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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  Awesome vehicle - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ddiverd - October 5 - 4:46 am

  I received the first hybrid Sonata to be sold in New York state. I immediately bonded with this car, it is one of the best vehicles I have driven, given the type. The styling is great and I will be using it to commute on a daily basis. The ride is firm, but also tight, handling is straight on. I traded a 2007 Camry, and it far surpasses that car. The interior fit and finish is superb, with brushed aluminum accents on the door and dash. The car looks like a much more expensive ride, and is styled differently than a regular Sonata. I wanted this car ever since I saw it in Motor trend. Averaging 39.5 mpg at this time, on the road and 35.5 in the city. Amazing car, leaves the Prius in the dust.

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  My Sonata Hybrid is a major disappointment - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By bnaiman - October 5 - 1:37 am

  I previously had a Toyota Camry Hybrid that I consistanly got 31 mpg in town. My new Sonata gives me about 22 to 24 mpg. I have had it in 3 times and they always tell me that everything is performing as it should and that I am the only one who has complained. I was also told by a mechanic that I could do just as well with the regular Sonata for les money. I made a terrible mistake in buying this car but for them to tell me that they have not had any complaints is an insult.

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  Over sold - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By secrets - September 28 - 4:24 am

  We bought this car strictly for the fuel economy. We were trading up from a 23mpg vehicle to a 40mpg car. We have never gotten more tha 35mpg with an average of 30.1mpg. I normally never buy new, and I will not buy a hybrid ever again. Knowing then what i know now i would have bought the cheaper turbo model. We are very disapointed with the MPG.

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  Great car! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By houstonscott - September 16 - 5:27 am

  Have almost 2,000 miles on my base Sonata Hybrid and I am impressed with the vehicle. High build quality and great gas mileage. Recent road trip returned 41+ mpg.

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  pretty good start - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By tdinsight - September 16 - 4:58 am

  Bought this car about 3 months ago after test driving vs Optima and Camry hybrids. The assembly and ride are very nice with pleanty of room for me at 63" and a very usable rear seat. There are complaints about the car being jerky of the line. Only happened once to me merging into traffic while turning and ICE kicked in chirping a tire. Brakes are a little nonlinear but never felt unable to stop smoothly or agressively if needed. Open road fuel efficiency is very good with electric mode frequently running half a mile or so on the freeway. Traffic mpg not so great especially in 20-40 mph range. I average about 36 mpg but can be significantly less. More like 44 on a couple trips.

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  Piece of crap - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Teresa - September 15 - 2:07 pm

  Bought car for gas Milage great first 3 yrs got 40mpg now barely get 30mpg. No one knows what is wrong dealer doesnt know and wont call support to find out it grows when accelerating they will wait till warrant goes off then find problem. Wont buy from Hyundai again I can get a SUV for same gas milage I get now 1/27/18. Still same problem. Been looking for new SUV. Will go with Subaru and NO HYBRIDS

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  Great deal on 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Michael - September 8 - 12:27 pm

  We have driven Prius and Prius V for the last 5 years. They are great cars with fantastic mpg. We were looking for a replacement hybrid and thought Hyundai might be it because of the reviews and features. Then we saw the sale of 2016s because the 2017s were coming in. We purchased a Limited for $24K. We wanted a car that was more comfortable and better at highway speeds. We looked at Accords, Camrys and Fusions. The Hyundai stood out because of the 2016 re-design. More room than the competitors and a great trunk. It actually has a large flat deck in the trunk. Comfort is outstanding with leather seats, lumbar support that can be moved up or down, and position memory. Heated and ventilated seats along with heated steering wheel are nice extras. The blind spot monitoring is great as well as the backup aid which lets you know if there is a car or someone approaching from the side as you back out of a space. Would like to have gotten the "Ultimate" tech package but I could not find it as dealerships had sold all they had. MPG is generally very good at 40 and acceleration to highway speeds along with solid feel are fantastic.

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  Sonata Hybrid Limited - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Mike - August 19 - 4:48 pm

  This car is extremely quiet, comfortable, and rides very well. Is somewhat sluggish in Eco Driving Mode but is getting a confirmed 45 MPG. Only negative Ive found is the depth (height?) of the trunk because of the battery below.

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  Toyotas No More - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Camileo - June 23 - 6:18 am

  This is my second Sonata, and my first Hybrid. Got a very good deal on this car, in that I bought it from inventory as their last 16 Hybrid left on the lot. Really love this car. Expected to get 41 MPG typically, but getting closer to 44-50 in my suburban/freeway driving. Less on cold days (as low at 38 MPG) with the heater running. Better acceleration than I expected. Car doesnt know its a Hybrid apparently. Does anyone else tie the electric and gas engines together harmoniously other than Hyundai? Seems like a no brainer. Much smoother ride than my 2011 GLS. The shifting between electric and gas mode is seamless. That was a "wow". Really like the blue tooth voice dialing system. Works better than my wifes system. People have complained about the Blue Link navigation, but I have gotten used to it. Has pluses and minuses next to my wifes Honda Accords built-in navigation system. My only complaint is that the battery went bad prematurely, but that might be expected when you buy a 16 at the beginning of the 17 model year. Would have been nice had it come with a spare tire. Overall though, much more than I expected for the price.

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  Disappointed with fuel economy! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By justicebrown - April 24 - 5:41 am

  I purchased the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid specifically based on the estimated fuel economy. The "average fuel economy" which is displayed by the car says 35 MPG. My calculations at refueling say otherwise (Dividing the miles traveled (trip odometer) by the amount of gallons it took to refill the tank). My first three refills are 32.74 MPG, 33 MPG and 31.26. I expect to get at minimum 35 MPG which is estimated for city driving. My driving is mixed city and highway but I would accept a consistent 35 MPG. No jack rabbit starts or hard braking and I use cruise control. Ill update this review if there is improvement but it seems to be going the other way. One power loss/stutter mid-intersection.