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 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Stacy - October 12 - 11:09 am

  I love my car so much. Ive looked at the Toyota and Honda. I just like the feel and look of the Sonata much better. Ive had it for almost 3 weeks now and I travel at least 1 hour a day to and from work. I just filled the gas tank and it wasnt even empty yet. The look and feel just cant be beat. I urge anyone looking for a hybrid car to take a look at the Sonata.

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  Love Hybrid - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Bob Burrill - September 12 - 12:20 am

  Bought bare bones SE Sonata hybrid because a Limited was not available due to the excellent year end rebate. Nice quiet ride. Impressed with MPG which ranges from 40 to 50 mpg. Seems to get best mileage in city driving if you keep heavy acceleration to a minimum and coax the drive into EV mode. Would not have purchased a hybrid without the huge rebate but glad I did. Miss having the options I would have selected had they been available. Seems to be an excellent value.

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  Roomiest Fun-to-Drive Hybrid Sedan on the Market - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By r_l_r - August 9 - 4:55 pm

  The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the best package of attractive styling, smooth handling, excellent mileage and comfort among hybrid sedans in the US. I found with slight care its easy to get over 40 mpg on the highway and overall 38+mpg. Features that reduce the mpg are using heated seats and interior heater in the winter or full AC in the summer. However, using the "econ" feature with the heating/cooling one easily achieves 38 mpg overall or better. The jitteriness at low speeds was resolved with the first service when the computer system was upgraded to remove some of the hesitency between use of EV and gas engine modes. Update is free and resolves issues raised in some initial reviews.

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  And the 2nd tank is in - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jay357 - July 2 - 6:40 am

  As I previously reported my first tank was 28 mpg. Now I have added fuel for the 2nd time and my mileage is 37mpg combined just like the sticker said. So I dont know what the Edmunds tester problems are. I also notice my tires only had 30 psi in them, so I aired them up to 40 psi and am hoping to net another 3 mpg. Edmunds comments about quirky hybrid. I disagree, most of the time you cant tell when it shifts from gas to electric or vice versa. Occasionally you can feel it but even then it just feels like an automatic transmission shift.

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  Great Rental - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jed - April 28 - 4:34 am

  Rented in Albuquerque and driven 600 miles in Santa Fe , Taos , mountains and city. Averaged 42 MPG. Performance met expectations. Made me want to buy one except I want a minivan ie Subaru Forester. Give me this in a Forester and I would buy it today.

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  Best Looking Hybrid out there - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By coolhokie - April 4 - 3:33 am

  I just purchased Sonata hybrid with the leather package in Pearl White. It is absolutely greatest hybrid. I love how it looks inside and out. Anywhere I look at this vehicle makes me smile. Hyundai really did an excellent job of making this vehicle. Cant wait to drive it again.

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  Great car with UNBELIEVABLE LOOKS - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By donnie13 - December 2 - 12:37 am

  My second Sonata Hybrid. Bought a 2011 and loved the car. Took one with gray interior so I could have it sooner. Traded for 2012 with tan interior and absolutely love this car. Everywhere I go, people ask what kind of car is that? I got the optional dual sunroof with leather in Pearl white. It looks and feels like a BMW. I have had. and do have many cars including an Audi A8L and an E550 coupe and find myself jumping in this car most of the time! The gas mileage is great and dealership experience was the best Ive experienced. (Universal Hyundai Orlando)

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  Best car ever - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ancasterguy - November 2 - 12:50 am

  I purchased my hybrid with everything. I took the Nav package with red and the tan interior. The handling is great. Mileage is great! Looks of the car is great. I get so many compliments. Awesome car! LOVE IT! It drives so smooth and quiet. I have read where some people complain of slight delays when they hit the gas. Ive never noticed that. It has lots of power when I push the pedal. Just a wonderful car. The selection on here for model only gives "base" as a selection. In Canada we get base, then LTD then Navigation package which has the works. Not really any options to buy other than winter floor mats.

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  Car pulls to the left and Rough change from gas to hybrid - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By alejandromg85 - August 24 - 5:22 am

  I bought a 2012 Sonata hybrid 3 months ago. I loved the car as soon as I saw it. When I started driving it there were no problems at all. After 1 month the car started being pulled to the left. Dealer said nothing wrong with it. Now when driving in hybrid mode the car has a vibration and shakes hard when change to gas. Dealer said nothing wrong with it. I dont really like the car with that problems. The price was 30.000 dollars and they were supposed to fix the problem. Im gonna keep it cause is my first new car and I dont have any other option since Hyundai was the only dealer that gave me a 0.9% rate to own it. Interior and comfort is 10/10. Design is 10/10.

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  The feel and size of luxury but the gas milage of - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By helene Ralston - August 23 - 3:35 am

  Comparing a lot of different cars I really wanted a hybrid with the comfort and space of luxury car without losing the technology now available, I narrowed it down to the Camry Hybrid in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. Are there I can appreciate the Camry interior design I had a compact space that felt crowded compared to my Hyundai Sonata limited hybrid. Ive now on the car for a month and so I can give an honest review on everything except for repairs. I negotiated and got everything I wanted in my car 29 K including the sunroof and all weather mats. Delighted to find that can get 44 miles per gallon on the highway and about 37 day to day driving. That was exactly what I was looking for without compromising the comfort in space I wanted in a car that felt comfortable and stylish. The car is beautiful to look at and classy inside and out. This is the BMW look that I wanted without the BMW price! I love the technology package and the comfort of the backseat (heated) as well as the front. The trunk is huge! The negative side is the guidance package that they give instead of the GPS. It is sorely lacking. I found myself getting frustrated waiting to get the directions to the end up going to my phone for the GPS. However this can be remedied for about $600. Other reviewers mention noise and there is a bit because the car is so quiet however I can deal with it for the price, gas mileage and the comfort. I love my new car and all that it offers for such a great price. My son has a Volvo s60 sedan and my Sonata Limited has all the same bells and whistles that his has. The Sonata is every bit as comfortable and more spacious. The one item he has thats missing from the Sonata Limited is it automatic braking. I give my new car four stars all the way around and no opinions on repairs. If they added automatic braking, GPS and found a way to insulate the outside noise a bit they would get a 5 stars in all areas but repairs. I cannot rate the repairs until I need them. By this car and you will not be disappointed. 44 mpg on Highway! I love it.