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:
Showing 111 through 120 of 134.00-
VERY DISAPPOINTED - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By jscars - April 29 - 1:36 amI have 1600 miles on 2011 Sonata Hybrid and have averaged 31 mpg over mostly highway driving to and from work 90 mile round trip which is 80% highway with light traffic and very few traffic lights. Performance between 20-35 mph is sluggish, and engine clearly overrevs in that range. Bluetooth connection with my Samsung Galaxy Edge Droid does not work. You can establish a temporary connection which I did when I test drove the vehicle, but it does not hold. Streaming audio almost never works due to bluetooth phone issues. Sunroof rattles at highway speed. Front windshield fogs up on outside all the time from bottom to about 12". I prefer my 2004 Prius with 189K miles & 45mpg.
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Great Rental - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By jed - April 28 - 4:34 amRented 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 amI 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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ALMOST HAPPY - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By baddog6 - March 16 - 2:30 amTraded my Town And Country in July and in agreement with most of the positive reviews but very unhappy with a rapid jerking on acceleration from lower speed.Does not feel like shifting or transittion from gas to elect. and does not do it all the time. Took to dealer and it ran fine and was told no reports of any problems then found edumonds review on line so don"t know what to think.Have bought over 20 cars and not had this problem and dont want it now.
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2011 Sonata Hybrid with Premium package - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By marnold4 - March 3 - 6:34 pmWe just have about 350 miles on the car but so far its great. Plenty of pickup to get on the highway or pass, excellent fuel economy (baby it on the highway, on the flat or slight downhill, and you can hit 50 mpg fairly easily). The interior design is outstanding, nice leather seats, Sound system with Infinity speakers and sub-woofer work nicely. Its nice to have a transmission that actually shifts, and you can shift it in manual mode. BlueTooth works great with our HTC Droid phones and the i-Pod touch works perfectly as well. Nice sound and reception on HD radio stations in the area. The car has more of a luxury feel than a sporty handler for driving.
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Buyer Beware - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By chubeck - February 2 - 2:00 amBuying this car was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made. It has been a huge disappointment. More importantly, it is unsafe and extremely dangerous to drive! The car has completely died on me twice. Once it happened on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles and the second was on a busy parkway. The car just shuts off, literally STOPS! The "Check Charging System" light comes on and a warning chime sounds. The car does not switch to gas, but just stops running. I have had two near accidents with the car and cannot trust it.
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Re-Review 2011 Sonata Hybrid "Premium" - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By marnold4 - December 26 - 12:27 amWe have about 3500 miles on the car and are pleased. Plenty of pickup to get on the highway or pass, excellent fuel economy. We are able to consistently get the advertised mileage but to do so you need to modify how you drive a bit. If we hammer it like we used to do with our V6 Accord the mileage drops. (Average real-world mileage, for us, calculated at fill ups in mixed driving is 36) The interior design is outstanding. Its nice to have a transmission that actually shifts. The Blue-Tooth works great with our smart phones and the i-Pod touch works perfectly as well. No transmissions leaks or steering, or shift problems. The car has more of a luxury feel than a sporty handler for driving.
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Great car with UNBELIEVABLE LOOKS - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By donnie13 - December 2 - 12:37 amMy 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 amI 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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Very comfort ride but poor gas consumption - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
By gleung81 - September 19 - 10:38 pmI was attracted by the high tech package and the exterior design. Very well designed on the looking. But absolutely disappointed with the MPG. I knew the MPG will be off a bit from the sticker, but didnt expect THAT MUCH of a difference. Sticker states 5.2L/100km combined, I am getting 7.1 - 7.3L/100km. This is no where near to the sticker MPG. I am a gentle driver, so its not my driving style issue. Acceleration response time is slow, need to give an extra 1 - 2 second when making a left. I wasnt aware of this when I had my test drive, start to realize as I drive it daily. Not sure if this is common for all hybrid. Alignment is starting to pull to the left after 2 weeks.
