America’s 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Returns 52 MPG Combined

[We’ve updated the gallery with live imagery from the Chicago Auto Show floors]

Following its introduction in Korea last year, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is now making its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

Going on sale this spring in the United States, the new Sonata Hybrid boasts 686 miles (1,104 km) of driving range and an EPA-estimated 52 mpg (4.5 l/100 km) combined fuel economy rating for the base Blue trim.

Much like the model sold in Hyundai’s home market, the U.S.-spec Sonata Hybrid combines a Smartstream G2.0 GDi HEV engine rated at 150 HP and 139 lb-ft (188 Nm) of torque with an electric motor making 39 kW (52 HP) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque.

The combined system power output is 192 HP, making the Sonata Hybrid around 20 horsepower less potent than the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. A six-speed hybrid automatic transmission and high-voltage battery pack (with an unspecified capacity) are also part of the package.

According to Hyundai, the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 50 mpg (4.7 l/100 km) city, 54 mpg (4.3 l/100 km) highway and 52 mpg (4.5 l/100 km) combined for the base Blue trim.

Tech highlights of the 2020 Sonata Hybrid also include the world’s first Active Shift Control (ASC) technology and a Solar Roof System (SRS), which are responsible for increasing driving range. ASC monitors gear shifts 500 times per second to precisely adjust the transmission rotation speed for faster shift times.

By applying new control logic software to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU), the system aligns the electric motor with the rotational speeds of the engine and transmission to reduce gear shifts by 30 percent. This is said to have a positive effect on both performance and fuel economy.

Also favoring fuel efficiency is a solar roof system which directly charges the 12-volt and hybrid batteries and outputs 205 watts of electricity. Hyundai says the roof increases range by about 2 miles (3.2 km) per day and helps prevent battery discharge from infotainment or HVAC systems when the car is off.

Everything else is pretty much the same as the regular 2020 Sonata, though the hybrid model does feature some unique aero tweaks. Those include a front bumper lip, wheel deflectors on both axles, active air flaps behind the grille and a redesigned rear spoiler – all contributing to the 0.24 drag coefficient. Serving the same purpose are the undercovers for the engine bay, center floor and rear section.

U.S. pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to the 2020 Sonata’s market launch in spring 2020.