GREEN CHOICE

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Name: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Brand: Hyundai

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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CR's Take

The Sonata Hybrid is a far cry from the conventional Sonata. Although the Hybrid gets better fuel economy, 33 mpg overall instead of the 27 mpg in the conventional Sonata, the trade-off in driveability, refinement, and braking performance is too high. The car stumbles and hesitates as it makes the transition from electric to gas power and sometimes shakes and vibrates. The interior is the same inviting space as the conventional Sonata, with quality materials and good fit and finish, but it also has the same compromised rear-seat access.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

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Hyundai Sonata Hy...

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Midsized cars Ratings

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$4,550 - $5,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$5,100 - $6,025

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.4-liter 4 hybrid (206 hp)

6-speed automatic

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Sonata has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. The 190-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid got an excellent 44 mpg in our testing but delivered rough shifts from its six-speed transmission. The standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coupled to an eight-speed automatic provides unobtrusive, linear power, and 31 mpg overall. The uplevel 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides readily available power at lower revs. Handling is responsive, but the ride is rather stiff. Rear seat room is decent, although the low stance compromises access. The modern cabin is marred by a counterintuitive push-button gear selector. An 8-inch touch screen came standard until the 2024 model year and is easy to use. A larger 12.3-inch screen became standard beginning with 2024. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, among other upscale features. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance.

2016-2019

2016 Redesign Year

These Sonata models may be less stylish than the previous generation but it remains a roomy, comfortable riding sedan with easy to use controls. The rear seat is particularly generous. Handling isn't particularly engaging, but secure. Most versions have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic that make for an unobtrusive powertrain. We got 28 mpg overall. High end versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes the car quicker and quieter. The hybrid version has the same virtues, but with the added initial boost of the electric drive. Unlike other hybrids, it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable one, giving the car a more natural feel. We got an impressive 39 mpg with it.

2011-2015

2011 Redesign Year

The midsized Sonata ranks among the best family sedans, with a comfortable ride and a well-finished cabin. The standard powertrain is a 200-hp four-cylinder mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. We got an impressive 27 mpg with the automatic. Top-level models get a quicker and stronger 274-hp, four-cylinder turbo that returns 25 mpg overall. It has a firmer ride, but it is still comfortable, and handling for both versions is responsive. However, road noise is evident in both. Rear-seat room and visibility are decent despite the swoopy styling, but rear-seat access is compromised. The cabin is comfortable, and controls are easy to see and to reach. The Hybrid gets 33 mpg overall, but compromises drivability, refinement, and braking.