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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  Sonata Hybrid Limited - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Arthur Zipin - July 19 - 4:21 am

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  Wonderful Hybrid Vehicle Without The Compromises - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Hyundai Fan - June 9 - 5:05 pm

  I considered a first generation Sonata hybrid a few years ago, and Im glad I waited. This is a great car that is leaps and bounds better than the previous model. The trunk space is improved, and the mileage is dramatically better. Great commuter sedan with 43 MPG overall so far. Love the heated and ventilated leather seats, and my kids also get heaters in the back seating as well with plenty of leg room. My wife appreciates the safety features and the lane/collision avoidance warnings, as well as the overall range well in excess of 600 miles. This is my 4th Sonata, and these cars just keep improving with each iteration. Purchased the limited without the ultimate package because I really have no use for a sunroof or built-in navigation. Only downside to this compromise is that the primary display is smaller than it should be, and sound system is just average. Great car, and even better with over 20% off MSRP!

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  Finally Got it Right! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By gilbertgirl47 - May 25 - 1:53 am

  Purchased 2012 Hybrid in Aug 2012. Loved it. After a week, it started lurching sometimes and the gas mileage wasnt what I expected. After complaints to the dealership my cars computer(s) was upgraded twice at no charge and now I get great mileage and no more lurching. Drive 60% in town and 40% highway. I average 37mpg but on long road trips get 39-42mpg, sometimes higher. Have seen 50mpg. Hubby loves to drive my car more than his! One reason we chose Sonata is that three of our grandchildren can ride in back with no problem. Stylish, fun to drive, roomy and we love it! The trunk in the hybrid is smaller than the regular Sonata, but plenty of room for luggage for a road trip for 2.

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  We love our new Sonata Hybrid - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Hal Baumbaach - April 8 - 4:59 am

  After telling people for the last 4 years how we loved our two Priuses, we were shocked while driving a Sonata at the dealership. We went to look at the Sonatas because they are beautiful cars and came away totally amazed at all of the features, the comfort, and the quiet of the Sonata. Prius is not even in the same ballpark as Sonata. I call our Sonata "our economy luxury car." We only paid an extra $1,000 more than the last Prius we bought, a 2014, and the Sonata feels like it is worth at least $10,000 more in features, beauty, quiet, safe, comfortable ride. I cant tell you how often my wife and I discuss how much we love our new Sonata. We bought the $35,000 Hybrid Limited loaded with all the features for $29,000 about 3 months ago and are getting over 40 mpg which is about 5 mpg less than our Prius was getting.

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  I Love this Hybrid - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By golfing713 - March 31 - 6:23 pm

  I test drove 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In, and 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid. All of these hybrid cars share the same feature, CVT. Continuous Variable Transmission. I work for Nissan and most Nissans have a CVT in the car which are consistently being replaced. Since there first or second year CVTs I passed on Honda/Toyota. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited has a smooth quiet ride. Has a lot of great features and gas mileage so far has been in the low to mid 30s. Fit and Finish, seat comfort, back-up camera. nav, bluetooth make this car a great choice. Dont listen to the bad reviews, I feel this car has a great value for the $$ D

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  After months of research, glad I bought this car - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Karen - October 18 - 7:51 am

  So I agree with previous reviewer, so wish I had the features and hybrid stuff with a small suv (this is my first sedan!) but having said that, quite pleased with this car. Will come back and add to this review as have only had the car for a day, but I agree that controls (and there are LOTS of them) are laid out well and intuitively. My only problem? Being able to tell whether the car is on or not, keep trying to drive only to discover the car isnt on all the way. We have a 2007 hyundai sonata in the family, and the 2016 hybrid makes it look sad and forlorn. Bigger than the 2007, an unbelievably roomy rear seating area, trunk is crazy big for a hybrid, and how can you not love those LED running lights? So spiffy looking, feels like driving a luxury car for a whole lot less money. So glad I got the limited (WITHOUT the ultimate package, I dont like sunroofs), ventilated seats are so nice and looking forward to the heated seats in winter. Just a great car all around. Okay Hyundai, lets give the Tucson way better visibility out the back and hybridize it, and Ill buy that next!

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  second time around with the hybrid - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Richard - September 28 - 11:18 am

  Took delivery of my hybrid a little over one week ago. Prior to purchase I had been following the many reviews ,most of which were very high. I originally had four years in a 2011 hybrid limited. Which I would grade no higher than a B-. As soon as I test drove the 2016 I was amazed at the difference in the second generation hybrid. The quiet interior,smooth ride,seamless switching between battery and gas engine,are way over and above the 2011. First week out average about 39mpg 90% city driving. Did a reset to check highway mpg, got 48.5. I am quite pleased with the vehicle, and highly recommend purchase.

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  Definitely get this car - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Treeman - September 11 - 10:30 am

  I owned previously a 2012 sonata limited. Cant believe how much quieter and how the ride quality has improved on this 2016 sonata limited hybrid, I just purchased. With a 50/50 mix of driving, have been averaging over 40mpg. Love the way the car drives, Hyundai keeps making improvements. Interior is so much nicer, leather seats and comfort way better than the 2012 limited. Cabin layout, controls easy to use. Numerous safety features included. Trunk space almost the same size as the 2012, with the new placement of the lithium battery where the spare tire used to be, rear seats fold for longer items if needed. Hyundai is offering great rebates, best to get a hybrid now before gas prices go back up. Hyundai has really outdone themselves with the features offered on this car, even the rear door windows have shades you can raise to block the sun. With Hyundais warranty, you cant go wrong. Had over 36,000 miles on my 2012 , never had any issues. Love the power memory seats.

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  2011 Sonata Hybrid after 7 months - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By srcooper - July 13 - 3:54 pm

  Weve owned this car for seven months now. Im surprised at some of the negative reviews. My wife and I love this vehicle. We have been been stopped and questioned about the car. Everyone thinks it looks really cool. But that is not all. We have maintained 33-35mpg in local driving...and 35-42mpg on the highway. If you are going up hills, the gas mileage is less. If you have a heavy foot it will be less. However, it is not hard to increase the mileage with some smart driving. I have had the car go into the electric mode for several minutes at 70mph.

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  Fabulous automobile! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By tsims10s - December 13 - 11:44 pm

  I have now owned my Sonata Hybrid for just over six months. Like most of the early adopters of this automobile I had the check engine light issues until Hyundai figured out what was happening. Kudos to Hyundai for working diligently to solve the issue and provide us a $50 gift card as compensation for our trouble. Meanwhile, Ive enjoyed a mid-sized luxury car ride with penny pinching average fuel economy of 38 mpg over 16,238 miles! Within the first few miles of driving I sense a little hesitation in the transmission but after a few minutes its fine. I get lots of questions about my Sonata Hybrid and many compliments on the styling. I would not hesitate to purchase another Hyundai!