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:

• 

  Unreliable piece of crap - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Roman - September 2 - 7:57 am

  This is a first time I had to bring a month old car to the dealership. Initial check says its battery problem. It takes FOREVER to fix a problem. I made mistake buying Hyundai. Dont make the same mistake

• 

  Worst Decision I have ever made - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By hp124 - September 1 - 11:44 am

  I purchased the 2011 Hybrid Hyundai Sonata 2 months ago and it has been nothing but a headache for me. I have had the car in the shop now almost every weekend since I bought it because of new issues that keep arising. The gas tank is a huge issue, and Hyundai seems to have no idea what is actually going on with it. They have "fixed" it 3 times now and I am still having issues. I am currently getting around 23 miles to the gallon (glad I spent the extra 6 grand to get a hybrid) and I also think I might be leaking fuel as well. (I filled up my car 2 days ago and have driven 100 miles and already have less than a half tank) The computer system in the car looks great, but it cannot even begin to function. The average fuel economy cannot calculate itself at all, it has continuous glitches that keep popping up (which is why my car is currently in the shop) I also just recently received a recall notice on this car a week ago, but it was a "fix" I already had done and it did not fix the issue. In contrast my problems have actually been worse since having this "repair". I think Hyundai had the right idea with this car and I think it is gorgeous, but I also believe they tried to rush the production on this model.

• 

  Blulink Remote Starter Problem - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By alejandromg85 - September 1 - 5:21 am

  When using the remote starter to warm the car in the winter the car doesnt warm up cause it always start in hybrid mode. As everybody knows the heater works with the hot water of the engine, if the engine doesnt start the water never warms up. I let the dealer know and they didnt do anything about it. So, a 30.000 dollars car cant keep you warm in the winter =S

• 

  Hybrid Sonata - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By hasbro_t - August 29 - 12:49 am

  I wanted to wait a few months to rate this car and have driven it for 3 months now so still early but here are my findings. Hyundai quoted 35 city and 45 hwy mpg. I havent done any extensive hwy driving but city is about 25 mpg. I assume that is less than if I bought the standard gas model. I live in the desert of So Cal and since owning this car, I have run the A/C nearly all the time I have driven it. I have noted a better MPG when not using the A/C. There are some quirks, like at a stop light, if the engine kick on to charge the battery while the A/C is on, there is a slight jolt forward. I have looked into my rearview twice to see if I was rear-ended, lol.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  No spare tire! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Scott Mulrooney - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  We test drove the Hyundai Sonata hybrid, the Ford Fusion hybrid & the Toyota Prius V hybrid. We would have bought the Sonata except for the fact that it did not have a spare tire nor any place to store a spare tire. The battery for the hybrid is in the floor of the truck so there is no space for a spare. That is the sole reason we did not buy this car. It was going to b my wifes car & I did not feel comfortable, and she did not feel safe, driving around w/ only a fix-a-flat. Turns out none of the 2016 Hyundais have spare tires. This was a strategy to save them a lit bit on weight & a little bit on cost. U can buy a donut spare from the dealer for $250-300 but whereas the other Hyundai models have a designated place to put it, the hybrid does not. We own a 2006 Sonata & luv it. We wanted the better gas mileage & would have upgraded had it not been for this issue. The Edmunds expert review does not mention this. We bought the Prius V in the end.

• 

  My 2011 Sonata Hybrid is a piece of junk - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By sonatasux - July 11 - 10:24 am

  Bought mine in May 2011, I have given this car every opportunity to be satisfying to me, BUT...Its a PIECE! Will be taking back to my l dealer for the 3rd time tomorrow since "check engine" light is back on AGAIN. Heres whats been wrong so far in 3 LONG months of ownership and 9,000 miles: Gas tank issues, it wont let me put a FULL tank of gas in it you can pump SLOWLY 5 more gallons in it after the pump handle clicks indicating its full. Strip of plastic along entire roof is coming off. Surge/Sluggish/Jerks u back & forth while accelerating(dealer says its normal!) power sunroof stops midway, wont close all way, clunky front suspension noise on drivers side. Wish I had my G35 back!

• 

  Impressed - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By JM - July 5 - 7:58 am

  Went from a Genesis Coupe to the 2016 Sonata Hybrid SE. The Sonata has a lot of nice features and it is very quiet, we call it the golf cart since in EV mode its really quiet. Measuring gas mileage the old fashioned way; miles vs gallons pumped, my first tank gave me mixed driving 42.2 MPG. My mixed driving is back roads, towns and I-95 traffic moving at just under NASCAR speeds with AC all the way. Daily drives using the computer, I have seen everything from 36 - 89 MPG at shut off. The car shifts smooth and you may not know if you are on battery or gas unless you look at your gauges. The car has three driving modes; eco, regular, sport and you can feel real differences in all of them. On another note this car gets the same gas mileage as my motorcycle ....

• 

  well designed hybrid that is fun to drive - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By r_l_r - June 19 - 3:56 pm

  I am pleased with my Hyundai Sonata hybrid. The car rides well. The suspension absorbs bumps and yet holds the road. The car has good accelerating and excellent dry and wet braking. I did not notice any tendency to pull to either side while driving or braking. Fuel efficiency has been over 40 mpg in city and over 45 on the highway. The controls are arranged logically and within easy reach. Most of the important controls are on or near the steering wheel. The standard version comes with most of the features one needs (I added heated front seats). I particularly like the bluetooth feature which enables full hands free phone use.