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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  Just like riding in a boad - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By elias7 - July 4 - 6:38 pm

  Bought brand new 2013 sonata hybrid ltd and been driving it for 18 months. Drove many different brands in the past, (BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, GM, Nissan, Ford). This car has very poor driving dynamics, it rocks back and forth, nose dives too much on road imperfections and during braking. Gas pedal is very irresponsive, almost dangerous when youre trying to clear an intersection at orange lights. Braking is too harsh when you first touch the pedal then fades to very poor when pressed hard. Panoramic room creaks, even after 3 attempts from dealer to fix. Seats are very uncomfortable on trips longer than 2 hours. needs alignment every 20k. Not that good on gas. car makes you dizzy.

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  Flashy sales pitch, poor result - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By redrockrover - April 8 - 4:36 am

  Leased this car on the premise of great features together with great MPG. Traded in my old gas-guzzling SUV for "great" gas mileage. First tank lasted 550 miles, I was elated. After that my MPG has been taking a dump. I was quite surprised because my driving style is very cautious, even boring. My lowest whole tank average gas mileage at fill up was 16mpg. Absolutely pathetic, I should have gotten a truck. Got sold on comfy seats and sticker MPG. I expected the mileage to be less than sticker but not like this. If you live anywhere that gets cold, and you dont do lots of long distance driving, avoid this vehicle like the plague. I am counting the days until it disappears from my life.

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  Piece of crap - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Teresa - September 15 - 2:07 pm

  Bought car for gas Milage great first 3 yrs got 40mpg now barely get 30mpg. No one knows what is wrong dealer doesnt know and wont call support to find out it grows when accelerating they will wait till warrant goes off then find problem. Wont buy from Hyundai again I can get a SUV for same gas milage I get now 1/27/18. Still same problem. Been looking for new SUV. Will go with Subaru and NO HYBRIDS

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  Bad Mileage....Worse Customer Support - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By badsaturn - August 5 - 8:33 am

  I 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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  Stumble start problem,,My biggest mistake!! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ecube - May 14 - 12:07 am

  The 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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  DO NOT BUT THE SONATA HYBRID - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By rdb53 - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  Do not buy the Sonata Hybrid for its gas mileage. The vehicle will achieve the advertised highway mileage but the city mileage performance is erratic and the idea that it can achieve 35mpg in city driving is absurd. All the dealership can do is plug in their computer and look for error codes. When no error codes show up they tell you the car is performing as designed even if the mpg is only 26. Also do not waste your time contacting Hyundai Motors America customer service. The only response you receive from them is a referral back to the dealership and a list of the reasons that you may be at fault for the low mpg because of poor driving habits. They are a waste of their companys resources.

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  2 car repairs and only 5 month old - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By mv_mary - May 27 - 9:10 am

  My confidence in this vehicle has just been shot down again...and maybe for good. Ive had it in the shop the first month because of a malfunction in the emissions valve. Then today, only 5 months after I got it, the engineer shut down while driving on the freeway. The car wouldnt start back up. Im thinking twice that I should have gone with a new Lexus instead.

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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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  VERY DISAPPOINTED - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jscars - April 29 - 1:36 am

  I have 1600 miles on 2011 Sonata Hybrid and have averaged 31 mpg over mostly highway driving to and from work 90 mile round trip which is 80% highway with light traffic and very few traffic lights. Performance between 20-35 mph is sluggish, and engine clearly overrevs in that range. Bluetooth connection with my Samsung Galaxy Edge Droid does not work. You can establish a temporary connection which I did when I test drove the vehicle, but it does not hold. Streaming audio almost never works due to bluetooth phone issues. Sunroof rattles at highway speed. Front windshield fogs up on outside all the time from bottom to about 12". I prefer my 2004 Prius with 189K miles & 45mpg.