The Sonata->ke1859 nameplate may be 29 years old as of 2014, but Hyundai's midsize sedan->ke142 made little impact on the U.S. market until 2009, when the sixth-generation model was introduced. Developed over four years in a process that cost Hyundai->ke201 $372 million, the YF Sonata became the first of its kind to receive an assembly line on North American soil. It received a couple of brand-new Theta engines, as well as a hybrid drivetrain that returned 38 mpg combined. The non-hybrid Sonata received yet another makeover for the 2015 model year, which brought exterior and interior styling based on the all-new Genesis. Handsome to look at and more upscale on the inside, the new Genesis->ke2924 was received with enthusiasm in the U.S. As the seventh-gen sedan arrived in dealerships for the 2015 model year, Hyundai revealed a brand-new Hybrid->ke147 model in South Korea that follows the styling of the non-hybrid models.

With the United States being Hyundai's most important market in terms of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, the redesigned Sonata Hybrid also received its yankee baptism at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With rather slim differences in terms of styling compared with the non-hybrid model, the new 2016 Sonata Hybrid comes with an entirely new drivetrain and improved fuel economy. The previous generation's 2.4-liter four-cylinder has been replaced by a downsized, direct-injection, two-liter four cylinder, while the electric motor brings the total power output to a not-to-shabby 193 horsepower.

Updated 01/12/2015: The all-new Sonata Hybrid made its North American debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale later this year. Click past the jump to find out the new details.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 153
  • Torque: 139
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As expected, the Sonata Hybrid's exterior design is nearly identical to the standard, gasoline-powered sedan's. This means it benefits from the company's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, with more angular body lines, large hexagonal grille, and reshaped light units, making it the sportiest Sonata yet. In addition, the sedan is longer and wider than its predecessor.

But that's not to say you won't be able to spot a Hybrid model in a pack of conventional Sonatas. Hyundai made sure the greenest member of its midsize lineup can stand out in a crowd by adding a unique inner-grille pattern while extending the grille farther down into the apron. On the sides, the Sonata Hybrid showcases a distinctive chrome molding at the bottom of the doors and "blue drive" badges on the front fenders.

Noticeable differences are found around back as well. The taillights feature a revised cluster configuration, while the standard diffuser-like element has been replaced by a low-drag piece unique to the Hybrid model. The exhaust tip is concealed behind the bumper. Naturally, the trunk lid comes with "hybrid" lettering in additional to the mandatory "Sonata" badge.

New For 2017

The exterior of the sedan carries over unchanged for 2017, which isn't surprising given that the vehicle is still fresh, but Hyundai introduced an all-new color palette. Customers can pick between Hyper White, Nocturne Black, Metropolis Gray, Ion Silver, Cosmopolitan Red, Astral Blue and Skyline Blue. Granted, most hues still revolve around the dull yet popular black, gray, white, and silver, but Cosmopolitan Red, Astral Blue, and Skyline Blue are pretty good if you want something a bit more flashy on your car.

Interior

Step inside and you'll find the same cabin layout that debuted with the regular Sonata earlier in 2014. Changes are limited to the instrument cluster and the center stack display, which have been updated to include information about the vehicle's hybrid drivetrain and the all-new Eco mode.

Other than that, expect to find each and every convenience and safety feature available with the standard Sonata. Convenience amenities include Smart Key entry with Smart Trunk function, ventilated seats with four-way lumber support, a heated steering wheel, and Smart Cruise Control among many others. Moving over to safety features, the Sonata Hybrid is equipped with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and a knee airbag.

New For 2017

The new exterior color palette comes with new upholstery colors too. Choices now include gray and beige in cloth or leather seating and an additional Blue Pearl option for leather seats only. Models equipped with Blue Pearl leather seats will also include contrast stitching and trim accent pieces.

In additional to the new upholstery options, the Sonata Hybrid received a number of audio and multimedia enhancements. There's a larger seven-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which have become the norm on most vehicles, and the company's next-generation Blue Link Connected Care. The navigation display offers a map and music split-screen and the ability to record SiriusXM presets 1-6. Users can rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to a previous song or catch up on a sports broadcast, while SiriusXM Travel Link provides access to traffic information, weather, fuel prices, and local movie times.

The iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition all continue as standard features, while the nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and external Infinity amplifier remains optional.

Drivetrain

This is where the Sonata Hybrid is completely different when compared to its siblings. Instead of carrying a 2.4-liter, four-banger under the hood, this sedan is equipped with a smaller, 2.0-liter unit mated to a 51 horsepower electric motor. The gasoline mill churns 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, making it 4-percent more powerful and 5.5-percent torquier than its predecessor. Also, at 51 ponies and 151 pound-feet, the electric motor gains an 8.6-percent increase.

Total system output is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, but the exact torque figures are still a mystery for the moment. Hyundai has yet to post performance figures, but we expect the new Sonata Hybrid to sprint from naught to 60 mph in about eight seconds, a decent figure for the hybrid midsize segment. Power travels to the wheels through a brand-new, six-speed automatic transmission. The unit houses a highly-efficient traction motor, a lighter torsion damper and a new clutch with fewer clutch discs for reduced drag. As far as the fuel economy goes, the new 2016 Sonata Hybrid is expected to offer a 10 percent improvement compared with the 2015 model, with Hyundai saying it achieves up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and a combined EPA rating of no less than 42 mpg.

Type

2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine

Output

154 HP

Torque

140 LB-FT

Electric motor

38 kW (51 HP)

Electric torque

151 LB-FT

Combined output

193 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Fuel economy

39 mpg city/ 44 mpg highway/ 42 mpg combined


Prices

Pricing for the 2017 Sonata Hybrid starts from $26,000, meaning it remains unchanged from the 2016 model year. The same goes for the Hybrid Limited trim, which retails from $30,100 before options. Although Hyundai lists the Limited versoin with the Blue Pearl interior as a separate model, pricing is identical to the standard Limited variant. That's obviously good news if grey interiors aren't your thing.

Competition

Honda Accord Hybrid

The Accord Hybrid received a brand-new drivetrain for the 2014 model year consisting of a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle, gasoline engine rated at 140 horsepower, a twin-motor electric unit that makes 55 ponies, and a compact Li-Ion battery pack. Total output sits at 196 horsepower and enables the sedan to hit 60 mph from a standing start in about 7.5 seconds, more than a half second quicker than the our estimate or the Sonata. Besides possibly being a lot quicker, the Accord Hybrid is also more fuel efficient, with EPA estimates quoting 50 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and 47 mpg combined. That's over four mpg more on the combined cycle for the Honda compared to the estimated rating of the Sonata Hybrid. The Accord is priced from $29,305, likely a bit more expensive than its Hyundai-badged competitor.

Find out more about the Honda Accord Hybrid here.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Fusion is yet another midsize sedan that can be had in a hybrid configuration. Just like the Accord, the Fusion uses a 2.0-liter gasoline Sixtythat runs the Atkinson cycle for efficiency while pumping 141 horses and 129 pound-feet of twist to the wheels. When the electric motor kicks in, output increases to 188 ponies. Sixty mph comes in 8.5 seconds, but what the Fusion lacks in quickness it makes up for in agility and smooth and quiet ride. As far as fuel efficiency goes, the Fusion is rated at 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, which puts on par with the Sonata Hybrid. On the other hand, the Fusion Hybrid is cheaper with a sticker set at $26,990.

Learn more about the Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

Conclusion

We drove the redesigned Sonata earlier in 2014 and came away impressed with the improvements Hyundai has made with this new generation. And since all these improvements, including the handsome exterior design, the premium, Genesis-like interior, and its good road-holding characteristics, have been transferred to this model as well, we are confident that the redesigned Hybrid will rise above its predecessor and draw more hybrid customers into Hyundai dealerships. With the new direct injection 2.0-liter four-pot having replaced the 2.4-liter unit and a 10-percent increase in terms of fuel efficiency, the Sonata Hybrid represents a big step forward for Hyundai's green car department.