Unfortunately, all-wheel drive (AWD) is not an option for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
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AWD for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata’s next generation?
For 2020, the Hyundai Sonata is getting a significant update, and when it hits the market, it will only be available with front-wheel drive. It appears possible, nevertheless, that the vehicle might eventually be sold with all-wheel drive.
Although the business has never given its car that capability, it might because the N3, the new modular platform that supports it, was made to accommodate a wide range of vehicle types, including SUVs with an AWD system. Technically speaking, the Sonata could be modified.
In an interview with CNET Roadshow, Hyundai’s product director, Jae Young Kim, stated that the business was actively investigating the prospect of introducing more AWD-equipped models to its product portfolio in the United States.
Hyundai would have a respectable rival in that segment to the Nissan Altima and the Subaru Legacy with an all-wheel-drive Sonata. Additionally, because it is brand-new and cutting-edge, it might persuade purchasers who would otherwise choose an SUV because of its all-wheel traction.
It is anticipated that the 2020 Sonata will debut near the end of 2019. The company will have the ensuing months to determine whether to launch an AWD version for the 2020 model year or postpone it until 2021 or 2022.
Naturally, “the sooner the better” is the best approach from the perspective of the consumer. The ability to drive with all four wheels is now a major selling point for automobiles.
The 2020 Sonata’s capability for all-wheel drive
Even though the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is not an SUV, many buyers want to know if power is available for all four of its wheels. After all, comparable midsize cars like the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy do offer an all-wheel drive option. Is AWD available on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai Sonata doesn’t have all-wheel drive, so no. Instead, every model level has front-wheel drive as standard. Despite this, the vehicle is still fairly capable; its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of up to 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine upgrade reduces the horsepower to 180 while increasing the torque to 195 pound-feet.
However, the 2020 Sonata prioritizes comfort above athleticism overall. The inside of the model has undergone a complete overhaul and is now among the best in its class. It represents the seductive “Sensuous Sportiness” design aesthetic that Hyundai is currently implementing throughout its whole brand.
The N Line is a turbocharged blast, whereas Base Sonatas practice moderation.
All of the Sonata’s variants use 4-cylinder engines, however some are more powerful than others. Based on the most widely used version, we rate it a 5 for its average performance.
The 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 that drives the majority of Sonatas sold is the weakest link in the chain. The 8-speed automatic transmission’s quick gear changes and leisurely but adequate acceleration make up for the clumsy toggle-switch transmission controls, which is the one drawback.
Despite having a lower horsepower rating, the 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo-4 that comes with the Sonata SEL Plus and Limited has higher torque. It is optimized for increased responsiveness and low-end torque. It is quiet and smooth during hard acceleration, but there is a slight turbo lag that the transmission can’t cover up because it is set up for frequent, fuel-efficient upshifts. If we had to decide, we’d go with the 2.0-liter inline-4, 51-hp electric engine, and battery pack’s 192 horsepower in the Sonata Hybrid. It is a well-integrated hybrid system with a 6-speed automatic transmission that switches between gas and electric power almost seamlessly. Even though it isn’t inherently speedy, it achieves remarkable EPA ratings.
The Sonata is a composed, mature sedan with fuss-free handling in any of these configurations. It prefers the Normal drive setting, which allows it to easily navigate twisting backroads with mild steering and barely detectable shifts. Its strut-and-multilink suspension handles practically any road surface admirably, but hairpins show the fundamental softness that even its larger 19-inch wheels can’t disturb. The jerky sensation that used to plague its Sport modes has been eliminated, and the steering doesn’t get unduly heavy either. The stiff body also cancels out any trembling that might be caused by railroad rails.
Hyundai saves its most powerful turbo-4 for the Sonata N Line, which uses an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic to provide 290 horsepower to the front wheels. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in around six seconds, and the engine revs eagerly to make use of its broad torque band. The Sonata N Line’s shift speeds and traction controls can be drastically changed with drive modes that offer a Sport+ program.
It’s a sport sedan that grips the road well and makes you smile, especially with the simple addition of summer tires. The engine and transmission mounts, chassis bushings, larger anti-roll bars, and more precisely adjusted dampers are what give it its keen roadholding. Additionally, it has more powerful brakes and a steering motor positioned on a rack for more accurate motions. The Sonata N Line fosters the kind of driving that makes having anyone ride in the rear seat undesirable by pushing through some torque steer. The Sonata N Line would perform at least as well as a 7 if it were rated by itself.
Is there an all-wheel drive Hyundai sedan?
