5 Star Reviews for Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.31/5 Average
134 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 41 through 50 of 134.00
  • Awesome Vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    I bought the Sonata Hybrid 2012 and I am not disappointed. I read a lot on the intranet before purchasing and noted down the negative comments that had been made with a view to evaluating them myself. I saw comments about gear shift transitioning issues, parallel parking issues and so forth and specifically attempted to replicate each of these in turn - and didnt notice a darn thing. I recommend this vehicle. Its solid, stable and Im getting an average of 35MPG. Try it for yourself before listening to the critics.

  • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid redefines Luxury - 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    Hyundai Sonata Hybrid We were owners of 2 Hyundai Elantras and have had zero problems with them and so when the 8 year old got totaled in a crash we decided to go Hybrid for our next car. We had hoped to wait 2 years and go Hybrid with a small SUV but none out there getting the MPG’s yet. So we went shopping. Honda Accord Hybrid had the best MPG’s but no trunk—really no trunk so if you want it exclusively for around town—well even then why buy it—go electric. The same was true with the Ford Fusion. Both companies sacrifice trunk space to fit the battery in and render the car impossible for long family trips. Bigger Hybrid cars had $$$ and were not dealing. We wanted to look at Hyundai’s cousin the Kia Optima Hybrid but they were selling fast and not discounting. So we settled on the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Both companies got into a bidding war for our bucks and this was a boost for us. We got steep discounts and thanks to Edmonds and Consumer Reports we knew the real starting point. Edmunds makes it great because the dealerships knew the price you got and thus took off from there. What surprised us with both car companies was that the price continued to drop! Both cars are a nice drive and because we wanted all the latest safety features we were hitting the top of the line Limited Editions for both cars. Thus both came fully loaded. The Sonata had a quieter ride, faster pickup, a huge trunk, and both rear seats fold down for added space. Both were equal in safety features but Sonata added the little things like a door handle light that comes on as you approach the car. The interior was way more luxurious with leather along the side doors as well! We also got lucky this year as Hyundai gets to make Genesis their Lexus/Infiniti Luxury car company, thus Sonata now becomes the top of the line car and is decked out that way. Simply put you get a whole lot more car for your money. My friend who drives a Lexus found my Sonata Hybrid a quieter ride! My 1,000 mile review. The 8 way and 6 way power front seats are the best I’ve ever sat in and they are both cooled and heated! The headrest fits us both perfectly and this rarely happens. We are in love with the memory seats. The driver seat settings are set for us both and switch at the push of a button adjusting not only the seat but the mirrors! Oh, and the mirrors on both sides dip down slightly when you put it in reverse so you can see the lines in the road! Just too many features to name here but what you get IS more than the competition. Two things I must note. The side mirrors are the absolute best in any sedan. I can see 2 lanes –either side and of course it comes with the blinder yellow caution lights in the mirrors on both sides. Rear view mirror is also amazing in that it gives you a near complete view with the smallest blind side and auto darkening at night is very cool. The footprint and ride of this car is amazing but there is very little that we notice going from electric engine to gas—smooth and the regenerative breaks are hardly noticeable too! Finally by the numbers—at 1,000 miles we surpass easily the 38 city—getting 40+ most trips, combined is slightly higher too at 43 and highway runs 46-48. The center dash screen is huge and does so much I have yet to get thru it all but the smaller screen for the driver—centered above the steering wheel can tell you how you are doing in ECO mode and this gentle reminder really helps. BUT—stomp on the gas of the Sonata Hybrid to go and it takes off because Hyundai did something real cool by joining the electric with the gas engine—having both run to give you a huge boost in horses without eating up a lot of gas! Nice. I’ll update you again at 5 and 10 thousand miles.

  • Best Family Hybrid Sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    My family has 2 Sonata hybrid sedans because they are safe and fun to drive, get good fuel economy, handle well including braking and transition from EV to gas motor engaged. The car has excellent power when it is needed because the electric motor can supplement the gas engine. The Sonata hybrid has the most interior room of any hybrid sedan that cost less than $40,000. I read the negative reviews from some and do not agree with them. The cars equipment, such as the excellent Bluetooth hands free phone use, all work well. The cars ride is very smooth and quiet. In contrast to comment - the electric engine operates only at low speed, I found that the car will go into EV mode at 60+mph

  • 2nd new 2016 limited ultimate in 9 months!! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    We originally purchased the car for my wife to drive. It quickly became her favorite car ever with the features she loved. Vented seats, blind spot warning, automatic high beams to name a few. The mileage was fantastic performing way over the estimates, 47 mpg combined. Of course, you had to drive for mileage but that isnt a problem. We pick up our new one next week since our first one was totaled by a person of questionable intelligence cutting 3 lanes of traffic on a busy road. My wife was bruised and sore, but she walked away from the wreck. The car did its job in keeping her from further harm. I am a rather large person and am able to get into and out of the car quite easily (no tow truck or crane needed). The seats are comfortable front and rear with plenty of head and leg room. My personal vehicle is an F-150 crew cab but I dont protest taking the car on longer trips, especially at the gas pumps! We enjoyed the car so much her replacement is a twin except in color.

  • 2011 SONATA HYBRID PREMIUM - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    I dont drive it as much as i would like but the wife loves it.Fuel milage is what we expected.Was recalled once for three repairs,all went well even recieved a $50 gift card from Hyundai for our troubles.Have recieved many compliments also was offered trades with other motorists cars. Car runs great .It only has 4000 miles on it so far but the only issue is the fuel gauge it is not accurate it never read a full tank since we owned it.We put $20 in it and it goes up a few lines,shut it off turn it back on and it goes up another line but otherwise a great car

  • 2016 Sonata Hybrid Exceeds Expectations - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • Love my premium Sonata Hybrid - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • I love this vehicle! No regrets! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • Great value car! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    Looks, great warrant and super value.

  • Smooth Riding Hybrid That is Safe and Smooth - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    I have driving cars for over 45 years and this is the best car overall that I have owned. I find the electronics intuitive. It takes only a short time to learn the significance of the beeping signals from this car. I found that after driving the car for about 10 days that I know how to apply gas for smooth as silk acceleration and how to brake smoothly. Overall, I have found the car to be at its best and the most fun to drive on highways and suburban and rural roads where you can consistently drive over 35 MPH. At constant speeds between 35 and 55 MPH, you can get 45+MPG. The car gets more like 30-34MPG in stop-go slow speed driving. Overall, I have averaged a bit over 40 MPG.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reviews By Year:
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