2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Interior Review: Tranquil and Tech-Happy

If we had to sum up the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in one word, we would pick "upscale." Although it's not a luxury vehicle by any stretch, the new sedan is more refined than its predecessor, boasting a smooth and quiet ride as well as a capable powertrain. The techy interior, especially the one on our top-trim Limited tester, is another strong point. Keep reading for some of the hits and misses of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's interior.

Interior Fit and Finish

The first thing you're likely to notice about the Sonata Hybrid Limited's interior is the massive touchscreen that blends nicely into the dashboard. The screen pairs well with the second defining point of the interior: the fully digital instrument cluster. Dominated by screens instead of buttons, the dashboard boasts a clean and uncluttered look.

Although we like the cabin layout, we wish Hyundai eliminated some of the grainy plastics on the doors, dashboard, and center console of our tester. A few more plush surfaces would give the cabin a premium feel fitting of a top-trim model. Leather and geometric metallic accents near the cupholders jazz up the cabin.

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Instrument Cluster

Hyundai's 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster has lively graphics and serves many useful functions. Our personal favorite: It shows you if there is traffic in the lane you want to change into. When you activate the turn signal, one of the circular gauges becomes a screen showing what's in the next lane. If you're turning left, the left gauge provides a view of the lane to the left, and if you're turning right, the right gauge activates. It's convenient this view can be displayed in the instrument cluster, so it doesn't get in the way of your navigation and media on the main touchscreen. Just don't spend too much time looking at the screen and not over your shoulder or at the road ahead.

The instrument cluster is home to other key data, including powertrain energy flow, mpg, and a meter that shows when you're using full power and when you're driving economically. An attention level monitor makes sure you're awake and alert enough to be driving—another nice touch.

Connectivity

Our tester featured a regular USB port as well as a USB charge port up front, located conveniently next to a place to store your phone (or wirelessly charge it). There are no ports in the (rather small) center console bin. But an additional USB charge port can be found in the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all Sonata Hybrids.

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Touchscreen

Our model came with the upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics. A split-screen setup allows you to quickly switch between different functions like media, navigation, and fuel economy info. The touchscreen responds well to voice navigation commands, even informal ones like asking for the nearest Starbucks. When parking, our model's 360-degree camera provides a clear view of the spot from above.

Climate Controls

Physical buttons and knobs make it easy to adjust climate controls while you're driving. Our model came with heated and ventilated seats, which can be adjusted to the right level of intensity.

Back Seats

The rear compartment feels spacious, though the sedan doesn't have quite as much legroom in the back as rivals. With 34.8 inches of rear legroom, the Sonata Hybrid offers less space to stretch out than the Honda Accord Hybrid (40.4 inches) and Toyota Camry Hybrid (38.0 inches). Rear shades back here are a nice touch.

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Cargo

Although not very tall, the Sonata Hybrid's trunk has room for two large suitcases to sit flat on the floor. Cargo space totals 16.0 cubic feet, which is less than the Accord Hybrid (16.7 cubic feet), but more than the Camry Hybrid (15.1 cubic feet).

Electronic Gear Shifter

The Sonata Hybrid features a well-placed push-button gear shifter. We find it more convenient than a clunky lever. Right below is a drive mode selector, making it easy to switch between Eco, Sport, Smart, and Custom.

Bose audio system

Providing the cabin with crisp, clear audio quality is a Bose audio system that's optional on the Sonata Hybrid. If you're in the mood to relax, you can pick from a selection of nature tracks: Lively Forest, Calm Sea Waves, Rainy Day, Open-Air Café, Warm Fireplace, and Snowy Village.

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