The Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima will feature AWD transmission starting in 2020

The evolution of cars shows no sign of slowing, and manufacturers want their models to be increasingly and better equipped. The Korean brands Hyundai and Kia, which belong to the same group, intend to showcase their technological advances and want their mid-size models to come standard with an all-wheel-drive transmission, improving traction and offering greater control.

The two models that will benefit from this technical advance are the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima. The electronically controlled AWD system will play a significant role in the Hyundai Sonata, which has just been unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, and the fifth-generation Kia Optima, which is about to be presented. The latter will be updated first, before the end of the year, while the Sonata will receive this new equipment later on.

Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima AWD

According to reports from Korean media, this AWD system will feature an electronic coupling between the front and rear axles to distribute power among all four wheels depending on various factors such as acceleration, speed and other driving conditions. The AWD system will include several driving modes that will make it easier to control the car in different conditions.

The ECO mode, which will better manage fuel consumption, and the Sport mode, which will offer a suspension setup and other elements for improved sporty performance, will both be part of this system. The Hyundai Sonata is built on a front-wheel-drive platform, so it will need some modifications to adapt its operation, but this has been taken into account.

The introduction of an AWD transmission in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima is the Korean manufacturer’s response to several of its main rivals, such as Nissan and Subaru, which will also offer this type of transmission on the Nissan Altima and the Subaru Legacy, also in 2020.