Want to look stylish while tapping down carbon footprints in the process? South Korea's largest automaker offers a comfortable, attainable, gas-extending player.
When Hyundai unmasked the sixth generation mid-sized Sonata in 2009, the buying public took notice and sales began trending upward. No longer were Asian four-door sedans synonymous with conservatively ho-hum exteriors. Suddenly, a stylish persona bloomed thanks to an exterior action plan dubbed 'fluidic sculpture.' In a short time, Hyundai's entire lineup bought into the plan, adopting the eye-appealing architecture.
I
n the 2015 model year, a seventh-generation Sonata marched forward with the latest upgrade; fluidic sculpture 2.0, the next logical step in Hyundai's stylish playbook.
While fluidic sculpture was infusing itself throughout the Hyundai lineup, a higher-mileage Sonata variant debuted in 2011, a gas-electric hybrid borrowing visual traits of its gas-only counterpart, with aerodynamic tweaks thrown in for good measure.
While the gas-exclusive Sonata experienced a second-generation fluidic sculpture in the 2015 model year, the hybrid version waited on deck one more year prior to the big-league call up.
The second-generation 2016-model year Sonata Hybrid arrives this summer to dealerships with fluidic sculpture 2.0 exterior, and a tweaked propulsion system boosting up fuel economy by a notable 10 percent compared to the first-generation (2011-2015). The increase is reflective of a revamped and rather unique six-speed automatic transmission, larger electric motor, downsized gas-direct injected engine and and relocated lithium polymer battery pack. Sonata is the sole gas-electric hybrid in the Hyundai family.
Hyundai's lithium polymer battery pack remains a lighter-weight choice when stacked against Toyota's heavier nickel metal hydride utilized in most of its expansive hybrid lineup. Pure electric vehicles like Nissan's Leaf and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) such as the Ford Fusion plug-in opt for a slightly different lithium variety: lithium Ion cell packs. A second-generation extended range Chevrolet Volt arrives in 2016 also with lithium ion packs.
Hyundai unveiled the 2016 hybrid Sonata to the motoring press at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past January. Also during Motor City preview days, a second high-mileage Sonata variant debuted; a 2016 Sonata plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with availability pinpointed to select coastal area states (excluding the greater Midwest and Illinois) later this calendar year. It's Hyundai's first foray into plug-in type technology.
Two Sonata hybrid trim levels (Base and up-level Limited) help speed along the decision-making process. Its gas-exclusive counterpart offers six trims and three four-cylinder engines for greater mix-and-match opportunities. The hybrid hardware adds about 200 pounds compared to the gas-exclusive counterpart.
Only the up-level Limited trim offers an optional ultimate package (panoramic sunroof, lane departure warning, smart cruise control, in-dash navigation, forward collision warning). Stand-alone factory options are few and far between.
Hyundai provided an up-level Limited trim. Starting price kicked in at $30,100. After factoring in an ultimate option package ($4,500) and a small assortment of dealer-specific items (floor mats, first-aid kit) the bottom line amounted to $35,765 with $825 destination charge. The base Sonata hybrid starts at $26,000, about $700 less than the starting point of Toyota's Camry gas-electric hybrid.
Our hybrid tester's 39 mpg city, 43 mpg highway ups the ante when sized up against a recently tested gas-exclusive four-cylinder Sonata's 24 mpg and 35 mpg respectively. Comparatively speaking, Toyota's mid-size Camry hybrid with nickel metal hybrid battery delivers 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway estimates.
Hyundai markets its gas-electric technology as "Hybrid Blue Drive." As with many other gas-electric hybrids, fuel mileage increases thanks to regenerative braking, technology that captures friction during deceleration, redelivering energy to the lithium battery for storage. Unlike most other gas-electric hybrids which opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Sonata utilizes a re-engineered and zippier six-speed automatic with transmission-mounted electric motor and clutch.
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 together to maximize efficiencies and extend 87-octane regular fuel. The transition from electric motor to gas engine remains relatively fluid and seamless on the road. Never during the week-long test did the hybrid feel underpowered.
A repositioned lithium polymer battery pack (designed by fellow South Korean giant LG Chem) below the trunk floor allows second-row backrest to fold flat onto seat cushions and extend the trunk's cargo capacity. This marks a significant departure from Gen One, which featured a stationary second-row backrest. Trunk volume grows to a spacious 13.1 cubic feet of room.
Another benefit of battery relocation; larger passenger volume allows three adults to ride camp comfortably in row two with impressive leg room.
Sonata's well-designed dash region remains user friendly and focused, hybrid or otherwise. For instance, portable electronics enjoy their own designated hub at the stout bottom portion of the center column sporting dual 12-volt power outlets, auxiliary input jacks and USB- iPod ports all out of view (when desired) via a flip-down cover. Nearby, a designated holder houses said devices. Also in this region between front buckets, an electric parking brake pull tab. Push button start comes standard.
The wide top portion of the top center region includes an 8-inch multi-function color screen housing in-dash navigation, backup camera feed and touch-sensitive audio pre-set stations. Two horizontal rows of push buttons below monitor screen functions (top row) and ventilation functions (bottom rung) with two dials handling dual temperature zones and push buttons for fan speed and direction.
The informative, hybrid-specific instrument panel includes two circular gauges flanking a 4.2-inch rectangular multi-tiled color window with hybrid-specific information. The right side speedometer with white backlighting includes a small fuel gauge insert along the bottom. To the left, a hybrid-inspired gauge reflecting efficient eco driving mode and battery recharging.
Some gas-electric hybrids (most notably, Toyota's Prius) play the part opting for a pseudo-futuristic overtly aerodynamic bent. Sonata hybrid, borrowing fluidic sculpture 2.0 framework, looks exceedingly un-hybrid (though stylish), save for small 'hybrid' badging on front fenders and trunk lid.
Sonata's rear 'C' pillar, narrow compared with rivals and closely matching thickness of the front 'A' pillar's, intersects with the short trunk deck lid with spoiler. Chrome striping extends from narrow wrap-around headlight housing extending well onto the fenders, continuing along the top front fender crease, meeting up with bottom sill molding along the side windows.
Two exterior colors are unique to the Sonata Hybrid: Graphite Blue Pearl and Seaport Mist. In back, the exhaust tip is kept hidden from view. A mesh-like front grille gives way to a slate pattern in 2016.
A hand's free 'Smart Trunk' feature, activated/deactivated with a check-mark approval through the instrument panel center window, allows the lid to pop open with someone momentarily standing in a designated zone behind the car with the key fob on person. No undercarriage foot waving or Hokey Pokey dance jives needed.
While the gas-exclusive Sonata sedan calls Montgomery Alabama its production home, four-door hybrid editions are assembled in Hyundai's corporate home turf of South Korea. The Montgomery facility, operational since 2005, is the company's sole U.S. production plant also assembling the compact Elantra sedan.
At A Glance
2016 Sonata hybrid
Price as tested: $35,765
Length: 191.1 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder
Net horsepower: 193
|