Congratulations on choosing the new 2020 Sonata. 

Hyundai’s 8^th generation Sonata has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year.  This exciting new vehicle delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, sophisticated technology, and advanced standard safety features. The new Sonata also has several new first-in-class, and first-in-industry features.

This article will inform you on the basics of the technological features in your new Sonata and inform you where to go for more information. Keep in mind that your owner’s manual is always the best source for the most detailed information.

Standard on All Sonata Models

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

All 2020 Sonatas come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.  Simply connect your mobile phone, and the system will bring up the appropriate app on the wide touch-screen.¹ 

 Drive Mode

 All 2020 Sonatas come standard with Drive Mode Select.  Each driving mode adjusts   steering feel, and both engine and transmission mapping. These are the drive mode   options:

           •         Eco –Tuned for efficient operation.  Smooth throttle response, optimized                                      transmission shifts, and light steering feel.

           •         Sport –Quick throttle response, transmission holds gears longer, quicker                                      downshifts and heavier steering feel

           •         Smart – Tracks your driving habits and adjusts the steering and drivetrain                                    functions to better serve your driving style.

           •         Custom – Lets you select your own setting combination.  

                                                                                                                                                           Electronic Shift Button

 Hyundai has kept things simple with three large buttons, and the Park button easily   accessible on the side.  This shift-by-wire system frees up space on the center console so   that it allows convenient storage below.

 A failsafe built into the system will prevent Drive or Reverse from engaging if a door is not   fully closed. If the need arises, this can be over-ridden by pressing Drive or Reverse   multiple times.

 
Turbocharged models add paddle shifters behind the steering wheel allowing you to shift manually.

                                                                                                                                                               Hyundai SmartSense

 Hyundai Smart Sense is designed to alert and assist you in various driving situations. The   following Hyundai SmartSense features are standard on every 2020 Sonata:

       •        Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection (FCA)²

        •        Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC)³

        •        Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) – Issues warning if you drift out of a detected lane ⁴

        •        Lane Follow Assist (LFA) – Helps keep you centered in a detected lane⁵

        •        Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

 ⁶      

        •        High Beam Assist (HBA)

        •        Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) door logic ⁷

Visit the Hyundai SmartSense information website for feature information. 

The following features are standard on:

        •        SEL                                                                         

        •        SEL Plus                                                                         

        •        Limited                                                                         

Enhanced Blue Link features

2020 Sonata SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited models include some enhanced Blue Link features, such as:

        •         Car Status Notification                                                                              

        •         Remote Vehicle Status                                                                                       

        •         Message Center

        •         User Profile

        •         Remote Start Settings   

You can enjoy all Blue Link services for a 3-year complimentary period.⁸

                                                                                                                                                              Remote Vehicle Status

Blue Link has been enhanced to enable additional vehicle status information to be found on MyHyundai.com and the MyHyundai app. With this feature, you can remotely determine the following about your Sonata:

Subject                                                                      Status Information

Fuel level                                                                   % Full

Oil level                                                                      OK / Low

Brake Fluid                                                                OK / Low

Washer Fluid                                                             OK / Low

Battery status                                                           OK / Low

Smart Key Battery                                                   % Charge

Exterior light malfunction                                     Specific light identified

Hood                                                                          Closed / Open

Trunk                                                                          Closed / Open

Windows                                                                   Closed / Open (open window is identified)

Doors                                                                         Closed / Open (open door is identified)

Engine (if Remote Start equipped)                     Off / On

Climate (if Remote Start equipped)                   Off / On (activated item, including heated features and F/R defrost identified)

From your MyHyundai app or on MyHyundai.com, you can perform the following remote actions:

       •         Start / Stop Engine

       •         Lock / Unlock Doors                                                                                         

       •         Horn & Lights

       •         Car Finder ⁹

You can also send a destination to your car if you have an equipped navigation system. Safeguard Alerts allows you to receive an alert from your vehicle based on:

        •         Time of Day

        •         Speed

        •         Geo Fence (a set distance around a home base)

                                                                                                                                                              Hyundai SmartSense

In addition to the standard Hyundai SmartSense features, SEL, SEL Plus and Limited models also include the following:

          •         Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) ¹⁰

          •         Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) ¹¹

Visit the Hyundai SmartSense information website for feature information. 

                                                                                                                                                                Hands-Free Smart Trunk Release

In the Sonata SEL models and higher, the trunk senses the presence of your key fob, and unlocks the trunk whereupon the spring-loaded trunk lid fully opens automatically. 

To avoid opening the trunk when you are simply walking behind the car, the system will activate when you are stationary by the trunk, then indicate the trunk is about to open.¹²            

The following features are standard on:

             •        SEL with Convenience Package

             •        SEL

             •        Limited

                                                                                                                                                                    12.3” LCD Gauge Cluster Display

Gauges are available in a 12.3-inch LCD high resolution color display.  The round speedometer and tachometer now feature color enhancements and hubs displaying a digital speed and fuel range readouts.  Between the gauges is a color multi-function center screen, which provides displays for the following features: 

              •         SmartSense functions

              •         Navigation route next step (if equipped)

              •        Parking Assist

              •        Trip Computer

              •        Utility functions

Navigation and operation of these displays is by a steering-wheel-mounted control on the right spoke.

                                                                                                                                                              Hyundai Digital Key  

Making its debut in the 2020 Sonata, Hyundai Digital Key allows your vehicle to be unlocked, locked, and started with an Android smartphone.  The system also allows the Primary User to share Digital Key access with up to three other users through their Android phones.

To learn more about Hyundai Digital Key click here.

                                                                                                                                                              Wireless Digital Charging

The Wireless Phone Charging system is based on Qi wireless charging.  iPhone 8 and newer models, and most recent Android phones are compatible.

If your phone is compatible, simply place it on the tray and it will automatically start charging. 

The following features are standard on:

                  •         SEL with Premium Package

                  •         SEL Plus with Technology Package

                  •         Limited

                                                                                                                                                                    Bose Premium Sound System with Centerpoint

Hyundai turned to the audio experts at Bose to design the Sonata premium audio system.  The system surrounds the occupants with 12 nearly evenly-spaced speakers; three up front, three on each side, and three in the rear. The Centerpoint system creates six-channel surround-sound from a stereo signal.

Sources include HD (digital) radio, XM Radio with free 3-month subscription, and from smartphones and other digital devices via Bluetooth streaming or direct USB connection.       

The following features are standard on:

                     •         SEL Plus with the Tech Package

                     •         Limited

                                                                                                                                                              Hyundai SmartSense - Highway Drive Assist (HDA)

HDA enhances the Smart Cruise Control system by helping to keep your vehicle centered in your lane and using GPS data to know if you are on a controlled access highway.  The system can be set to keep your vehicle at the highway speed limit. 

                                                                                                                                                                  10.25-inch Navigation Display and System

This wide touch-screen is integrated into the top of the dash and provides excellent visibility of navigation, audio, and other information.  View a wide panoramic map or split the screen to display both navigation and audio information. Here HD Traffic color-codes the maps with traffic info at no subscription cost.                                                                                  

Exclusively on the Limited

As an owner of a Limited model, you, quite simply have everything the Sonata has to offer.  Everything listed among trim levels and packages is standard on the Limited as well as the following exclusive features:

                                                                                                                                                            Surround View Monitor (SVM)

With Surround View Monitor, you can now see the parking space lines when you need them the most.  In addition, icons on the screen let you select specific views from the cameras, letting you see possible obstructions unseen from the driver seat.

                                                                                                                                                                    Blind View Monitor (BVM)

The Blind View Monitor activates automatically when you are in Drive and engage either the left or right turn signal.  Using a camera mounted below each outside mirror, the system displays an image on the instrument cluster display, providing a more comprehensive view of possible vehicles in the adjacent lane than can be seen from the mirror alone.

                                                                                                                                                              Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

With RSPA, you can position your car directly in front of a parking space, exit the car, press the RSPA Forward or Backward button, and have the car park itself into the space. 

When you return, simply press the Remote Start button followed by the appropriate RSPA button, and have the car drive out of the space so you can get enter with ease.¹³

                                                                                                                                                                  Head-Up Display (HUD)

An 8-inch Head-Up Display projects on the windshield. When activated, the HUD will show the vehicle speed and allow you to select the size and color of the speed display.  Other information that can appear on the HUD includes:

          •        Navigation turn-by-turn directions                              

          •        Speed limit and traffic sign info                                

          •        Driving assistance system status                                         

          •        Lane safety information

          •        Blind spot status

          •        Audio system information

You can select the features that appear on the HUD, as well as the height, rotation and brightness of the overall display, from a control on the center touch-screen.

                                                                                                                                                          Frequently Asked Questions

What may prevent Land Keeping Assist or Lane Follow Assist from detecting a lane?
The systems only operate at highway speeds, or approximately above 44 mph.  Lanes are best detected when lane edge markings are clearly visible.  Snow, rain, reflective wet pavement, faded lane markings or dappled shadows may prevent lane detection.

                                                                                                                                                                    When should I not use the Smart Cruse Control?
SCC is for highway use only and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. The driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.

                                                                                                                                                                      Will Blind Spot Detection detect motorcycles?
This is designed to detect motorcycles but its operation does depend on the, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other vehicles. The smaller a vehicle is, the more these factors come into play.

                                                                                                                                                                        Will I get alerts from Blind Spot Detection system when stopped in traffic or driving in a parking lot?
The system will not operate when the vehicle is traveling 20 mph or below. 

                                                                                                                                                                      Why will Digital Key not work with an iPhone?
For reasons of security, Digital Key works in part, using Near Field Communications technology, which requires the phone device to be within an inch of the item it interacts with.  At the moment, Apple restricts NFC use on its phones only for Apple Pay functions.

                                                                                                                                                                          If my phone is not compatible with Qi wireless charging, can it still start my car as a digital key?
Qi wireless charging compatibility is not necessary to start the car using a digital key. The wireless charging pad also contains the NFC sensors needed for Digital Key functionality.

                                                                                                                                                                      How can I tell if the phone has been completely charged on the wireless charging pad?
A light indicator near the wireless charging pad will turn amber while charging, and turn green when charging is complete.

