There's a lot to like about the Hyundai Sonata. Introduced early in 2010 for the 2011 model year, this latest version of the Sonata is stylish and economical. It rides and handles nicely, has a roomy interior and is well priced.
This Sonata is also a trail blazer, as it was among the first of the redesigned midsize family sedans to forsake the V-6 engine option.
Doing so simplified the development process, created more passenger space and enhanced fuel economy. The first Sonatas arrived with a single 2.4 liter, 198-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. Hyundai now offers a turbo, for the performance oriented buyer, and a gasoline-electric hybrid, for fuel efficiency mavens. For this review, Hyundai loaned us the hybrid version, which comes with a heftier starting price of $25,850.
The midsize hybrid family sedan arena has become crowded in recent years. In addition to the Toyota Prius, which is the undisputed sales leader, there's the hybrid Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic, Kia Optima (a not-so-distant relative of the Sonata) and the Chevrolet Volt, though it differs markedly from the others.
Acceleration is adequate, with the Hybrid reaching 60 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds. That's more than a second slower than in the standard Sonata, despite the fact that the combined horsepower of the Hybrid's gasoline engine and electric motor is slightly higher than the power of the base model's (206-hp vs. 198-hp). Working against the Hybrid's performance is the added weight of the more complex drivetrain and the modified gasoline engine that gives up low-end torque for greater efficiency.
The Sonata Hybrid can use only the electric motor at low speeds to get started, assuming the driver is content to set a leisurely pace. Heavier applications of the throttle prompt both the electric motor and gasoline engine to spring into action. The engine management system also shuts down the gasoline engine at highway speeds when little power is needed. A light in the instrument cluster lets the driver know this is happening.
The Sonata's hybrid drivetrain has garnered some criticism for having rough transitions between electric and gasoline operation, but our review car didn't display any of this. Generally speaking, the transition to the gasoline engine was impressively smooth and only occasionally noticeable. The six-speed automatic transmission also shifted smoothly, delivering only one harsh first gear engagement, while slowing, in a week of driving.
The ride in the Sonata Hybrid is steady and comfortable. Suspension noise over rough pavement is dampened to luxury car standards. The interior is very nicely done, giving the car an upscale feeling.
The handling is pleasant, with turns highlighting the good steering feedback, little lean, and a nice feeling of balance. Braking showed some nonlinearity in the pedal, not unusual in a hybrid that uses regenerative braking to help recharge the hybrid battery.
The battery is a 1.4kWh lithium-polymer battery pack rather than the more common nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion formulation. This was done to save weight and space.
The Hyundai Sonata is one of the best midsize sedans you can buy. The Sonata Hybrid does nothing to detract from this model's elevated position.
Paula Says "The Sonata Hybrid is quick enough for any driver."
Unless you're into reading the fine print, you wouldn't know the 2012 Hyundai Sonata we had for review was the Hybrid model. It looks like every other Sonata, except for the small "hybrid" labels on the body.
It also drives like any other Sonata, except you can start moving before the gasoline engine starts. Electric power alone allows you to back out of the garage and parking spaces.
That, of course, raises a problem. Electric power means almost totally silent movement. Check carefully for pedestrians.
It can take a little extra on the gas pedal to get the car moving, but once this minor issue is overcome, the Sonata Hybrid is quick enough for any driver. It's also a smooth operator, delivering much of the feel associated with more costly entry-level luxury cars.
The upside of any hybrid is supposed to be fuel economy; Sonata was nearly 30 percent more economical than the last pure gasoline-powered Sonata we reviewed. That car's 27.1 mpg average rose to 35.1 mpg in the hybrid, not bad for a sedan that is as big and solid as this one.
Folks who choose the hybrid will give up more than a few extra dollars, however. The battery and other electronics gobble up some trunk space, dropping the capacity from 16.4 to 10.7 cubic feet. Hybrid buyers will also give up the folding rear seat, though a small pass through in the area of the center armrest remains.
The rear seat is roomy but low. Shorter adults complained that they could not see much when riding in back ? the view ahead was particularly limited ? though they lavished praise on the space and comfort.
This Sonata Hybrid is roomy, responsive and economical. The warranty, up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, would appeal to me if I were a buyer.
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