Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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.

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.

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.