The 2020 Hyundai Sonata uses a cartridge-style oil filter rather than a traditional spin-on canister.
In the 2020 Sonata lineup, both the base 2.5L GDI engine and the available 1.6L turbo engine rely on a replaceable cartridge inside a filter housing. The exact part numbers and kit contents vary by engine variant and market, so consult your owner’s manual or a Hyundai parts diagram for your VIN. During an oil change you’ll replace the cartridge and the O-ring on the housing cap, rather than discarding and replacing a large metal canister.
Engine variants and filter design
Two common engine options share the same cartridge-filter design, though the kit may differ by variant.
- 2.5-liter inline-4 GDI engine: cartridge-style oil filter inside a housing; service requires replacing the cartridge and the housing cap O-ring.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 GDI engine: cartridge-style oil filter inside a housing; service likewise involves replacing the cartridge and the housing cap O-ring.
Regardless of engine, Hyundai’s approach uses a replaceable filter cartridge inside a housing, not a traditional external spin-on canister.
How to replace the cartridge oil filter
If you’re performing your own oil change, follow these general steps. Always refer to the service manual for your precise engine code and torque specs.
- Warm up the engine, then park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Lift the front of the vehicle if needed and support it safely; remove the oil fill cap to vent the system.
- Locate the oil filter housing cap on the engine and carefully remove it with the appropriate tool.
- Remove the old cartridge from the housing and discard it.
- Clean the inside of the housing and inspect the O-ring; replace the O-ring or cap gasket if it’s worn or damaged.
- Insert the new filter cartridge into the housing, making sure it seats correctly.
- Reinstall the housing cap and tighten to the specified torque; wipe away any spills.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil and check the level, then start the engine and check for leaks.
Having the right replacement kit and following these steps will help ensure proper filtration and engine protection.
What you’ll need
Before you start, gather the following items:
- Cartridge oil filter kit specific to your engine (includes cartridge and O-ring)
- New housing cap O-ring or gasket (if provided in the kit)
- Appropriate engine oil and a new oil filter drain plug washer if required
- Basic hand tools and a torque wrench
Prepare the workspace, dispose of used oil and filter properly, and always double-check for leaks after refilling.
Summary
In brief, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata uses a cartridge-style oil filter for both the 2.5L and 1.6L turbo engines. Replacement involves swapping the filter cartridge and the housing O-ring, not a traditional spin-on canister. Check your vehicle’s VIN and owner’s manual for the exact part numbers and service intervals, but the cartridge design is consistent across these model variants.