The Sonata Hybrid is a good, but not great, entry in the competitive midsize car class. It boasts solid safety and predicted reliability ratings but has lower fuel economy estimates than hybrid rivals. After a substantial refresh for this model year, the Sonata Hybrid's interior is more upscale than previous models, and it offers plenty of intuitive infotainment features. Cargo space and rear headroom are mediocre for the class, however. The Sonata Hybrid could use more engine power for high-speed passing maneuvers, and its grabby regenerative brakes detract from the driving experience.
Hyundai released the Sonata Hybrid for the 2011 model year, with a 2.4-liter I-4 paired to a 30 kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which received an EPA rating of 34/39 mpg city/highway, has a combined power output of 209 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Sonata Hybrid’s sister vehicle, the Kia Optima Hybrid, shares the same hybrid powertrain. “The Sonata Hybrid is a well thought-out, well executed, and progressive hybrid,” we said during our First Drive review.
The Latest Generation
After the Sonata was redesigned for the 2015 model year, a new Sonata Hybrid followed for the 2016 model year. This new, more efficient midsize hybrid sedan has a total system output of 193 hp. A six-speed automatic remains the only available transmission and fuel economy has increased, with the ratings of 38-39/41-42 mpg, depending on trim. Due to the lithium-ion battery tucked under the trunk, the Sonata Hybrid loses 3 cubic feet of trunk space versus the regular Sonata. In a First Test review of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, we said, “Except for minor fit and finish issues and non-linear brakes, the Sonata Hybrid is a solid proposition, offering value, fuel efficiency, a smooth powertrain, and a well-appointed interior.”
The Hyundai Ioniq is the automaker’s latest hybrid model. The Ioniq will also be offered in plug-in hybrid and full-electric variant.
Fuel Economy
The Sonata Hybrid comes standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 38kW electric motor for a combined output of 193 horsepower. Fuel economy estimates for the SE trim are 40 miles per gallon city and 46 mpg highway, while the Limited returns 39 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The engine is mated to front-wheel drive and a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard Features & Options
Hyundai made the Sonata Hybrid a better value for 2018, adding standard features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert and dropping the base price by $500. It also comes standard with a hands-free power trunk, a touch-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Despite the changes, your money is probably better spent on another – better – midsize hybrid. For example, the Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks higher in the class, and though it costs a couple thousand dollars more than the Sonata, it's a more well-rounded car. The Honda Accord Hybrid retails for a couple hundred dollars less than the Sonata, but it delivers better gas mileage, more standard driver assistance features, and a much bigger trunk.
The Sonata Hybrid is offered in two trim levels: SE and Limited.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's current generation began with the 2016 model year, and there have been a host of upgrades since then. The 2018 Sonata Hybrid receives an interior and exterior design refresh. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are newly standard, and features like wireless phone charging, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking are available for the first time. If these are important to you, stick with a new Sonata Hybrid.
Conversely, you can likely save thousands of dollars by shopping for a used 2016 or 2017 Sonata Hybrid. After the 2016 redesign, the main change for 2017 was an upgraded standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with HD Radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A 5-inch display screen was standard in the 2016 Sonata Hybrid.
Choose the Hybrid SE ($26,385) and you'll get 16-in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, a 7-in color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic headlights, a backup camera, proximity key with push button start, a hands-free smart trunk opener, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a 4.2-in color LCD trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators.
Upgrade to the Hybrid Limited ($31,385) and you add a panoramic sunroof, larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, dual power front seats with driver memory settings, wood grain interior accents, power up/down front passenger window, SiriusXM, LED adaptive headlights, split-folding rear seats and the Bluelink Connected Car Service, Connected Care and Remote packages.
An optional Ultimate Package includes adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, rear manual side window sunshades, a navigation system, Qi wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker, 400-watt Infinity sound system and an 8-in color touchscreen.
Safety
In government crash testing, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a perfect 5-star overall score. In tests carried out by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the sedan earned a Top Safety Pick rating.
As for safety features, the Sonata Hybrid offers virtually everything you might want, but some are pretty pricey. For instance, while side-curtain airbags, a backup camera and anti-lock brakes are standard, you'll have to upgrade to the Hybrid Limited's Ultimate package to get adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist or more. Still, if you have the budget, the Sonata offers virtually every safety feature you can imagine.
Behind the Wheel
On the road, the Sonata Hybrid offers surprisingly peppy performance unusual for a hybrid midsize sedan with a good cornering feel and communicative steering. Indeed, we'd consider these models to be the driver's choice among fuel-efficient midsize sedans, outshining even the excellent Honda Accord Hybrid. With that said, the Accord Hybrid gets better gas mileage.
Despite its driver-focused feel, the Sonata Hybrid is quite comfortable over bumps and jarring road surfaces. The car has certainly grown up compared to the last generation, as it now boasts more supple seating surfaces, more interior room, and a smoother ride and driving feel. With the possible exception of its tight rear headroom, we have few bad things to say about the Sonata Hybrid's driving experience, whether you're behind the wheel or just along for the ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment