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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Bad Mileage....Worse Customer Support - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By badsaturn - August 5 - 8:33 amI own a 2012 Sonota Hybrid Limited. I am currently getting 24mpg in city driving. I have done all of the service upgrades recommended by this forum and its readers. I met with a field rep today to discuss the poor mileage. He told me as long as I get 23mpg or better Hyundai wont do anything for me. I have spent numerous hours on the phone with Hyundai and several trips to dealerships without any effect. Sorry, that is not good enough...this is the third Hyundai we have purchased since 2010. One would think Hyundai would value me as a customer. Apparently not. Too bad....I like the car other than the mileage. Hyundai does not stand by their customers based on my experience. Wont buy again.
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Only buy one if you have a large dealer that has serviced a hybrid - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By bagman17 - July 18 - 8:07 amThese cars are so new and different from anything out there I would only buy if my local Dealer sold Premium versions,which means they are a large volume dealer and their service department has seen a hybrid before,because if they havent seen one you will probably know more about than he/she does. I took mine,a Blue Premium to the dealer because we are only getting 27.2 to 33.6 mpg,and yes we are hypermiling.Just because yours is getting 40+ mpg,doesnt mean we just fell off the turnip wagon,feel blessed.And Im talking mpg @ the pump,not what the computer is telling me,color me skeptical.It was also starting up not in EV,but firing the engine,wouldnt go over 20mph in EV,crawling
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Great Car For the Family - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By Michael - June 2 - 4:19 amWe have only owned this car for a few weeks but this is a great car for a family their is room for at least 5 and the back seat has leg room for taller people as well as giving the ones in front leg room. The gas mileage is great and the comfort on this car is nice.
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Stumble start problem,,My biggest mistake!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By ecube - May 14 - 12:07 amThe car did great except city MPG worst than they say in city.. My wife and I had 2 near accidents because the engine didnt kick in after we pulled out in front of people on highway,,Dealer Crain in Little rock was the worst,, told us nothing then went home and a lot are having these problems and Hyundai doesnt stand by their cars,,unless you can be at the dealership instead of at work getting paid,,We spent 3 trips trying to fix car and another to replace part.. Warranty doesnt mean crap if you are there every 2 weeks..BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!
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Great car with some hesitation - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By rla444 - May 11 - 10:21 pmIve owned this car since July 2011 and have over 64000 miles on it. My mileage has varied from a 35MPG low to an amazing 56 MPG for a 15 mile trip. Average MPG for the life of the car until I changed tires this month was an actual 38 MPG. The car MPGgauge reads falsely high. My driving is 90% highway, though this is my daily driver. Like others, I had a check engine light issue when I first bought it and was reimbursed for my time and trouble by Hyundai. The mileage is very dependent on style of driving, speed (the slower the better). I really like the regular transmission over a CVT like the Honda Civic Hybrid I owned.
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VW diesel alternative choice - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By KC - May 2 - 8:05 pmgreat alternative to VW diesel buyback.
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Great hybrid owned it 1 year now - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By gome1 - April 6 - 9:53 pmGreat buy I have top of line loaded wht pearl /tan leather, glass roof best sunroof! 23 k miles on it I commute 45 miles daily average about 37mpg city & hwy combine ,40mpg traveling I drive normal some times on curies control I due use high octane fuel ,tire air pressure 35 psi ,syntitic oil every 3700 miles ,air filter every 15k.I get lots of compliments from friends & strangers asking what is it how nice.I owned Lexus Mercedes Cadilac BMW same quality so far for the money lots more to offer two many to list,example rear heated seats!
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I love my hybrid! - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By teke45 - February 12 - 12:48 pmPurchased Limited 2.4L 4-cyl. Hybrid 6 speed automatic. The car is not slow or noticebly shifty when merging into traffic. The ride is smooth and braking is precise. If you drive like a teenager then this car may not be for you. I travel approx. 90m a day, mostly highway miles. Avg. miles 44.5 per gallon. I am saving serious money on gas! The seats are comfortable and the cabin (two tone camel/black) is roomy. The dashboard is pleasant to look at and the navigation system is easy to manage. I am so happy I did not dismiss this car based on the expert reviews. Find out for yourself and test drive this car, you wont be disappointed.
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Impressive in all respects other than highway mileage - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By hybridrocks54 - January 29 - 7:28 pmI have one of the first base sonata hybrids sold in central new jersey and still on my first tank of gas with over 600 miles on the car. For $5000K more, I figured I could get my own GPS and Ive no use for leather seats (the cloth ones are better looking and theres some cow out there ecstatic that its still munching grass) or dual moonroofs (I"m 6 2", so I would rather have more headroom, thanks). Ive owned an Insight and Prius and I would never know I was driving a Hybrid--there is no indication in drive feel whatsoever and the body style certainly doesnt scream hybrid (but the nameplate and the head/tail light treatments definitely let others in the know figure it out).
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Great Hybrid Car, But not great MPG - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By vijayrkp - January 16 - 7:16 amI bought 2012 Sonata Hybrid last week, I drove on the local roads & highway, Its averaging 36. I was expecting 40mpg on highway, but it was 38 only on highway. Car has great interior, beautiful exterior, comfort ride. I love it. I guess, the mileage will improve after 1st oil change.. not sure, will see. Still 36 is okay mileage compare to other cars.
