Only the Strong Survive: Best Sedans for 2020

If you thought the sedan was dead, think again. Foreign automakers haven’t given up on the segment and neither should you. Here are the 2020 sedans that have caught our eye…

Ford rocked the industry in 2018 when it announced it would be eliminating sedan production in North America—instead focusing on SUVs and trucks. Then, not long after, GM dropped the ax on the Chevy Cruze and Impala models, the Cadillac XTS and CT6, and the Buick LaCrosse. All while their Italian-American neighbor, FCA, rolled its eyes asking, “What took you so long? We cut that dead weight back in 2016.”

But are sedans really dead weight? Several foreign automakers don’t think so. In fact, brands like Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, virtually every German badge, and even Captain of the Corporate Struggle Bus: Nissan, see the Big Three’s withdrawal from the segment as an invitation. Or, perhaps more appropriately, as a power vacuum.

Let’s face the facts: Many people still like sedans. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient, and immensely easier to park. Plus, even though light trucks are gobbling up roughly 70 percent of the American market, that still leaves a perfectly gratifying slice of the pie that U.S. automakers are essentially pushing off their plate.

So, I invite you to take a bite and check out some of these promising sedans for 2020. While the models are familiar, the styling, technology, powertrains, and trims are new. And these exciting innovations show that many automakers not only believe in the segment, but are willing to approach it with smart calculations to ensure only the strong survive.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has clearly taken the Darwinian concept to heart, approaching its eighth-gen Sonata with some radical styling updates. Seriously, this is a thing of beauty—which is a statement I never thought I would say about a Hyundai Sonata.

A lower profile and wider stance give it a sportier and more luxurious feel. (Motortrend went so far as to say its impressive looks reminded them of Aston Martin.) That upgraded aesthetic is carried inside to reveal a cushy interior with sleek lines and premium touches.

Continuing along the evolutionary thought process, the 2020 Sonata also comes loaded with state-of-the-art tech and safety features. Most of the real goodies cost extra or are only available on higher trims—like the automaker’s Blue Link Connectivity, wireless charging, heads-up display, and NFC Digital Key, but even the base Sonatas see some upgrades. A bigger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking all come standard for 2020.

For those seeking nanny-level ADAS, it’s certainly available. From “reverse parking collision-avoidance assist” to “safe exit assist” (whaa?), if you have even the slightest bit of driver anxiety, Hyundai is ready to condition you for the self-driving robot takeover.

Two engine options are available, both paired to an eight-speed auto: a base 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo four and a new 191-hp 2.5-liter that replaces the 185-hp 2.4-liter four. According to Car and Driver, “the 2.5 has all the latest efficiency tricks,” giving it an estimated (and segment-leading) EPA combined fuel-economy rating of 33 mpg.

Perhaps most exciting, however, is the price point. A “well-equipped SE model” starts at $23,400 according to a Hyundai press release. That’s noticeably cheaper than two of its direct competitors (also on this list of 2020 sedans) the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

2020 Honda Accord

The aforementioned Honda Accord doesn’t see any changes for its tenth generation, save for a price increase. However, that bump seems warranted as the stylish sedan remains one of the most popular and impressive options on the market.

Shoppers can expect the same zippy performance, compliments of two familiar and punchy engine variants: a 192-hp 1.5-liter turbo or 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo, paired to either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed auto. Sporty exterior styling, a spacious interior decked out in convenience technology, and a full suite of standard safety features round out the full package.

2020 Subaru Legacy

Redesigned for 2020, the seventh-gen Subaru Legacy rides on a new platform, adds a turbo to the engine lineup, and completely overhauls the interior.

Joining the Impreza and Crosstrek on the Subaru Global Platform, the new Legacy is stiffer, longer, lighter, and safer than previous iterations. Outside, things get a touch sportier with flared fenders and new wheels, but inside is where the restyling becomes most apparent.

While base models are spacious and comfortable, the higher trims shine with premium leather and an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen tablet. And all Legacies come standard with Subaru’s “EyeSight” suite of driver-assistance tech, as well as all-wheel drive.

Under the hood is a respectable 182-hp 2.5-liter boxer as well as a new option for the top-tier Limited XT and Touring XT trims—a 260-hp 2.4-liter turbo. While some other 2020 sedans on this list sport more desirable fire power and better fuel economy, the new Legacy is still a worthy contender with so much comfort, convenience, and safety on deck. Even more so thanks to its exceptionally fair starting price around $24k.

2020 Toyota Corolla, Camry, & Avalon

Toyota pulls out all the stops for its 2020 sedans, serving up makeovers on its compact, midsize, and full-size offerings. The little Corolla sees a new platform, adds a more exciting 169-hp 2.0-liter inline-four to the mix, as well as a hybrid option, new multi-link rear suspension, and significantly better styling. An available manual transmission carries over—as does the underwhelming base engine. But, all-in-all, the Corolla is vastly improved for the new year.

However, it’s the Camry and Avalon that see more calculated upgrades, as both models gain sporty TRD badging and styling for the new year.

The mid-size Camry gets a performance overhaul thanks to its TRD treatment. With better wheels and tires, upgraded brakes, tuned shocks, and an athletic exhaust, the 2020 Camry handles better than its predecessors. Bolder styling elevates the exterior, while a roomy cabin with premium details make for a nicer cockpit. The infotainment system is a bit obsolete BUT it finally gains Android Auto, so there’s that.

Under the hood, the TRD Camry sees a standard 301-hp 3.5-L V6, mated to an 8-speed automatic. While the engine doesn’t receive any extra juice, that tuned exhaust keeps it moving better than its non-TRD V6 sibling. Plus, that big ol’ wing and finned diffuser on the back surely make up for some lost horsepower…

Joking aside, the 2020 Camry TRD is a pleasant surprise, especially with a sticker price of around $31k.

Expect similar track tuning and styling on the 2020 Avalon, as well as the same untouched 301-hp V6. Pricing on the full-size TRD starts around $43k, with initial production limited to 2,600 units.

As C/D points out, what’s really exciting is what these tuned models predict. And that is a “rediscovery” on Toyota’s part of the potential “performance and excitement of its products.”

2020 KIA Forte GT

Rounding out the list of our exciting 2020 sedans is another race-inspired model, the 2020 KIA Forte GT. Debuted at last year’s SEMA show, this high(er)-performance variant of the compact four-door features more aggressive styling, a sporty interior, a boosted engine, and retuned suspension.

The GT trim (not to be confused with the GT-Line) sits at the top of the lineup and its styling reflects that. Outside, the Forte takes a few cues from its big brother Stinger—who also gains a new special edition: the GTS. Sleek lines are complemented by sporty red accents, a rear lip spoiler, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and LED headlights. Inside, the cabin gains a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, combination cloth and SOFINO leather with contrast red stitching, ambient lighting, and a host of tech and safety features.

Backing up those aesthetics is a new 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo four, paired to either a 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual. The GT also sees a custom-tuned high flow exhaust and new multilink rear suspension setup.

Pricing starts at a super affordable $23k, making it quite the performance bargain. (Add about $600 if you want that manual transmission.) And keep an eye out for a hot hatch GT. Currently sold in Canada, there’s (slim) potential for it land on U.S. streets.

So, do any of these 2020 sedans catch your eye? Let us know in the comments what you think about some of the hot releases for the new year.