All new from the ground up for ‘20, the Sonata goes to show that the sedan isn’t dead by offering loads of features and value in typical Hyundai fashion. Here’s the pricing/option breakdown.
There are 4 trims levels to the Sonata spread over 2 engine choices: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. One of the things I never cared for with the Sonata is its weak engine offerings. That hasn’t changed for 2020. Weirdly the more powerful bigger engine is the base engine. Hyundai’s tried and true 2.5 I4 is the base engine. This time around it makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb/ft of torque. The uplevel engine is a 1.6 turbo 4 with 180 horses and 195 lb/ft of torque.
The base SE starts at the aforementioned $23,400. With this being Hyundai, standard features are extensive. From LED headlights with LED DRL’s, to a suite of driver safety aids like smart cruise control with stop & go, forward collision avoidance, etc that other brands charge thousands for as options, it comes nicely equipped for the price. Also of note, every single trim comes standard with the large 8” touchscreen as well. There are 7 exterior color choices and 2 interior colors. Both cloth and no charge. With no option packages and accessories like a cargo package, wheel locks etc, a base Sonata SE rings in at $24,330.
The next trim up is the SEL. Starting at $25,500 it builds on the SE by coming standard with things like heated front seats, 17” wheels, push button start and a power driver’s seat. It also gets a different front fascia and grille. Exterior color choices are the same as well as interior colors, though the SEL gets leather seating options. However they are only available with certain option packages.
There are 3 option packages on the SEL, all of which can be combined. The first is a $1200 Convenience Package. It comes with:
- 12.3” LCD instrument cluster
- Hyundai Digital Key
- Wireless phone charger
- Autodimming mirror
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- 2nd row air vents (should be standard)
- 2nd row USB charge port
The next is a $1,850 Premium Package. It includes:
- Bose audio system with 12 speakers
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather seating
The last option isn’t a package per se, but just an option. Its a pano roof for a grand. I added all 3 of these. It should be noted that selecting any of the leather seating options (of which there are 4) requires all 3 of these packages. All in, a loaded Sonata SEL rings in at a not bad $30,480.
The next trim up is the SEL Plus. This trim can be closely compared to the previous gen Sport trim. It starts at $28,380. On this trim the Sonata comes standard with the new 180 horse 1.6 turbo I4. It builds on the SEL by coming standard with the 12.3” LCD instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, 18” wheels and Hyundai Digital Key. It pretty much comes standard with the Premium and Convenience packages but without the Pano roof and Bose audio system.
Exterior color choices differ only in that the option of the Sonata’s new Glowing Yellow paint can be chosen on this trim. Interior color choices are limited with this being the “sport” trim of the Sonata. The only choice is Black Leatherette seats with suede inserts.
The only option package on the SEL Plus is a $2,750 Tech Package. It bundles together:
- Pano roof
- LED interior lights
- 10.25” touchscreen navigation system
- Bose 12 speaker audio system
- Highway Drive Assist
All in, a Sonata SEL plus is still a not bad $31,130, just a mere $650 more than a loaded SEL.
The final trim of the Sonata and the top of the hill for the line is the Sonata Limited. Starting at $33,300, its loaded. Literally. It comes standard with every option package that’s an option on the other trims. There are no options. The only choice you need to make are what color you want the exterior and the standard leather seats to be. A Sonata Limited rings in at $34,230
The Sonata looks to be a winner on the value front, not only coming standard with but offering features that are either not offered on competitors or they cost thousands more. The main downside however is the relatively weak engine offerings which, like I mentioned before, have always seemed to be a problem with the Sonata. This should be remedied soon with the coming 290 horse Sonata N-Line.
