Flash Drive

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

April 11, 2016 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Plug-In Limited

The handsome 2016 Hyundai Sonata is now available as a gas/electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
The handsome 2016 Hyundai Sonata is now available as a gas/electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 193-hp (Hybrid), 2.0-L 202-hp gas & electric (Plug-In)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: Hybrid Limited: 39/City—43/Highway—41/Combined

Hybrid Limited Plug-In: 40 gas—99 electric & gas—27-mile range electric only

Base Price: $30,100 (Hybrid Ltd)/$38,600 (Plug-In Ltd)

As Tested: $31,050 (Hybrid Ltd)/$39,610 (Plug-In Ltd)

Performance:

Excellent fuel economy for both variants

We averaged 41.6 (hybrid) and 40.5 (plug-in) on similar long trips

Excellent interior space is a big Sonata selling point. Lots of luxury features come in the Limited model.
Excellent interior space is a big Sonata selling point. Lots of luxury features come in the Limited model.

City-only was better in the plug-in at 43.8 mpg

Our locale isn’t suited to electric-only driving

Regenerative power is a nice feature

Eco and Sport driving modes

Plug-In port located on left front fender; cable stored in trunk

Very smooth transition between gas and electric power modes

Comfortable highway ride

Strong acceleration

Excellent gauges and info regarding energy usage

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom for driver and passenger

Rear seat room is as impressive as the front.
Rear seat room is as impressive as the front.

Excellent headroom

Three temp heated and cooled front seats

Heated, thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Driver power lumbar support

Large, sliding sun visors

Quality sound system

Upscale interior materials

Tall person backseat space even with front seats all back

Almost flat rear floor

Soft, wide rear armrest

Utility:

Large front door bins

The Hyundai Plug-In loses trunk space and fold-down rear seats in order to accommodate its battery.
The Hyundai Plug-In loses trunk space and fold-down rear seats in order to accommodate its battery.

Big rear door bins

Medium size console bin

Extra bin in front of shifter

Medium size locking glovebox

Two seatback pouches

Very efficient windshield wipers

Lighted door handles

Large, deep, wide trunk with flat floor on Hybrid

Split folding rear seats on Hybrid

Small, compromised trunk on Plug-In

No pass through or folding rear seats on Plug-In

Wow Factors:

Impressive luxury features

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Charging Outlet
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Charging Outlet

Great technology

Handsome styling

Highly informative gauges

Outstanding front legroom

Ample small item storage bins

Whines:

Compromised trunk space on Plug-In

Short all-electric range on Plug-In

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a great car with high quality technology, sharp styling, and a spacious, comfortable interior. The regular hybrid returns excellent fuel economy for $8,000 less than the plug-in variant. Unless short, daily, all-electric trips were common we’d opt for the regular Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. We much preferred the Hybrid to the Plug-In. The Hyundai Sonata offers an impressive array of luxury features and space at an attractive price.