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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  Fabulous automobile! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By tsims10s - December 13 - 11:44 pm

  I have now owned my Sonata Hybrid for just over six months. Like most of the early adopters of this automobile I had the check engine light issues until Hyundai figured out what was happening. Kudos to Hyundai for working diligently to solve the issue and provide us a $50 gift card as compensation for our trouble. Meanwhile, Ive enjoyed a mid-sized luxury car ride with penny pinching average fuel economy of 38 mpg over 16,238 miles! Within the first few miles of driving I sense a little hesitation in the transmission but after a few minutes its fine. I get lots of questions about my Sonata Hybrid and many compliments on the styling. I would not hesitate to purchase another Hyundai!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By mhamilton06 - November 29 - 6:15 pm

  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.

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  Hyundai Sonata Hybrid redefines Luxury - 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Dennis - November 15 - 6:33 am

  Hyundai Sonata Hybrid We were owners of 2 Hyundai Elantras and have had zero problems with them and so when the 8 year old got totaled in a crash we decided to go Hybrid for our next car. We had hoped to wait 2 years and go Hybrid with a small SUV but none out there getting the MPG’s yet. So we went shopping. Honda Accord Hybrid had the best MPG’s but no trunk—really no trunk so if you want it exclusively for around town—well even then why buy it—go electric. The same was true with the Ford Fusion. Both companies sacrifice trunk space to fit the battery in and render the car impossible for long family trips. Bigger Hybrid cars had $$$ and were not dealing. We wanted to look at Hyundai’s cousin the Kia Optima Hybrid but they were selling fast and not discounting. So we settled on the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Both companies got into a bidding war for our bucks and this was a boost for us. We got steep discounts and thanks to Edmonds and Consumer Reports we knew the real starting point. Edmunds makes it great because the dealerships knew the price you got and thus took off from there. What surprised us with both car companies was that the price continued to drop! Both cars are a nice drive and because we wanted all the latest safety features we were hitting the top of the line Limited Editions for both cars. Thus both came fully loaded. The Sonata had a quieter ride, faster pickup, a huge trunk, and both rear seats fold down for added space. Both were equal in safety features but Sonata added the little things like a door handle light that comes on as you approach the car. The interior was way more luxurious with leather along the side doors as well! We also got lucky this year as Hyundai gets to make Genesis their Lexus/Infiniti Luxury car company, thus Sonata now becomes the top of the line car and is decked out that way. Simply put you get a whole lot more car for your money. My friend who drives a Lexus found my Sonata Hybrid a quieter ride! My 1,000 mile review. The 8 way and 6 way power front seats are the best I’ve ever sat in and they are both cooled and heated! The headrest fits us both perfectly and this rarely happens. We are in love with the memory seats. The driver seat settings are set for us both and switch at the push of a button adjusting not only the seat but the mirrors! Oh, and the mirrors on both sides dip down slightly when you put it in reverse so you can see the lines in the road! Just too many features to name here but what you get IS more than the competition. Two things I must note. The side mirrors are the absolute best in any sedan. I can see 2 lanes –either side and of course it comes with the blinder yellow caution lights in the mirrors on both sides. Rear view mirror is also amazing in that it gives you a near complete view with the smallest blind side and auto darkening at night is very cool. The footprint and ride of this car is amazing but there is very little that we notice going from electric engine to gas—smooth and the regenerative breaks are hardly noticeable too! Finally by the numbers—at 1,000 miles we surpass easily the 38 city—getting 40+ most trips, combined is slightly higher too at 43 and highway runs 46-48. The center dash screen is huge and does so much I have yet to get thru it all but the smaller screen for the driver—centered above the steering wheel can tell you how you are doing in ECO mode and this gentle reminder really helps. BUT—stomp on the gas of the Sonata Hybrid to go and it takes off because Hyundai did something real cool by joining the electric with the gas engine—having both run to give you a huge boost in horses without eating up a lot of gas! Nice. I’ll update you again at 5 and 10 thousand miles.

