2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
33 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gains standard BlueLink, the safety, service and infotainment telematics system. A new optional Leather package includes leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. All hybrid components also receive a lifetime warranty.

Pros:
  • Smooth ride
  • High fuel economy
  • Lengthy warranty
  • Top safety scores.
  • Comfortable and handsome cabin
Cons:
  • Significant price premium compared to regular Sonata.
  • Unrefined hybrid powertrain
  • Clumsy braking response

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 33.00
  • Bad Mileage....Worse Customer Support - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • Great hybrid owned it 1 year now - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    Great buy I have top of line loaded wht pearl /tan leather, glass roof best sunroof! 23 k miles on it I commute 45 miles daily average about 37mpg city & hwy combine ,40mpg traveling I drive normal some times on curies control I due use high octane fuel ,tire air pressure 35 psi ,syntitic oil every 3700 miles ,air filter every 15k.I get lots of compliments from friends & strangers asking what is it how nice.I owned Lexus Mercedes Cadilac BMW same quality so far for the money lots more to offer two many to list,example rear heated seats!

  • Great Hybrid Car, But not great MPG - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    I bought 2012 Sonata Hybrid last week, I drove on the local roads & highway, Its averaging 36. I was expecting 40mpg on highway, but it was 38 only on highway. Car has great interior, beautiful exterior, comfort ride. I love it. I guess, the mileage will improve after 1st oil change.. not sure, will see. Still 36 is okay mileage compare to other cars.

  • terrible experience - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    I bought my 2012 Sonata Hybrid last year and was originally very pleased with it, with the exception of the seat design. The headrest comes too far out and pushes your head forward. I could get over that, though. What I can not get over is the shuddering that began just over a month ago. Ive had it into the dealership 4 times, and after upgrading the software which didnt solve the issue, they tell me the shuddering I experience every time I stop is normal. The drive is no longer fun, but stressful, as I brace myself each time I see a stop sign. Its a rough ride for driver and passengers alike. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Sadly, Im stuck with mine.

  • Reasonable compromise for a Boomer - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    We acquired a 2012 Sonata Hybrid after looking at many options in this price/category. the Sonata is comfortable to drive and ride in, fairly quite and gets OK (but not nearly the EPA MPG) gas mileage. Ive put about 2500 miles on it and it is averaging about 30 MPG in mostly in-town driving which is where it should be using the battery the most so I was expecting better MPG. ANY in-town hill gives it a challenge as it tries to go from battery to motor. Build quality is good so far. Rear seats are comfortable. Highway cruising is good.

  • Finally Got it Right! - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • 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.

  • 2012 Sonata Hybrid Standard - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

  • 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.

  • Not Ready For Prime Time - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
    By -

    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.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area