2020 Hyundai Sonata

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Sonata is all new for 2020 and enters a new generation with a more aggressive design and a trio of new powertrains, including a hybrid that can charge its battery from energy captured by solar panels on the roof. U.S. News (opens in a new tab) lists the changes as two new powertrain options, updated interior and exterior styling, additional standard safety features and more available tech such as a 10.25-inch touch screen, and adds that there are several differences between the 2019 and 2020 models. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the base SE uses the 2.5-liter engine on 16-inch alloy wheels and expects the hybrid to be equipped like the SEL Plus or Limited.

A first-year generation carries more risk than a mature one. Autojunket (opens in a new tab) says there are no years to avoid strictly but that the 2020 and 2021 model years carry the highest chance of first-generation issues.

NHTSA lists four recalls. 20V213 covers 2020 Nexo and Sonata models where the Remote Smart Parking Assist software may fail to prevent vehicle movement. 20V122 concerns the tire pressure label inside the driver's door on cars produced between October 22, 2019 and February 13, 2020. 22V196 covers 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid models where the trunk latch may become damaged. The most recent, 25V796, covers 2020 to 2023 Sonatas where a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components; the fuel and propulsion category is also where owner complaints concentrate. Because 25V796 is recent, check that a used car has had the check valve replaced.

NHTSA lists 178 complaints on the 2020 Sonata: fuel and propulsion system 45, electrical system 40, engine 31, unclassified 28, power train 24 and seats 16. VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) counted 154 complaints, 4 of them crash-related, with fuel and propulsion, electrical faults and uncategorized issues at the top. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) rates a 2020 with 84,000 to 96,000 miles as a medium risk of major repair. On a used Sonata, test the electrical features and the engine start, and look for evidence of the fuel-system recall.

CarBuzz (opens in a new tab) lists the SE 2.4L at a $23,600 MSRP and the SEL 2.4L at $25,700, and puts the current average used price at $14,364 across 64 listings. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says a 2020 Sonata has depreciated $5,157, or 29 percent, in three years, with a resale value of $12,150 and a trade-in value of $9,775.

The 2020 Sonata's EPA combined ratings run 31 to 52 mpg, with fuel costs of $1,200 to $2,000 a year on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab), because the range includes the hybrid. The 2020 Toyota Camry rates 25 to 52 mpg ($1,200 to $2,500) and the Honda Accord 26 to 48 mpg ($1,300 to $2,400), so the Sonata's floor of 31 mpg is above both rivals' lowest ratings. Car and Driver's case for the Sonata is attractive design and high-level features at an affordable price; the case against is the first-generation record above.