looks very unique and that's someone EVERYONE can appreciate.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I agree not everyone cares about power, hence my closing remarks that these fully loaded Sonatas might be worth the money if you're into the tech and not performance.

[@noelebbert9322]

Great video matt. really like the wife combo videos. To me, the angular structure of the rear trunk lid looks like 10 year old design. Reminds me of civic or something. The front looks like old hyundai, but could be different in real life.

[@keeperzero]

I was going to get this car but I'm sticking with my 1981 Ford Fiesta

[@stevewise1656]

With double pained glass it’s still noisy. Disappointing. People who’ve test driven the Sonata and new 2021 Optima in Korea said the Optima is more refined and not nearly the same wind noise.

[@brianfranchuk543]

I find it erroneous that he claims you can get a better deal on a Mazda 6, since they only redesigned it and added the turbo option last year. Also Mazda dealerships have a reputation for not budging on the MSRP, as I can personally attest to because I was cross-shopping a Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve with the Sonata SEL Plus and even though their MSRPs are very close Hyundai was already willing to come down a bit on the price while Mazda, with all incentives applied (including owner loyalty) was only taking pretty much the doc fees off.

[@brianfranchuk543]

TL;DR Just because a car has been around for a few years doesn't mean you can automatically get a better deal on it, especially when it has been recently refreshed and is trying to be a "premium" product.

[@good104]

Extremely misleading review in many ways. I bought my Sonata in 2021 after test driving most major competitors. In fact, I did not even consider Hyundai. However, I took a test drive as the dealer was right across the street from a Honda dealer. I am so glad that I did. Sonata is far better at keeping the noise out. I found it to be quiet. Also, the highway drive assistant systems are actually a lot better than Camry, Accord and Mazda 6. This reviewed doesn't know what he is talking about.

[@Caldwell1234]

Unfortunately you don’t know how to use the steering assist. Every other reviewer has absolutely praised it.What gives ? Why such a big discrepancy with all other well established reviewers ? Perhaps you have a preproduction model.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I wish I knew why it didn't work well, but this behavior is pretty consistent across all my Hyundai/Kia/Genesis reviews I've done in the past couple years with HDA. Some work a little better, some a little worse, but it's definitely not the most reliable system in my experiences.

[@Catchingwithchristian]

Why can’t Hyundai just put better engine/power options in like this has been a problem since the 2011 models under powered motors for a larger car causes excessive wear and tear especially with a car full of people on a road trip or going up steep inclines a lot I will be glad when they just go electric because I’m giving up on these new economy engines

[@gene978]

I am so shocked about the lane keep. I heard Hyundai has one of the best people praise on the GENESIS and Palisade and Telluride. ..In todays world we don’t think people who ping pong on the road are drunk we assume they are distracted ;) NO ONE pays Sticker at a Hyundai Dealership (other than Palisade) Mazda you will pay Sticker. Sonata during the first 6 months of this new model $2000 off after 2 years easy $4500 off.

[@R1val909]

Wow and the straight pipes said Hyundai has the best lane keep too. Such bs

[@henrysantos942]

I would rather get the N line for that kind of money.

[@sayhi2kojo1]

I’m gonna buy salvage

[@Rick9482]

The Limited didn't come out well in this review and something here doesn't add up. Everyone else seems to rave about the quiet cabin and no video I've seen had negative comments about highway assist and the level of wind noise your complaining about is also a first. Makes me wonder about your testing methods especially when you mentioned s bends when evaluating highway assist. I don't believe It's meant for that purpose but for following the car ahead or highway driving. I don't care how good any driver assist program may be, when we get to s bends, it will be me driving. Get real! Why is your review so different than the rest? Anyway, damage done and it's off my list for my next vehicle.

[@WarPigRS]

Current owner of a first gen YF (2011) I will never purchase a Hyundai again, especially a Sonata. The wind noise hasn't changed in 11 years LOL. And the 10/100K warranty doesn't matter to me when you're in the shop for something every 3-6 months. It's a piece of shit.

[@jacobyo99]

I average 33 in mine

[@MrMomo0529]

Matt I think you should be more specific to your viewers, yes the Mazda has a 2.5 liters and can deliver up to 250 Hp but you have to feed that thing with premium fuel to get that or you have to settle for only 227 Hp with regular fuel. Are you kidding me? The Honda Accord gives you 252 Hp with regular gas and the Subaru Legacy gives you 260 with regular gas with a 2.4 liter engine.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Running regular gas in a turbo car generally isn't a great idea anyway, even if manufacturers allow it.

[@MrMomo0529]

Okay you might have a point but that does not make the truth unreal. Premium gas are significantly higher than regular with little to no added benefit in terms of running fast and if Honda and Subaru can do it then why can’t Mazda and Nissan do the same in their high powered turbocharged versions!!!

[@panzer_TZ]

Peak horsepower doesn't mean much for daily driving. The Mazda produces the peak 310 lb-ft of torque even on regular fuel. Only looking at the horsepower means you don't know anything about how engines work.

[@park2086]

Ugly steering wheel. I just cannot get past that thing. Why not 3 spoke??

[@MrMomo0529]

park2086 looks like a Buick Park Avenue from the early 90’s steering wheel

[@charlesgroover9646]

But it’s slow right ?

[@ak2112]

Yeah I'd still just buy an Accord.

[@racer2c]

I don't care who makes the car, I will never buy a car with glossy black hard plastic interior pieces. the finger prints and dust show up like a cocain bust crime scene. the switch gear in that car looks like a Sears home stereo from '89.

[@BobThe9534]

ur 1st

[@EVEmasta]

11:12 great tech? Lmao their interior is shit compared to sonata

[@ghuldorgrey]

Ugly rear tho

[@graham3400]

Really not a fan of this design at all... To me it looks like something from 2007.

[@adamsargeson520]

Looks like a focus in a cheap suit

[@AliAlhussaini]

It’s ugly and cheap, will break apart in three years

[@dankim5710]

Your mom will break apart after 1 day

[@AliAlhussaini]

Dan Xiong That’s the most childish shit anyone could ever type, you actually just insulted yourself 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@AliAlhussaini]

Leon Chan If that’s what you do to maintain your brain, it’s not working

[@AliAlhussaini]

Ray Be kind to others, it goes a long way You’re awesome bro👌

[@MrMomo0529]

There’s no need to make such derogatory comment about someone’s mother because they express their feelings. We can all agree to disagree.