Hyundai Sonata: new hybrid design, better fuel economy
Some hybrids already perform handily against their gasolinepowered brethren, though they’re still more expensive. They also can function as a bridge to the next automotive revolution, which could involve either electric- or hydrogen-fueled cars.
Onto this bridge rolls the new 2016 Sonata Hybrid and its garagemate, the plug-in Hybrid. They are the latest refinement in the South Korean manufacturer’s steady development of alternative-fueled vehicles.
Most of the attention will focus on the new plug-in (PHEV), which can run up to 24 miles exclusively on electric power. Even more intriguing, it can recharge its own batteries simply by driving down the highway for 45 minutes or so. Then it’s good for another stretch in electric mode.
The PHEV also will recharge in about three hours on a 240-volt charger; it takes about nine hours with a standard 110-volt electric outlet.
Both the standard hybrid and the PHEV use the same powertrain, with minor variations. Both use a 154-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine linked to an electric motor. On the plug-in, the motor delivers 50 kilowatts; on the standard hybrid, the power is 38 kilowatts. Combined, the systems deliver 202 net horsepower in the plug-in and 193 in the hybrid.
The latter delivers slightly better fuel economy, while the PHEV is a somewhat better performer. But in everyday driving, they feel almost identical. City/highway/combined fuel consumption works out to 39/43/41 mpg on the hybrid; on the plug-in it is 40 mpg combined.
The focus here is on the standard hybrid, which is no slouch. It is the second generation of Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid, and features a six-speed automatic transmission that makes it feel as familiar as a gasoline-only sedan. Its hybrid powertrain also enables it to reach a highway speed of 75 mph exclusively on electric power, but only for very short distances.
On the road, the Hybrid delivers silent running in either pure electric or gasoline/electric mode; toggles between them are barely felt or heard. Some engine noise filters through under hard acceleration, but for the most part you can listen to your favorite music at a moderate volume.
The hybrid powertrain feeds off a lithium polymer battery pack, which Hyundai cleverly designed to fit beneath the trunk floor, leaving a decentsized 13.3 cubic feet of cargo space, about average for midsize sedans.
Interior comfort and ergonomics are first-rate. An 8-inch center screen displays navigation, satellite radio and other functions. In addi- tion to a full slate of standard safety equipment, the Sonata Hybrid also offers such optional advanced features as forward collision warning, blind-spot detection, rear traffic alert and lane-departure warning.
Front seats are supportive and comfortable for long distances. Outboard back seats offer adequate head and knee room but, as usual, the center rear passenger gets disrespected with an uncomfortable cushion and a floor hump.
The Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,825, including the destination charge. Tested for this review was the topof-the-line Limited model with the $4,500 Ultimate options package, which includes the advanced safety equipment as well as additional luxury features to top out at $35,425.