2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus: 0-60 MPH Speed & Review

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus, focusing particularly on its 0-60 mph time, performance, and overall review. If you're eyeing this car, you're probably wondering how it stacks up in terms of speed and whether it offers a satisfying driving experience. Well, buckle up because we're about to explore everything you need to know!

Overview of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus is a stylish and well-equipped mid-size sedan that blends practicality with a touch of luxury. It's part of the eighth generation of the Sonata, which brought a bold new design language and a host of advanced features to the lineup. The SEL Plus trim, in particular, stands out due to its enhanced performance and premium amenities.

Engine and Performance Specs

Under the hood, the SEL Plus boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a respectable 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While it's not a sports car, this engine provides ample power for daily driving and confident highway merging and passing. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive gear changes.

Now, let’s get to the exciting part: the 0-60 mph time. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus typically clocks in around 7.0 to 7.3 seconds in independent testing. This is a solid figure for a mid-size sedan in its class. It’s quick enough to keep things interesting without sacrificing fuel efficiency or comfort.

Key Features of the SEL Plus

Beyond its performance, the SEL Plus trim includes a variety of appealing features:

  • Panoramic Sunroof: Adds an airy and open feel to the cabin.
  • Leatherette Seating Surfaces: Provides a touch of luxury and comfort.
  • 18-inch Alloy Wheels: Enhances the car's sporty appearance.
  • LED Lighting: Offers improved visibility and a modern look.
  • Hyundai’s SmartSense Suite: Includes advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance.

Performance: Acceleration and Handling

Acceleration

The acceleration of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus is adequate for most driving situations. The 1.6-liter turbo engine delivers a decent amount of punch, especially in the mid-range. While it may not pin you to your seat, it provides enough power for confident acceleration when you need it. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps to make the most of the engine's power, offering smooth and timely shifts.

In real-world driving, the Sonata SEL Plus feels responsive and eager. Whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating city streets, the engine provides sufficient power to handle the task. The turbocharger spools up quickly, minimizing lag and providing a smooth and linear power delivery.

Handling

When it comes to handling, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus strikes a good balance between comfort and control. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and compliant ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. However, it's not so soft that it feels floaty or disconnected. The car remains composed and stable, even when cornering at moderate speeds.

The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the Sonata in tight spaces. While it may not offer the same level of feedback as a sports car, it's still communicative enough to give you a good sense of what the front wheels are doing. Overall, the handling of the Sonata SEL Plus is well-suited to daily driving.

Braking

The braking performance of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus is also commendable. The brakes feel strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power when needed. The car remains stable and composed under hard braking, without exhibiting excessive dive or sway. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) further enhance safety and control in emergency braking situations.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Cabin Design and Materials

Inside the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The materials used throughout the interior are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The leatherette seating surfaces feel premium and supportive, providing a comfortable place to sit on long drives. The overall design is modern and stylish, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

The panoramic sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the cabin, making it feel more spacious and inviting. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, even on long journeys. There's also plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making the Sonata a comfortable car for families.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system. The standard 8-inch touchscreen display is easy to read and navigate, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car.

Other notable tech features include a premium audio system, which delivers clear and balanced sound, and a wireless charging pad, which allows you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables. The car also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance.

Safety Features

  • Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): The Sonata SEL Plus includes Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This feature warns you of approaching vehicles when you’re backing out of a parking space or driveway.
  • ** airbags:** The Sonata comes standard with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another area where the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus shines. The 1.6-liter turbo engine is designed to deliver a good balance of power and fuel economy. According to EPA estimates, the Sonata SEL Plus achieves around 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. These are respectable figures for a mid-size sedan in its class.

In real-world driving, you can expect to see fuel economy figures that are close to the EPA estimates. The Sonata's eight-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize fuel efficiency by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. The car also includes a number of fuel-saving technologies, such as automatic start-stop, which shuts off the engine when you're stopped at a traffic light.

Pricing and Value

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus offers excellent value for money. With a starting price of around $28,000, it's competitively priced compared to other mid-size sedans in its class. And when you consider all of the features and equipment that you get for the money, it's hard to argue with the value proposition.

The SEL Plus trim includes a long list of standard features, including a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a premium audio system. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, making it a safe and well-equipped car for families.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus:

Pros:

  • Stylish and modern design
  • Well-equipped with features
  • Good fuel efficiency
  • Comfortable ride
  • User-friendly infotainment system
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • Not as sporty as some competitors
  • Some may find the styling too bold

Alternatives to the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus

If you're considering the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus, you might also want to take a look at some of its competitors. Some of the most popular alternatives include:

  • Toyota Camry: Known for its reliability and longevity.
  • Honda Accord: Offers a spacious interior and sporty handling.
  • Nissan Altima: Features a comfortable ride and advanced technology.
  • Mazda 6: Provides a more engaging driving experience.

Each of these cars has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth doing your research to see which one best meets your needs and preferences.

Final Verdict

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus is a well-rounded and appealing mid-size sedan that offers a lot for the money. Its turbocharged engine provides adequate performance, while its comfortable interior and long list of features make it a pleasure to drive. If you're looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped family car, the Sonata SEL Plus is definitely worth considering. The 0-60 mph time of around 7.0 to 7.3 seconds is respectable, and the overall driving experience is satisfying. So, what do you think, guys? Is the Sonata SEL Plus the right car for you?