The second hybrid-powered generation of the Sonata seeks to further Hyundai’s goal of breaking into the mental radar of hybrid family sedan shoppers, partly, by integrating their Hybrid technology into a package that’s compelling for reasons beyond fuel consumption and emissions concerns.
There’s a smooth-as-glass hybrid powertrain under this machine’s skin. It starts up without a peep, shuffles power and voltage and propulsion sources between electric and gas-powered with little more than a slight squirm, and provides drivers with a full array of features to help achieve good mileage. With combined output of 193 horsepower, performance should be more than adequate for the average driver.
The hybrid powertrain is only part of the appeal of the latest Sonata Hybrid variant, though.
Building on the strengths of the latest Sonata, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid gets a first-rate interior. The loaded Limited-grade tester offers up plenty of space, enhanced with a light color pallette for a feeling of openness and room. The massive glass roof overhead adds to the effect. It’s a spacious, airy and pleasant place to be. Notably, rear-seat space is generous, especially in terms of legroom.
Up front, the flat and far-ahead dash is clean and tidy, free of bulbous lumps and dramatic curvatures, and packs a big and responsive touch-screen front and centre. It all sits far enough away from front-seat occupants to enhance the feeling of spaciousness notably, with only a slight reach for controls as the penalty. There’s a clean and cohesive look to the styling elements, interfaces and controls, and the wood trim, aluminum and leather help create a look that’s premium and upscale.
Ride quality and a feeling of sturdiness back up the premium feel imparted by the cabin. Premium dampers bolted to the new Sonata’s stiff new body structure join efforts with the Hybrid’s smaller wheels and plump tires for exemplary manners on virtually any surface. Around town, even on rough roads, the suspension never felt overwhelmed or flimsy, nor did it demonstrate significant deterioration in refinement. Here’s a ride that absorbs and neutralizes bumps well.
Fire up the Sonata Hybrid, and a subtle beep tells you it’s ready to roll, absent the sound of a starter motor, as there isn’t one. Slip the shifter into gear, and the car moves off without a peep. Delightfully complicated-looking power-flow instrumentation lets drivers keep an eye on the current blend of gas and electricity driving the wheels, with a special ‘ECO’ range highlighted on the power meter for visualization of optimal throttle application.
Sonata Hybrid drivers can expect to experience the benefits of the Hybrid powertrain on every drive. Thanks to the high-torque electric motor, low-end response is pleasing, and helps glide the Sonata out of merging lanes and up hills without much need to downshift. The gas engine is a little noisy when called upon for full throttle operation, though the refinement and quietness when driven gently should appeal to light-footed drivers.
Hyundai says their latest battery technology allows the Sonata Hybrid to operate in its fuel-free Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, more of the time. On my test-drive, fuel-free moments came often and enthusiastically, even at a good clip on the highway. There’s something smugly satisfying about cruising the highway without burning a drop of fuel, even if just for a moment here and there. These fuel-free moments add up over the course of every drive, adding range to every tank.
My overall test average, measured by hand, landed at 6.5L/100km under less than ideal conditions, including a summer heat-wave requiring frequent full-blast use of the AC, and no driving in the sort of stop-and-go traffic where hybrids tend to shine.
Translation? Your writer achieved good mileage without really trying, from a hybrid that doesn’t really feel like one. If you’ve got a lighter foot than me, which is likely, or you frequently encounter low-speed, stop-and-go traffic, expect to do even better.
Typical hybrid car complaints apply. The brakes, which blend regenerative and mechanical braking at the same pedal, feel inconsistent and gooey at times, and the throttle, especially in the ECO drive mode, can feel lazy and delayed. Steering, further, is often over-assisted and vague, though SPORT mode heavies up the feel, a little. These are common hybrid-car complaints and not likely to be dealbrakers.
Sonata’s new hybrid battery, which is smaller and more power-dense, now sits beneath the trunk rather than behind the rear seats, enabling a full-size, full-function cargo hold with folding seats. Here’s a hybrid with virtually none of the usual compromises to cargo capacity.
End of the day, Hyundai’s newest Sonata Hybrid, once again, eliminates most hybrid car compromises, while working hard to maximize the return on its owner’s investment in hybrid-car powertrain hardware. With effortlessly good mileage, great ride quality and a cabin that hits above its weight, be sure to consider this one against comparable versions of the Camry, Accord and upcoming Malibu.
2016 Hyundai Sonata BlueDrive Hybrid Limited
Engine: 2 litre GDI four-cylinder and 38kw electric motor, 193 net horsepower
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
Observed Milege: 6.5L/100lm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
What’s Hot: Effortless access to good mileage, roomy and upscale cabin, very refined powertrain, overall comfort
What’s Not: brakes and steering could feel more precise
Features: Panoramic sunroof, heated leather, Dimension audio system, push-button start, rear window sunshades, navigation
As Tested: $33,799