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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  2016 Sonata Hybrid Exceeds Expectations - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Paul Johnston - May 1 - 4:52 am

  We were looking for a good value all around in a family sedan. We were not interested in a pricey luxury car, which meant we looked at the Camry, Mazda 6, Accord, Altima, and Sonata. Things important to us were quiet ride, roomy, good fuel economy, good infotainment, reliability, and nice looks. I suppose the Camry would have been OK, but with so many around, we wanted something different. The Sonata Hybrid is re-designed this year (2016) with better looks and significantly improved fuel economy. It met everything on our list so we went with it. The Sonata Hybrid comes in three trim levels... basic, Limited, and Limited/Ultimate. I suppose if there is one disappointment, it is that to get the nice big infotainment screen (8") with navigation, you have to step up to the Ultimate package. We would have chosen the middle Limited package if not for this and saved about 4k. However, you get several other nice features with the Ultimate package including safety features such as front collision warning and lane departure warning. The infotainment package includes a premium sound system and Navigation system. All of these features are top notch and now that we have them, we are glad we went with the Ultimate package. Our last car we kept for 18 years, so we figured why not get all the bells and whistles and be happy with this car for a long time. Have had it now for 2 weeks and 1,000 miles (trip from Bay Area to Santa Barbara & back). We got over 42 mpg on the trip, which will probably improve as the car gets broken in. The car is a dream to drive... VERY quiet and comfortable. Controls are relatively easy to learn and everything works as advertised. It feels like luxury to us. All the ratings pointed to good reliability so no worries there. Consumer reports gives it an above average rating... better than the Altima, and Mazda 6; same rating as Accord. The hybrid system works very well and is completely up to date - battery is the new lithium-ion polymer type. Shifting between electric motor and gas engine is seamless. Six-speed transmission enhances fuel economy and is very smooth. The hybrid battery has a lifetime warranty. Hyundais BlueLink is cool, with the ability to remotely start the car from your cell phone, find your car in a parking lot, and send navigation destinations from your phone in advance. I want to respond to the reviewer who noted the car has no spare tire. This is true... however it is a trend in the car industry to save space. The reviewer failed to mention the car includes an emergency flat tire repair kit - it has a compressor and repair compound. It looks easy to use... easier than changing the tire... and is designed to give you up to 50 miles of distance to get you to a tire repair shop. We have yet to find something we dont like about this car - we will update our review if we find something. For now we give the car very high marks for being a great value for the money.

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  2012 Sonata Hybrid Standard - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By palomies - April 30 - 1:34 pm

  Took delivery of my new Sonata Hybrid on July 18. Very happy with car so far. Five tankfuls of fuel have given me an average over 39 MPG...if the tank is mostly highway driving I get average over 40, if mostly city/errands and such about 36. No problem with switching between electric and gas engine. I think there may be a learning curve to learning to drive the car for the most economy as sometimes the gas engine will come in pretty strongly, especially in hilly terrain. Car is very comfortable for long drives, my bulged discs dont even know! (to be fair, my 07 Sonata was the same way). The handling may not be quite as good as my last Sonata, but this one also feels much bigger.

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  Love my premium Sonata Hybrid - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jsaghir - March 31 - 7:21 am

  I purchased one of the first to sell in Massachusetts, and it has been better than expected. Styling, handling, gas mileage, navigation, roominess, quiet cabin, great value - it has it all. Im getting around 38 mpg, and I havent driven on the highway as much as I usually do, where I have seen it get 40 mpg.

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  good car except for the mileage - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By amcurtis1 - March 26 - 12:18 pm

  love the car and the support from the dealer... except for the gas mileage. I have 5600 miles on it now and I have been getting 27-28 mpg combined with a 60/40 mix of highway/city miles. I try to not hit the gas to much or run the ac to hard. Today I got my computer reprogrammed for the recall that was just issued hopefully this will fix the mpg to what was advertised. I also came home to a letter informing me that hyundai is sending hybrid owners a $50 debit card for the recall inconvenience.

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  I love this vehicle! No regrets! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By 2004xlt - March 24 - 2:42 am

  The critics review of this hybrid game me doubts, but my own personal experience in the first 5K confirmed that I made an excellent choice! I drive both city and highway miles and saving a fortune on gas. Im averaging 38 mpg. The mpg automatically resets when you refuel. Occasionally the transition from electric to gas engine is noticeable, but I wouldnt describe it as "quirky" like the critics suggest. I have never even noticed the braking issue that they describe. This car does not go unnoticed and draws a lot of attention.

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  Great value car! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Norman kavanagh - March 21 - 5:16 pm

  Looks, great warrant and super value.

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  Hyundai Sonata Hybrid... Deceptive Advertisement - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By James - March 3 - 9:54 pm

  Im another victim of Hyundais deceptive advertising practices. Their advertised mileage was so far from from the truth and actual mileage (city & highway) that Im embarrassed to own one. However, Im happy to inform others of how unhappy I am with my so called economical hybrid to prevent them from buying a LIE. My car looks nice, but thats the only nice comment I have about it... the transmission shifts very hard and the engine is extremely slow to accelerate, especially when you need that little boost of power to enter a highway. Steering is too sensitive and you feel every little bump in the road. Please learn from my mistake and keep searching for your next vehicle. I thought that I had done my homework, but I was mislead by the far fetched mileage advertised on the new car window sticker... I will NEVER buy another vehicle from this auto manufacturer.

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  Vapor leaks - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By philld - February 19 - 8:15 am

  Engine light is back on, about the 4th time now that we have taken our Hybrid in for the engine light . It appears every 2 weeks or so. Been told it is due to a Vapor leak sensor that keeps going off, it is adjusted for California emissions standards and they cannot seem to fix this, and the factory does not have an answer. We are on the 6th recall fix, seems the car was released before its time. Need to research the Lemon laws next and waiting for the class action suite.

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  Almost everything you could want - 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Lynnette Russell - January 23 - 5:32 am

  Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited has almost everything you could want. Things missing that could really dress it up include heated steering wheel, auto sensor wipers, and keys that remember the vehicle settings specific to the key user. But honestly, these arent deal killers, quite obviously since I bought the car. Its a great car in regards to other luxury features and the mileage is the crown jewel. Love that mileage!!

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  Safe - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By consumeresq - December 27 - 10:59 am

  I only had my 13 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for 6 weeks before it was totaled by someone running a red light. The car did what is was supposed to and protected my son and I from serious injury. The airbags went off and even the body shop said it fared very well for the impact it received. I enjoyed the car and think you get a lot for your money. The gas mileage was a little disappointing, but it had better than expected acceleration up hills. I think it has great styling and looks a lot like a Lexus. My only other complaint would be the gas pedal had a strange placement, I felt I had to have my seat too close in order to comfortable press on the gas pedal.