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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  Great hybrid car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By vabeachdriver - February 13 - 11:53 am

  I have had my sonata since July 2011. It has been great to me. I do a lot of business travel and I am averaging no less than 38MPG on almost all my full tanks of gas 530-575 Miles between fill ups. It has a very smooth ride and I have had no operation or performance issues.

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  Overall pretty good. - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Jorge Cartman - October 29 - 11:52 pm

  Ive gotten over 60mpg on warm days when going no more than 5 over the limit (around 40mpg when its freezing). Ive had one issue with this car though, but that may be because I bought it uses, and it was rear ended before I bought it. The issue is that the hybrid system component sent me a warning indicator, and as I type this, its at the dealership being looked at. They say it could be a hybrid coolant pump leak, but arent sure. I dont know whether it was caused by the accident or if its defective. I havent had this car a month yet.

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  This car = money - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By dc23 - October 22 - 2:14 am

  Bottom line over half my car payment is going to be made by the money I am saving on gasoline. I have gone from driving a truck that gets 15mpg on its best day to a car that I can see is getting 38mpg in the city and over 40mpg on my 25mile trip home from work. I am extremely pleased with the handling. It has a smooth transition from electric to gas engine. Most of the time I dont even know it happened. I did go with the leather package and I am extremely pleased with the interior design. Plenty of room, and stylish. The exterior design is great as well with a cool set of lights. I would love to have a different set of wheels but that is avail. for a little more money. Very satisfied!

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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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  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

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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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  I hate my Sonata Hybrid - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By txteacher1 - August 3 - 1:09 am

  We bought this car for me since I am on the road more than my husband. The gas mileage is significantly lower than promised. I am so disappointed since that is the major reason we purchased this car. My husband drives it now. We like the back up camera (we bought the top model) and the sun roof is a wow factor...but in the hot Texas sun we havent really used it except at night. It sits low so big bumps/dips scrap the bottom. We spent more money on this car because the promised gas mileage ( saleman said) I wish I had made a different choice. The dealer has told us tough luck on the 22mpg...we are stuck with it-or take the lost trading it.

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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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  Avoid This Car - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By rffines - May 12 - 11:11 pm

  From the day of delivery, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has been nothing but trouble. In order of occurrence: 1. Sputters an hesitates violently from 0 - 45mph in any and all conditions. (Hyundai dealer and Hyundai Consumer Affairs say): Get used to it, thats how hybrids perform. The salesman never mentioned that the car will perform like its running out of gas. 2. Intermittent stalling: Car stalls w/o warning in both city and highway traffic. This problem has caused 3 near-miss accidents. (Hyundai response): It didnt stall during a test drive - its running as expected. 3. Extremely poor mileage: 22 highway/19 city. Hyundai says engine needs break-in. Hyundai does not care!!!