2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Nissan Altima

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, reminiscent of a fastback, was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution under the guidance of Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke. The Sonata's sleek profile, wide grille, and aerodynamic features, such as the unique LED running lights and black ducktail spoiler, made it a standout in the family sedan category. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, large screens, and ambient lighting, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima presented a clean and contemporary design, with the Platinum trim offering a polished look thanks to its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The interior was ergonomically designed, featuring a user-friendly infotainment system with stereo knobs and clear climate controls. While the materials were on par with the midsize sedan segment, the color options were limited to black or gray. The Altima's design was practical and straightforward, appealing to those who preferred simplicity and functionality over bold aesthetics.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower. Its six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving an impressive 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The ride was smooth and quiet, with a soft suspension and light steering, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which produced up to 248 horsepower on premium fuel. The Altima's CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, providing a responsive and engaging driving experience. The Altima's ride and handling were enhanced by features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, making it a satisfying drive on various terrains. However, its fuel efficiency was lower, averaging 26.2 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim offered innovative features like a solar-panel roof, which could generate extra driving range and run the air conditioning when parked. The interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat legroom and a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The push-button gear selector and dual-zone climate control added to the car's modern appeal, while the Limited trim's digital dash and touchscreen provided a high-tech feel.

The 2020 Nissan Altima prioritized comfort with NASA-inspired seats, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. The Altima offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, but not heated rear seats. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with practical features like grocery bag hooks. While the Altima lacked a wireless charging pad, it offered ample in-cabin storage and USB connections.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a highlight, with 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 Sonata's advanced safety features, like blind-spot camera feeds and Highway Driving Assist, added to its appeal, making it feel like a more expensive vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical and virtual buttons, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NissanConnect Services offered a range of connected services, though the voice recognition system required specific commands. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly useful for city driving.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the 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 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base trim. Higher trims offered additional safety features, though the ProPilot Assist system received mixed reviews for its performance. The Altima also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.