Despite the absence of an AWD sedan from Hyundai, there are still a ton of fantastic sedan and AWD SUV alternatives, so check out what we have.
Do Hyundai Sonatas have front- or all-wheel drive?
Our team of professionals has a wealth of knowledge when analyzing cars. We use manufacturer-supplied automobiles in the actual world as real consumers would in order to present an unbiased assessment of their capabilities, but we occasionally, but not always, review them. Reading More
For many years, the Hyundai Sonata was a midsize family sedan that was easily forgotten, unimpressive, and overshadowed by the competition. In 2020, a sleek, extroverted redesign with daring aesthetics, industry-leading technology, capable driving dynamics, and best-in-segment fuel economy arrived. Hyundai has continued on its current route two years later, making relatively minor modifications to the Sonata’s several variants. Regardless of how it seems, it is still an excellent drive, a great deal, and instantly recognizable.
The four powertrains and trims from 2021 remain same, with the exception of a few equipment upgrades and minor price decreases. The regular 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 191 horsepower, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four makes 180 horsepower, and the hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor for a total of 192 horsepower. The N line, which has a 2.5 with 290 hp, is the hottest of them. Both the N line and its cousin, the Kia K5 GT, compete against the Toyota Camry TRD and Honda Accord Touring. They both have powerful turbo-four engines and well-tuned performance suspensions.
Despite the fact that crossovers are becoming more popular, family sedans like the Accord, Camry, Sonata, and K5 are still among the best in their class as midsize sedans. The Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, and Chevrolet Malibu are some additional rivals. The Sonata only has front-wheel drive, just like the Malibu and the Accord, but it has ample of grip and few competitors offer hybrids or performance on par with the Sonata N series. Although it is not quite as roomy as the Accord, four passengers can fit comfortably.
Even as it transitioned to swanky design and suspensions calibrated by German engineers, Hyundai maintained its history of value. The entry-level SE costs $24,500 (instead of $24,705), followed by the SEL ($26,250), the SEL Plus ($31,450), the sportier N line ($33,750), and the Limited ($34,400), which has the highest level of specification. Driver-assist gear is well-equipped in every model, even the entry-level one, and the number of options increases as you move up the trim ladder. Although Sonatas are more affordable than high-end Tucson SUVs, crossovers may be more popular.
This year, the hybrids also gain from a minor price drop while keeping the same basic amenities as their gasoline-only brothers. The base price for the Hybrid Blue is $27,350 (as opposed to $28,755), followed by the Hybrid SEL at $30,100, and the Hybrid Limited at $35,700. Although the hybrids are capable drivers and get exceptional fuel economy by any measure, the N line may be extraordinary for performance. In combined driving, the Sonata Blue Hybrid can achieve 52 mpg.
The Sonata continues to provide the same amazing value, buttoned-down driving experience, plenty of standard safety tech, and can’t-miss-it styling—though the latter is a love-it-or-hate affair. This is in contrast to some of its competitors who are getting older. Given that the Tech Package is now standard, we continue to believe that the SEL Plus is the model that offers the most desirable tech features. For those who enjoy driving, we also tip our respects to the Sonata N line. It’s a serious and powerful near-luxury sports sedan. Everyone can find something here.
The Hyundai Sonata was retired for what reason?
In the upcoming years, Hyundai may remove the Sonata moniker from its lineup of international models, according to a media report.
According to reports, Hyundai is not creating a Sonata for a new generation. The automobile, however, is anticipated to see one more makeover before being finally discontinued around 2025. The current Hyundai Sonata is part of the eighth generation, which debuted back in 2020.
The current-generation Hyundai Sonata is available with two gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain in other countries. The brand is rumored to be phased out the sedan in favor of EVs. The Ioniq 6 EV, which Hyundai is presently developing and may eventually replace the Sonata in its lineup, will go on sale soon.
According to reports, the product’s poor sales may have also been a factor in its cancellation. In comparison to the preceding models, which sold over a million units, the Hyundai Sonata sedan is reported to have sold only 4,40,000 units in the last three years. With almost 9 million units sold since its 1985 debut, the sedan is one of Korea’s most durable vehicles.
What Hyundai Sonata model is the best-of-the-best?
Hyundai Sonata 2020 Limited Even more cutting-edge safety technology is added to the top-of-the-line 2020 Sonata Limited trim to support you while you’re driving or backing up. The SEL Plus features of the 2020 Sonata Limited also include: Smart remote parking assistance
Are Hyundai Sonatas dependable vehicles?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Hyundai Sonata is ranked fifth among 24 midsize automobiles. Its great ownership costs are reflected in the $458 average yearly repair cost.