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  Best Family Hybrid Sedan - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By ohio_pop - November 12 - 7:28 am

  My family has 2 Sonata hybrid sedans because they are safe and fun to drive, get good fuel economy, handle well including braking and transition from EV to gas motor engaged. The car has excellent power when it is needed because the electric motor can supplement the gas engine. The Sonata hybrid has the most interior room of any hybrid sedan that cost less than $40,000. I read the negative reviews from some and do not agree with them. The cars equipment, such as the excellent Bluetooth hands free phone use, all work well. The cars ride is very smooth and quiet. In contrast to comment - the electric engine operates only at low speed, I found that the car will go into EV mode at 60+mph

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  HPCU Died in Less than Two Months - 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By jonqyork - November 8 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car on June 15, 2014. On July 14th, it wouldnt start. Had it towed to the dealer. It took them 5 days to find the problem. It was a blown fuse. On August 13th, it wouldnt start again. Towed again to the dealer. Now, 9 days later (when I originally wrote this), they still have it and cant figure out the problem. They said theyve had another Sonata Hybrid in the shop with a similar problem for a month. They simply have no idea whats wrong with it or how to get it back on the road! And they told me theyre now turning down tows because they dont know how to fix it!

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  Worst car purchase decision I have ever made - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By nohyndai - September 5 - 10:56 am

  I have had my hybrid sonata 3 months. It has just over 2000 miles on it and has been in for service twice. It has had all the recall fixes. The check engine light goes on and the dealership keeps claiming I am not tightening the gas cap. It also gets 18 mpg based on gas tank fillup. I am terrified of getting rear-ended as the engine sputters out when on curved inclines when you deaccelarate. The engine just cuts out. The closest Hyundai service department is 45 minutes away and they do not provide drop off service or loaner cars. So I have to take a day off of work, or drop the car off the previous evening and pay to rent a car. This is to remedy their errors! A definite lemon.

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  2nd new 2016 limited ultimate in 9 months!! - 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Dale - September 1 - 5:17 pm

  We originally purchased the car for my wife to drive. It quickly became her favorite car ever with the features she loved. Vented seats, blind spot warning, automatic high beams to name a few. The mileage was fantastic performing way over the estimates, 47 mpg combined. Of course, you had to drive for mileage but that isnt a problem. We pick up our new one next week since our first one was totaled by a person of questionable intelligence cutting 3 lanes of traffic on a busy road. My wife was bruised and sore, but she walked away from the wreck. The car did its job in keeping her from further harm. I am a rather large person and am able to get into and out of the car quite easily (no tow truck or crane needed). The seats are comfortable front and rear with plenty of head and leg room. My personal vehicle is an F-150 crew cab but I dont protest taking the car on longer trips, especially at the gas pumps! We enjoyed the car so much her replacement is a twin except in color.

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  Its better then expected - 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By Mitch - July 25 - 9:28 pm

  While milage drop during the winter 24 city / 32 highway, it gets good when it worm up. Last trip from Iowa to Salt Lake City I got 36.7 avg while using cruise control at 80 mph. Comming back I drop the speed to 72 mph and use my skill to see what can I get out of this car. My average was 40.6 mpg

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  2011 SONATA HYBRID PREMIUM - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By fdrp534 - July 10 - 7:39 pm

  I dont drive it as much as i would like but the wife loves it.Fuel milage is what we expected.Was recalled once for three repairs,all went well even recieved a $50 gift card from Hyundai for our troubles.Have recieved many compliments also was offered trades with other motorists cars. Car runs great .It only has 4000 miles on it so far but the only issue is the fuel gauge it is not accurate it never read a full tank since we owned it.We put $20 in it and it goes up a few lines,shut it off turn it back on and it goes up another line but otherwise a great car

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  2 car repairs and only 5 month old - 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  By mv_mary - May 27 - 9:10 am

  My confidence in this vehicle has just been shot down again...and maybe for good. Ive had it in the shop the first month because of a malfunction in the emissions valve. Then today, only 5 months after I got it, the engineer shut down while driving on the freeway. The car wouldnt start back up. Im thinking twice that I should have gone with a new Lexus instead.