Overview & Reviews

To create its Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai started with a modified version of the Sonata's conventional four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, then sandwiched an electric motor in between them. Supplying electricity is a lithium-polymer battery pack that's lighter and more compact than traditional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The result is lively performance along with high fuel economy numbers. Some rival hybrids offer even better mpg numbers, however, so we suggest checking out a couple other midsize hybrid sedans before you make a final decision.

Current Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
At the core of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid midsize sedan is a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, combined with a 35kW electric motor. Together they produce a peak of 199 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

The EPA estimates Sonata Hybrid fuel economy at 38 combined. However, in Edmunds fuel economy testing of both the Sonata Hybrid and the mechanically similar Kia Optima Hybrid, we found that both fall a few mpg short of these estimates. Meanwhile, its competitor hybrid sedans are substantially more efficient.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has two trims levels: base and Hybrid Limited. Base standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Blue Link telematics and a sound system with a USB/iPod interface. The Limited's added perks include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system. The Hybrid Limited also offers an optional panoramic sunroof.

The Hybrid's interior is virtually identical to the regular Sonata's, save for the typical hybrid display that monitors the gasoline-electric powertrain and coaches the driver on how to drive in a more fuel-efficient manner. Both front and rear seats offer adult-sized legroom, although there's slightly less rear headroom than most rivals due to the sloping rear roof line. The quiet cabin and quality materials add an upscale quality. But as with most hybrids, the powertrain's battery pack eats into the available trunk space, reducing it from 16.4 to 12.1 cubic feet.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid uses a modified six-speed automatic in lieu of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that's common to other hybrids. Some drivers may prefer this, as it provides a more familiar feel as it works its way through the gears. Many hybrids have been characterized as having unusual, less-than-smooth acceleration, but the Sonata Hybrid's less advanced hybrid system (especially the six-speed automatic transmission) makes it feel more like a regular car. The brakes, on the other hand, require more acclimation than normal for a hybrid sedan and drivers may dislike the especially unorthodox feel. We've also found the Sonata Hybrid's ride and handling to be not as sophisticated as the class-leading hybrid sedans from Ford and Honda.

Used Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Models
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid debuted as a 2011 model. The following year brought the Blue Link telematics system. Potential buyers should note that these earlier Sonata Hybrids were prone to occasionally shuddering while accelerating at low speeds as well as having an even more clumsy, uneven braking feel.

For 2013, those issues were addressed with upgrades to the powertrain and battery pack. That year also brought a bump in trunk capacity, from 10.7 cubic feet to 12.0 cubes. Other than slight feature differences, such as lacking a rearview camera and a touchscreen audio interface, these post-'13 Sonata Hybrids are similar to today's version.

User Reviews:

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  Not Ready For Prime Time - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By richvaguy - December 3 - 2:40 am

  I have had the car a month and believe I have driven it enough to get a true feel. On the hwy it is excellent, good response great gas 39+mpg, good ride and comfort. Now for the not so good. The car is dangerous to drive, hesitates badly between 0-25mph, shudders and shakes the entire car when transitioning from Electric to Gas. Impossible to get close to advertised city MPG. I try to drive as gentle as possible to stay in EV mode, the slightest touch on the pedal and it goes to gas thus decreasing MPG. Lucky to get 30mpg in city driving. Gauges hang up and read 0 mpg in EV (electric vehicle) mode. Should read 50mpg.

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  Smooth Riding Hybrid That is Safe and Smooth - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ohio_pop - November 28 - 7:48 am

  I have driving cars for over 45 years and this is the best car overall that I have owned. I find the electronics intuitive. It takes only a short time to learn the significance of the beeping signals from this car. I found that after driving the car for about 10 days that I know how to apply gas for smooth as silk acceleration and how to brake smoothly. Overall, I have found the car to be at its best and the most fun to drive on highways and suburban and rural roads where you can consistently drive over 35 MPH. At constant speeds between 35 and 55 MPH, you can get 45+MPG. The car gets more like 30-34MPG in stop-go slow speed driving. Overall, I have averaged a bit over 40 MPG.

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  love it - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By tgainey - November 16 - 12:07 am

  I love my sonata hybrid. This is the first time I have owned a hybrid. I love it. The dealership made the buying experience painless. Because of my awesome experience with the first Hyundai is why I decided to return to Ron Carter for this replacement.