                                                                                                                                                                      Does Apple CarPlay or Android Auto work through a USB connection or Bluetooth, or both?
Both Apple Car Play and Android Auto require the phone to be connected through the USB port. Audio streaming and hands-free mobile phone use can function wirelessly through Bluetooth.

                                                                                                                                                                        Will the Remote Smart Parking Assist help me parallel park?
The Remote Smart Parking Assist is not designed to parallel park the car. The system will park the Sonata directly forward or directly rearward into a parking space (with minor steering adjustments). 

                                                                                                                                                                      How will the Hands Free Smart Trunk Release not open the trunk every time I walk behind the car?
The system requires the key holder to remain behind the trunk for a few seconds before it will open.  The system will also alert the key holder with lights and beeping sounds to warn the key holder that the trunk is about the open. If you press any button of the smart key during the Detect and Alert stage, the Smart Trunk with Auto Open function will be deactivated.

                                                                                                                                                                    What SiriusXM access do I get with the 3-month trial period?
The content for the trial period is equivalent to one of the most comprehensive SiriusXM subscriptions, known as the All-Access Package. It includes over 165 stations, 70 of which are commercial-free, and most providing formats not found in broadcast radio. 

                                                                                                                                                                    What is adjusted in the different drive modes?
The driving modes adjust steering feel, throttle response and upshift and transmission shifting logic.

                                                                                                                                                                        How do I turn on the Head-Up Display?
To activate the Head-Up Display, select ‘Enable Head-Up Display’ on the User Settings mode on the instrument cluster LCD display. If you do not select ‘Enable Head-Up Display’, the head up display will be deactivated.

1.      Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple  CarPlay is a                   trademark of Apple Inc.

         Android Auto™ is compatible with Android phones running Android Lollipop or newer. Android Auto           may not be available on all devices and is not available in all countries or regions. Additional apps               may be required. Android, Android Auto, Google, Google Maps and Google Play Music are                             trademarks of Google Inc.

2.     The Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (PED) is intended to  be a                          supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary                        objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles or pedestrians under cert conditions.          The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is                          responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the              system's alerts before  braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. Refer to your                    Owner's Manual for more information.

3.     Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is not a collision avoidance or warning device. SCC is for highway use              only and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery                    roads. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to  avoid a collision.

4.     The Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist operates above approximately 44 mph            and only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road. It will not prevent loss of control.                Refer to your owner's manual for more information.

5.     Highway Driving Assist, when used in conjunction with Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise                    Control, is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in  its lane while                                maintaining  a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible            on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or                      slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver          remains responsible to slow  or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for details.

6.     It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. Driver Attention Warning is only a warning           to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and                     provide an alert in every situation.

7.     When the vehicle is parked and the engine has been turned off, the Rear Occupant Alert can help to          alert the driver if the rear door(s) had been opened at any point after  the vehicle was unlocked at                the  beginning of the journey. Upon turning the engine off, Rear Occupant Alert will provide a visual            alert on the instrument cluster. Rear Occupant  Alert is not a substitute for driver attentiveness.                    Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.

8.     Blue Link service works using CDMA-based cellular networks in the 50 United States. Blue Link                     service is not available where there is no cellular coverage, particularly in enclosed or remote areas.           Service availability may be affected by signal strength, foliage, weather, topographical conditions               (mountains) and nearby structures (tall buildings, tunnels) and other factors. For additional details               and system limitations, visit HyundaiBlueLink.com.

9.      Vehicle must be within 1-mile radius of the smartphone location to display vehicle location.

10.    The Blind Spot Detection assists the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. It                       senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over 20 mph.  There are limitations               to  the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects               in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size,  distance, angle and relative speed difference               between your car and other cars. Blind Spot Detection may not operate if sensors are obscured in               any way. Do not rely  exclusively on Blind Spot Detection. Blind Spot Detection is a supplemental                 system and  the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving with it. It is                           important to always signal, look over your shoulder and through your mirrors before changing                     lanes. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before                 changing lanes or directions. Blind Spot Detection is only meant  to assist the driver in these                         responsibilities.

11.    Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Warning (RCCW) helps drivers back out of a parking space by detecting          traffic coming from either side of the vehicle. It can alert the driver of a potential hazard. RCCW is              active when the vehicle is in reverse gear and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on                  RCCW when exiting a parking space, it is not a substitute for attentive driving. See Owner's Manual            for important details and limitations.

12.    The smart trunk will open when the smart key is within 40 inches of the detection area for at least 3           seconds. Radio transmitters and other vehicle smart keys may interfere in normal operation of the             feature. Please consult Owner's Manual for further details. Make sure you close the trunk before                 driving.

13.   Remote Smart Parking Assist can autonomously park the vehicle.  However, several  factors can                  reduce the performance of Remote Smart Parking Assist.  The parking sensors may not function                  correctly if one or more of the parking sensors is damaged,  dirty or covered or if weather conditions          (heavy rain, snow or fog) are interfering with the sensor operation. Always inspect the parking area            with your own eyes.