Hyundai already boasts one of the sharpest-looking mid-size sedans available with its eye-pleasing Sonata; now added refinement arrives for its gas-electric hybrid edition that never needs a wall socket plug-in.
When South Korea's largest automaker debuted the latest generation Sonata in the 2011 model year, the theory that mainstream Asian importers were satisfied with steady-as-she-goes bland styling finally was put to rest. Give Hyundai credit for taking a dare on a design generated from its southern California studios. The higher-mileage Sonata hybrid (also debuting in 2011) utilizes many of the same visual traits as its gas-only counterpart, although employs aerodynamic tweaks. These include reshaped front/rear fascias with deep air dams helping direct air flow around the body along with 'eco-spoke' alloy wheels. The same sculpted line approach can be found in other Hyundai family vehicles including the slightly smaller Elantra compact sold in sedan and five-door hatchback styles.
In the 2015 model year, Hyundai is expected to unveil its next-generation makeover of its Sonata lineup.
Hyundai offers to trims in Sonata hybrid: Base and Limited; a slight departure from its naturally-aspirated counterpart offering three (GLS, SE and Limited).
Both hybrid trims come well equipped with only one factory option package available (a $1,000 sunroof package), making dealership decisions that much easier. Sonata is Hyundai's sole gas-electric hybrid offering in its 2013 lineup. Shoppers get to choose from two interior color choices: grey or camel.
Sonata's gas-electric hybrid delivers a respectable 36 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, besting its naturally-aspirated four-cylinder gas engine counterpart by 11 miles in city travel and five highway. Even more impressive; improved fuel economy numbers from the previous year's hybrid. In 2012, Sonata hybrid city mileage checked in two miles less in city travel and one less highway.
To accomplish this, Sonata significantly retweaked its 'Blue Drive Architecture' with a more potent 47 kilowatt lithium polymer battery (designed by fellow South Korean giant LG Chem) and increased the potency of the electric motor. The lithium polymer battery's total weight and size decreases 2013, but its location remains unchanged, tucked between the rear seat and trunk. Now a svelte 91 pounds (down five from 2012), the smaller battery size allows trunk volume to increase nicely from 10.7 cubic feet to 12.1 cubic feet. The 17.2-gallon tank requires regular, 87-octane fuel.
During select situations, the gas engine decouples from the drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to travel exclusively in pure electric mode. However, a majority of the time, both technologies work in tandem to maximize efficiencies and extend every drop of fuel.
As with many other gas-electric hybrids, fuel mileage increases thanks to regenerative braking, technology that captures friction during deceleration and redelivers the energy to the battery. Unlike most other gas-electric hybrids which opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Sonata utilizes a more conventional six-speed automatic.
With a $25,650 entry point, Sonata hybrid not only rates as one of the least-expensive mid-size hybrids, but starting pricing drops $200 from the 2012 model year. Our up-market Limited trim tester started at $30,550. With $1,000 factory optional sun roof and dealer extras including carpeted floor mats ($110) and iPod cable ($35), the bottom line ended at $32,490 including $795 destination charge.
Toyota's venerable compact-sized Prius five-door hatchback includes an estimated 51 miles per gallon city and 48 mpg highway with a starting price in the $24,000 neighborhood. Keep in mind a base mid-size Sonata hybrid comes with more standard equipment that a base, four-passenger Prius lift back; seating for five and a far more traditional interior layout.
For the past 15 years, the conventional Prius has utilized Nickel Metal Hydride battery technology (rather than Sonata's lighter-weight Lithium Polymer Battery). While Nickel Metal Hydride technology could be considered 'old school' in our rapidly-evolving techno environment, it holds charges for longer intervals.
Push button start comes standard in the Sonata hybrid as does 4.2-inch multi-color dashboard display screen with hybrid technology display (and audio information), heated front seats, cruise control, CD player, XM satellite radio and power windows, locks and side view mirrors. Six exterior colors are available.
Both Prius and Sonata hybrids benefit from dual technologies working in tandem benefitting low-end torque; the momentum necessary to get vehicles moving quickly from a standing start. For those who have never driving a gas-electric hybrid, the sensation is similar to a gas-exclusive experience once on the road. The big difference is most noticeable when starting the vehicle. Once the push-button start is engaged, the eerily quiet electric motor gets the show running and sometimes the lack of a gas-engine cranking awake after a long night's sleep can be disconcerting. However, the hybrid's silent starts are quickly appreciated as are the noticeable increases in fuel economy.
Hyundai built up customer good will during the past decade with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for gas-powered engines; and steps up to bat once again with its hybrid coverage. Returning from the 2012 model year is the lithium polymer battery's lifetime warranty coverage.
Hyundai's sole U.S. assembly plant in Montgomery Alabama produces gas-powered Sonata and Elantra sedans. The plant runs three production shifts 24 hours a day five days a week with 3,100 full-time employees. Gas-electric hybrid Sonatas are built in South Korea.
2013 Hyundai Sonata hybrid
Price as tested: $32,490
Wheelbase: 110.0 inches
Overall Length: 189.8 inches
Overall Width: 72.2 inches
Cargo volume: 12.2 cubic feet
Gas engine: 2.4-liter four cylinder
Combined Horsepower: 199
Curb weight: 3,578 pounds
Fuel economy: 36mpg city, 40 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000 miles
Electric Battery Warranty: Lifetime
Assembly: South Korea