Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
GREEN CHOICE

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

EPA MPG: 40 mpg
Average Retail Price
$12,075 - $16,450

First Take
This competitive sedan stands out for, among other attributes, its excellent rear-seat room, easy cabin access, and user-friendly controls. Handling is taut and secure, but the ride is on the firm side, and it's no longer as comfortable as it was before the 2018 freshening. The hybrid returned an impressive 39 mpg overall in our tests. Plug-in hybrid versions are also available. The base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is coupled to a smooth six-speed automatic that returns 28 mpg overall in our tests. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbo mated to an eight-speed automatic is optional. The Eco uses a 1.6-liter, turbo four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed automatic. Outward visibility is a strong point. The generous interior makes for a very pleasant sedan. Blind spot warning is standard; forward collision warning and city speed automatic emergency braking, optional.
For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2019 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Good
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2019 Midsized cars Ratings

$11,925 - $16,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG 40 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$12,025 - $16,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG 30 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,400 - $21,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$16,350 - $22,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG 33 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$16,350 - $22,550
economy-icon
EPA MPG 47 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 plugin hybrid (202 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 hybrid (193 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
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.

2020-
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.

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.