We've seen it with the Elantra and the Palisade already. Hyundai is exploring bolder design choices to help its cars and SUVs stand out from the crowd. Enter the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, with a first-for-Hyundai design element that, if it comes to the U.S. model, will make it unique in the midsize sedan segment. Dubbed "Hidden Lighting Lamps," the 2020 Sonata's daytime running lights run the full length of the hood, which should make it quite an eyeful when it hits the road.

We don't have too much information about the 2020 Sonata yet. Hyundai will fully reveal the car at the New York International Auto Show next month.

The redesigned Sonata aims for a sportier, coupe-like character — because no one can make any sort of car anymore without using "coupe-like" to describe it. We eagerly await the day this trend makes its way to full-size trucks.

Hyundai has changed the Sonata's dimensions, making it about an inch lower in height and an inch wider. The wheelbase has been stretched by a little over an inch, and the car is almost 2 inches longer overall. Overall, the Sonata does look significantly sportier in pictures, with its long hood, aggressive grille and flared wheel arches.

But the Sonata's headline news is its hidden daytime running lights. These lights trace the underside of the front headlights and then stretch up over the hood, making for a look like nothing else in the class. Really, like nothing else on the road. When switched off, the lighting strips will appear like a reflective surface, integrating them into the hood. When they're on...well, seeing is believing.

We're not sure how we feel about the Sonata's looks. It's certainly striking, but it also feels a bit scattered. Elements of the design, like the shape of the grille, are familiar from other Hyundai vehicles, but otherwise the Sonata doesn't really tie into the model lineup. This is especially true out back with the distinctly Honda Civic-like taillights. We'll be interested to see if the Sonata's looks trickle down to the rest of the family, or if Hyundai changes direction yet again with its next vehicle.

The 2020 Sonata's new cabin is much easier to embrace. It evolves current style elements from other Hyundai models for a clean, modern look. The HVAC controls feature screens embedded in the dials that display temperature settings, and the push-button shifter from the Palisade replaces the old lever. The new steering wheel design is the biggest departure here, but it brings to mind the wheel found in the Genesis G90, reinforcing Hyundai's effort to bring a more premium feel to this mainstream car.

We expect the Sonata's on-sale date to come later this year, but the price remains a mystery. We suspect we'll see slight increases over the outgoing model, but we can't be sure yet.
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