2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration from even those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its long, elegant design, crafted under the guidance of design chief Peter Schreyer, was a testament to Hyundai's evolution from a brand once known for less appealing vehicles. The Sonata's sleek fastback profile, wide grille, and aerodynamic features like the black ducktail spoiler and unique LED running lights made it a standout in the family car segment. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, while stylish, required a bit more acclimatization to its design. The 2020 model saw subtle tweaks, such as body-color crossbars on the air intakes and a new grille, which enhanced its appeal. The Sport Touring trim, with its Platinum White Pearl paint, drew attention and admiration, often being mistaken for the more performance-oriented Type R. Inside, the Civic Hatchback offered stitched leather, quality materials, and a satisfying sense of solidity, though it retained some hard plastics typical of its class. The manual gearbox added a sporty touch, and the overall design was practical and comfortable for daily use.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter engine running on the Atkinson cycle, producing 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a 51-hp electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery, the total output was 192 hp. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving feel compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids, though it occasionally lagged in responsiveness. Despite this, the Sonata Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with a soft suspension and light steering. The Blue trim excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, while the SEL and Limited trims offered slightly lower figures.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivered 174 horsepower in the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, and 180 horsepower in the Sport and Sport Touring trims. Torque varied depending on the transmission, with the CVT providing 162 lb-ft and the manual offering 177 lb-ft. The Civic Hatchback's engine was quiet and refined, and while the manual transmission's clutch travel was long, it provided a more engaging driving experience. The Civic Hatchback was praised for its balance of performance and comfort, offering a softer ride and quieter cabin compared to the Civic Si. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 32 mpg combined, and real-world testing confirmed this efficiency.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that could power the air conditioning and potentially add extra driving range. The interior offered ample rear-seat legroom, with features like manual side-window shades and heated seats enhancing comfort. Cargo space was generous at 16 cubic feet, and the trunk could be easily accessed via a button on the "H" logo. The push-button gear selector and intuitive controls added to the car's user-friendly design, while the Limited trim boasted a high-resolution digital dash and advanced infotainment system.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback provided 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the HR-V Touring. While it didn't match the HR-V's maximum volume, the Civic Hatchback offered better performance and fuel efficiency. The driver's seat was low, but once settled, the heated leather seats provided comfort. The center console was cleverly designed for storage, and rear-seat comfort was adequate, though lacking air-conditioning vents. The Civic Hatchback's practicality and thoughtful design made it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact car with ample cargo space.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a highlight, featuring a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, with the option for a digital key. The system offered live camera feeds for blind spots and a hands-free trunk opening feature. Highway Driving Assist and a head-up display added to the car's advanced technology suite, making it feel like a more expensive vehicle.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, while not a technology leader, offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system in the Sport Touring trim. The lack of a tuning knob and limited voice-recognition capabilities were drawbacks, but features like automatic climate control and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock provided convenience. The Civic Hatchback's technology offerings were practical, if not cutting-edge.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in the frontal crash test. It was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top ratings in six crash tests and standard safety features like emergency forward braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system showed signs of aging, with less refined lane-keeping assist and occasional issues with adaptive cruise control. The Civic lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, relying on the LaneWatch system for the right-side blind spot. The Civic Hatchback did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to poor headlight performance, though it received high marks for crash-test performance.