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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  So far so good! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ded99 - July 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have about 2200 miles on the car. I have taken the car on a couple three hour highway trips, along with many miles around town. I can get the advertised mileage if it is driven carefully. I find that the highway mileage is a little lower when the cruise control is set. To be fair I was traveling between 70 and 75 during the bulk of the highway trip. I got about 38 to 39 mpg. I find that with the cruise control off I can keep the car in the electric mode longer, and seem to get mileage of over 40 mpg. I must admit however that I have always had a heavy right foot so this is actually very good. My wife has gotten 35+ mpg in town. So far very pleased.

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  HPCU Died in Less than Two Months - 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jonqyork - November 8 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car on June 15, 2014. On July 14th, it wouldnt start. Had it towed to the dealer. It took them 5 days to find the problem. It was a blown fuse. On August 13th, it wouldnt start again. Towed again to the dealer. Now, 9 days later (when I originally wrote this), they still have it and cant figure out the problem. They said theyve had another Sonata Hybrid in the shop with a similar problem for a month. They simply have no idea whats wrong with it or how to get it back on the road! And they told me theyre now turning down tows because they dont know how to fix it!

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  Its better then expected - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Mitch - July 25 - 9:28 pm

  While milage drop during the winter 24 city / 32 highway, it gets good when it worm up. Last trip from Iowa to Salt Lake City I got 36.7 avg while using cruise control at 80 mph. Comming back I drop the speed to 72 mph and use my skill to see what can I get out of this car. My average was 40.6 mpg

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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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  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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  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.

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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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  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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  Car stumbles engine wont engage sometimes - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By s2them - September 7 - 10:15 pm

  We loved our Sonata Hybrid until we pulled out and the engine didnt engage after getting out in the road under battery power,, Hyundai has not called me back when promised and unless they do something to fix situation ,i dont recommended this car maybe 5 years down the road after they have fixed the bugs,,just to Day they issued a new service bulletin on the connector to the computer