In a world of copy-cat designs, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is one "green" car that dares to go its own way. The Sonata Hybrid, like his competitors, is based on a mainstream model. In this case, it's the automaker's popular Sonata midsize sedan. It offers the same qualities that make the regular version so likable, including impressive styling, a smooth ride, quiet interior and a long list of the most wanted standard features and options. What distinguishes it from other hybrids is the unique design of its powertrain.
Unlike the often complex and unique systems found under the hoods of other environmentally friendly four-doors, Hyundai engineers started with modified versions of the regular Sonata's four-cylinder engine and traditional six-speed automatic transmission, and sandwiched an electric motor between them. Hyundai also added a new lithium-polymer battery pack that's lighter and more compact than traditional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The result is lively performance with comparable -- and in some cases better -- fuel economy numbers than other midsize hybrid sedans.
Also notable is that the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid costs significantly less than a number of its rivals. It still costs thousands more than a regular Sonata, however, and in testing we've found its hybrid power delivery and braking unrefined and still a work in progress. The Sonata Hybrid is an impressive first effort, and it's about as good a reason as any to break from the crowd. But we still suggest checking out a couple other midsize hybrid sedans before you make a final decision.
Current Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid debuted as an all-new model for 2011. Its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 166 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque and a 30kW electric motor. Combined they produce a peak of 206 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB/auxiliary audio input jacks. An available Premium option package adds 17-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a rearview camera, a navigation system and a premium Infinity sound system with HD radio.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's passenger cabin is virtually identical to the mainstream model. The most obvious difference are the ubiquitous bells and whistles seemingly required on all hybrid models, namely a display that both monitors the gasoline-electric powertrain and coaches the driver on how to drive in a more fuel-efficient manner.
Otherwise the interior equals the regular Sonata in its attractiveness and comfort, with both front and rear seats offering adult-sized legroom, although slightly less rear headroom than normal due to the sloping rear roof line. The quiet cabin and quality materials add an upscale quality. And as with most hybrids, the powertrain's battery pack eats into the available trunk space, reducing it from 16.4 to 10.7 cubic feet.
On the road, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's modified six-speed automatic in place of the continuously variable automatic transmission common to other hybrids gives the powertrain a familiar feel as it works its way through the gears. In our testing, the Sonata Hybrid performed nearly as its conventional counterpart, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
In low-speed driving or quickly changing traffic conditions, however, the Sonata Hybrid shudders and lurches while deciding which gear it wants. It is similarly indecisive under braking, as the transition between electronic regenerative braking (which helps recharge the battery pack) and mechanical braking is clumsy and unpredictable.
The biggest downside here only becomes apparent when you do the numbers. The non-hybrid Sonata returns EPA-estimated highway mileage nearly as good as the hybrid. And unless you do a lot of driving in town, in stop-and-go conditions when the Sonata is most fuel-efficient, it may be hard to justify the hybrid's price premium.