2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, capturing attention with its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design. It was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution, led by Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolfe, transforming the brand's image from a budget option to a stylish contender. The Sonata's exterior featured innovative LED running lights that seamlessly integrated into the chrome trim, enhancing its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, large screens, and ambient lighting, rivaling more expensive brands.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class retained a classic, streamlined design reminiscent of its predecessors, fitting well within the Mercedes family. Available in various body styles, it appealed to conservative buyers with its understated elegance. The E-Class featured a rich exterior with options like a hood ornament and chrome grille, while its interior offered multi-tone leathers, polished wood, and high-resolution digital screens. Despite its fluid design, the E-Class maintained a sense of luxury and functionality, with thoughtful details like heated armrests and massaging seats.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a combined 192 hp. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs in most hybrids. While the gearbox occasionally hesitated, the Sonata Hybrid excelled in providing a quiet, comfortable ride with a soft suspension and light steering. The Blue trim achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with ratings of 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The E450's 3.0-liter V6 provided 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering a more balanced performance. AMG models like the E53 and E63 S pushed the limits with hybrid setups and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, respectively. The E-Class featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive, with fuel economy ranging from 19 to 32 mpg depending on the model.

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 spacious rear-seat legroom, a quiet cabin, and a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The push-button gear selector and intuitive controls enhanced the driving experience, while the Limited trim boasted a high-resolution digital dash and advanced infotainment system.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while equipped with a complex COMAND system, offered a spacious and functional interior. The coupe and wagon variants provided unique features like rear window controls and a rear-facing jump seat. The E-Class excelled in visibility and comfort, with thoughtful touches like seat climate controls on the door panels and a net for securing items in the front passenger footwell.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link. The digital key and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided semi-automated driving capabilities, making the Sonata Hybrid feel like a premium vehicle.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and V2X communication. The infotainment system, while complex, offered extensive customization options and standard connectivity features. The E-Class also included unique features like multi-contour seats and the Energizing Comfort Package, enhancing the driving experience with personalized settings.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. While some features were optional, the E-Class offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment, including forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.