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  Great Hybrid and excellent value - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By cleveland_bob - September 4 - 1:36 am

  Appearance - striking lines and contours produced completments from friends and family. Ride - The suspension absorbs bumps and pot holes well while maintaining good control. Braking is in dry and wet conditions is very good without pulling to either side. The regenerative braking system does not compromise function. In one emergency braking situation (deer) the car braked quickly. I missed the deer and did not swerve to either side. Interior - very well appointed with switches where they should be. Bluetooth is great and enables hands free phone use. FueL economy - 40-42 mpg in city and 45+ on the highway. The car will cruise using the electric motor up to about 60 mph. Great car!!!!

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  Missing the Mark, but still a nice car. - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By michelangelo7 - August 18 - 1:01 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Sonata Hybrid new from the dealership. This was my first "fancy" car, as I had always gone either base model or used in the past due to financial difficulty, but I was finally in a position to spoil myself a bit, and was able to justify my expense in the fuel savings, or so I though... Highway miles truly are 38-40, and I can even get that if "cruising", but only if the weather is nice, and traffic is light. Here in the Midwest we get temperature extremes which effect the fuel economy a great deal, and stop and go city driving averages 32 mpg which is no where near what they had advertised. My friends all say I drive like an old man too, so I know its not just me...

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  I like it - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By rickdaine - July 6 - 11:45 am

  I purchased the car as in between the super gas miser and luxury car. I just came off a 3000 mile plus trip driving straight through 25 hours each way and the comfort, drive-ability and economy spoke for itself. My passenger also agreed, 25 hours sitting in a car is not easy but certainly attainable in the Sonata and my body is 73 years of age. I averaged 39 to 42 miles per gallon driving 70 MPH with the A/C on. We drove in extremely heavy interstate traffic and the car performed wonderfully. The steering is quicker and tighter than I like it but not a problem. City driving fuel mileage leaves some to be desired, I really do not find it much better than the regular Sonata, about 25 MPG.

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  Love it - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By kmahon - May 13 - 4:21 pm

  Just back from a 600 KM trip. Average mileage was 5.3L/100Km. Feels like I am playing a video game when driving. Smooth, comfy and saving money on gas for sure. Love the looks- the blue inlay on the silver metallic looks great and heads turn.

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  Still loving the Car after 1 year and 13,000 miles - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By r_l_r - April 14 - 12:00 pm

  It has been the best car that I have ever owned (of 11 cars/minivans). My wife and I enjoy it so much that we bought a 2012 Sonata Hybrid with the leather package so that we can both drive a Sonata hybrid. Safety - This is the highest importance. The car has excellent crash safety ratings. More important is that it handles/maneuvers extremely well. It has a large amount of power to get you out of danger fast: passing, merging into traffic or accelerating rapidly from a stop to avoid a distracted driver who is barreling into an intersection. Shifing at low speed is smooth after initial computer update. MPG - 42+ overall Comfort - spaceous interior I could not be happier with this car.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By suzieq57 - February 21 - 4:26 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Hybrid Sonata (premium trim - the $32,000 vehicle) for 1 month now. Great car. Ive been getting at least 41 mpg average on both mixed city and highway driving. I dont have any problems with breaking or the shifting from electric to gas like Ive seen some reviews here say. Did I say great car? Im so happy that I bought it. I have the metallic blue, premium hybrid. The design outside is to die for - Ive had so many compliments. It is roomy inside and very comfortable. I cant say enough about it. I love the panoramic sunroof, the navigation, the Blue link, and of course the wheels. Very sharp car.

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  be cautious of fuel mileage claims - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By randyinsc - February 14 - 11:10 pm

  I have 1000 miles on my new sonata hybrid premium and after three calucated mileage fill ups and driving like GRANDMOTHER and 75 percent of the driving on highway, the best mileage I can obtain is 32.2 mpg. I have called Hyundai and they read a speech about driving easy. The dealers service manager said, the car is so new, were not sure of everything yet- drive it till the first oil change and well take a look at it. I am being told by other sonata owners, theyre getting 35 to 40 mpg, both regular sonatas and hybrids- I feel like I have a lemon and no one is listening!!!! My family doesnt want to ride with me as I am driving so conservatively to try and obtain better mileage!