Plugged in, turned on

Hyundai Sonata moves with dual hybrid versions


2016 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID LIMITED

  • Price/As-tested price………………… $30,100/$35,765
  • Mileage…………………………………… 39 mpg/city; 43 mpg/hwy
  • Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric
  • Horsepower…………………………… 193 hp/140 lbs.-ft.
  • Transmission……………………………………… 6-speed automatic
  • Drive wheels……………………………………… Front-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point……………………………………… Asan, Korea

2016 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID

  • Price/As-tested price………………… $39,610/$39,610
  • Mileage…………………………………… 40 mpg gasoline only rating
  • Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric
  • Horsepower…………………………… 202 hp total output
  • Transmission……………………………………… 6-speed automatic
  • Drive wheels……………………………………… Front-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point……………………………………… Asan, Korea

Finding the sweet spot for cost-conscious midsize sedan buyers is an ongoing effort for auto manufacturers. They must try to stand out from the crowd while maximizing looks, quality and features without exceeding a price point that will jeopardize value or the pocketbook. And no longer are gas-electric hybrids or plug-in hybrids seen as alien landcraft. Their mainstream acceptance has further fractured this popular category. Among the competitors is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which now comes as a battery-powered standard hybrid, and a new Plug-In Hybrid. Automotive reviewers Jimmy Dinsmore and Dave Mikesell serve up their opinions about this week’s 2016 test subjects.

DAVE: There aren't any striking exterior examples that turn the standard Sonata into a hybrid other than a little badging, a larger grille and a variance to the bumpers, fenders, lights and wheels. That sounds like a lot, but the subtlety of the package is such that you'd have to have the siblings side-by-side to take note of the differences. Which isn't a bad thing since the Sonata exudes a bit of panache. Let's see if Jimmy thinks this carries over to the interior.

JIMMY: Absolutely, Dave! Panache is a great word to describe the interior. We both drove the Limited trim, which features the best amenities and nicest materials. Leather upholstery is soft and comfortable. The faux wood grain accents were an elegant touch, that makes you second guess if you're in a Hyundai or a luxury brand. Rear sunshades are always a minor, but much-appreciated feature. Note to all carmakers: Start putting these in every vehicle. The trunk space is 13.3 cubic feet, which is impressive for a hybrid vehicle. The Limited trim allows for 60/40 folding rear seats, allowing for even more cargo area.

DAVE: Hyundai has made some changes this year to the powerplant, including adding the Plug-In Hybrid option, which gets up to 27 miles of electric range. Jimmy drove the plug-in version that has a 2.0-liter engine with a 50-kilowatt electric assist motor. The gasoline engine makes 154 horsepower, while total system output is 202 hp. A lithium-ion battery helps assist the system and gets powered by the regenerative braking system, which helps give a little extra gasoline-free driving.

My tester was the hybrid (battery-assisted) Sonata with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 38-kilowatt electric motor. It’s more powerful and more efficient than the previous model year’s hybrid powertrain. The pairing combines for 193 hp and, more importantly, increases fuel mileage nearly 10 percent with EPA ratings of 43 mpg/highway and 39 mpg/city. The main purpose of hybrids is to be greener (the original earth-friendly goal) and to make fewer stops at the gas station (an eternal quest). Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid accomplish this well.

JIMMY: For a hybrid, this Sonata performs well. It's not slow or clunky like some of its competition. No, the Plug-In Hybrid version can't compare to the standard Sonata, or the impressive turbo Sonata, but the ride quality is so smooth you don't care that it's boring. In this case, boring is good as it cracks that 40 mpg barrier. If you keep your trips to a minimum, you can far exceed 40 mpg and drive on only electric power. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid drives much like the Chevrolet Volt. There is enough pep to get off the line and up to highway speed. The Plug-In Hybrid actually has more power than the standard hybrid that Dave drove.

DAVE: Sonata Hybrids come in two trims with the SE starting at $26,000 and the Limited, which we drove, at $30,100. (For comparison, the base gas-powered Sonata starts $21,150.) The Limited adds to the SE leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/powered driver and front-passenger seats, heated rear seats, a split/folding rear seat, memory settings, universal garage door opener and 17-inch tires (in place of 16 inchers), among other items. It's a comprehensive grouping that was dressed up on our tester with the Ultimate Package, highlighted by navigation, sunroof and safety warning features. The latter grouping starts to move the price needle out of some buyers' range but the starting point is wallet and eco-friendly.

JIMMY: Gas prices are going back up. Carmakers continue to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. Between battery power and electric power, there's a vast array of technology there to boost the power and efficiency of a gasoline engine. Electric vehicle technology has a little more of a wow factor than just a straight battery-driven hybrid. There's something fulfilling about seeing a car drive without using any gasoline. Whether your motive is environmental or financial, the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid fulfills this need nicely.

David Mikesell is a freelance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Jimmy Dinsmore is a freelance automotive journalist.

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