Hyundai sonata hybrid plus#

Clunky Powertrainįor as competent and comfortable as the Sonata Hybrid is for the most part, the transition between gas and battery power proved a bit clunky. The Honda produces 212 hp and the Toyota produces 208 hp, versus the Sonata Hybrid's 192 hp. And while we find little issue with the Sonata Hybrid's power output, the Camry and Accord are also more powerful. When you compare it to hybrid alternatives like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, both of those cars feel a bit more dynamic, though still not overtly athletic. There's certainly nothing offensive about the way the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid drives, but it is probably one of the least dynamic sedans we've driven lately. Hyundai says it could add as much as two miles of additional range per day in the right light. And we also give this car bonus points for the optional solar-powered roof, which acts as a trickle charger to both the conventional battery and the hybrid system. Unfortunately, larger wheels and added features mean this version is slightly less efficient than its bare-bones base sibling, but it still gets a pretty-good 45 mpg city, 51 highway, and 47 combined.Įven with a heavy foot and a healthy mix of city and highway driving during our week with the Sonata Hybrid Limited, we averaged over 41 miles per gallon. The Sonata Hybrid also comes in better-equipped SEL and Limited trims (we tested the latter). Those figures put it near the top of the class for all hybrid sedans, besting the Honda Accord Hybrid (48 mpg combined) and matching the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Honda Insight, all of which achieve 52 mpg combined. The base Sonata Hybrid Blue is the most efficient, returning 50 miles per gallon city, 54 highway, and 52 combined thanks to some aero enhancements and smaller wheels with narrower tires. Hyundai actually has two different versions of the Sonata Hybrid, both powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter hybrid setup, but with varying fuel economy. And for as much as we like having the solar roof, Hyundai only offers it on the range-topping Limited model, which could price out some interested customers.

Hyundai sonata hybrid plus#

For one, there are more dynamic options in the class, plus the transition between gas and electric should be smoother. The steering is pretty horrid – firm at the straight ahead, but with zero feel of what’s happening to the front wheels.īut as with the UK-spec i40, this Sonata majors on value – the hybrid starts at the equivalent of only £16,500 in the US.But for the sake of nitpicking, there are a few things we think Hyundai could do slightly better.

The US chassis is set up more for comfort than agility, but blends a touch of bounciness with firmness over potholes. The Sonata is related to our i40, and similarly stylish and spacious. That’s the benefit of the large-ish engine, but the downside is a US economy figure that equates to 44mpg. The engine and motor deliver a total of 203bhp, so performance is good – Hyundai doesn’t publish a 0-62mph time, but we’d guess at under nine seconds. But the box kicks down too eagerly – and not very smoothly – bringing a howl from the engine. The electric motor sits between the 2.4-litre petrol engine and the six-speed auto, so there’s no need for a whining CVT as in the Toyota Prius. The Sonata will do up to 74mph on battery power. The Sonata Hybrid has lithium- polymer batteries, which are more efficient and compact.Ĭan you tell the difference? Not really. Most hybrids use lithium-ion power packs, similar to those found in your laptop or phone. And Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid is one of the most advanced on sale. In the US, where diesel is a dirty word, a petrol hybrid is essential for appealing to buyers looking for fuel efficiency. Hyundai is more concerned with efficient petrol and diesel engines than hybrids in Europe – but that doesn’t mean it’s ignoring other technology. Also, we’d much prefer to experience this drivetrain in our i40 rather than the US-specification Sonata. But the use of lithium-polymer batteries is interesting: they would work well paired with a smaller and more efficient petrol engine. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid wouldn’t appeal to UK buyers, unless they could have it for the same price as their US counterparts.