Hyundai

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Family Friendliness: 7.9

Recommended: Yes

Specifications apply to this model only.

Tweet

By Keith Buglewicz

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the Korean manufacturer's first hybrid in the U.S. market, and just like the Sonata and Sonata 2.0T, it's poised to shake up its competition.

It's not because the Sonata Hybrid's fuel economy is dramatically better than its prime competitors, the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrid. Nor is it because of space-age technology, although again, the Sonata Hybrid is plenty sophisticated. No, it's because of two key Hyundai advantages. First is price, a traditional Hyundai perk that's unlikely to change. The second, surprisingly, is style. It's still a little hard to think of Hyundai as a style leader, but that's rapidly becoming the case, and the Sonata Hybrid's standout design could just be the key to its success.

What's New

The biggest news about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is what's under the hood. Hyundai's Direct Blue Drive Hybrid system adds an electric motor between the engine and transmission, and puts a battery pack in the trunk behind the rear seats. The combination delivers 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, better than the Camry by a few mpg, and about the same as the Fusion.

Hyundai's hybrid system cuts costs while still delivering the electric-only operation that buyers consider the mark of a "real" hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid uses a slightly modified version of the six-speed automatic transmission used in non-hybrid Sonatas. Compared that to the complicated hybrid-only transmissions in its competition, and you have a real cost savings. The electric motor takes up no extra room under the hood than in non-hybrid Sonatas, so it doesn't need a specialized engine bay, which reduces manufacturing costs. The advanced lithium-polymer battery pack is expensive to manufacture, but it also stays cooler than other battery types. This means there's no expensive cooling system, which helps mitigate the extra cost. All the savings add up, and they'll be passed on to buyers with a lower sticker price.

The other major distinction between the hybrid and the non-hybrid Sonatas is styling. With its big grille, LED accented headlights and cool LED taillights, there's no mistaking the Sonata Hybrid for a standard Sonata, or anything else for that matter. Part of the reason for the changes is to improve aerodynamics for better fuel economy. For example, the blacked-out grille partially closes at freeway speeds to lower wind resistance, and the sharp edges on the rear bumper corners also help improve aerodynamic flow. But the main reason is the new design's visual impact. Hybrid buyers want the world to know they drive a hybrid, and it's one of the reasons the Prius is so popular. The Sonata Hybrid has a similar visual appeal, and could even steal a few Prius intenders away from Toyota.

Models

There's only one Sonata Hybrid model, and although prices haven't been finalized, it will probably come in at around $26,000 or so. It has the same standard equipment as other Sonatas: Bluetooth, a USB port, six-speaker audio system, cruise control, and power windows and locks. It also gets pushbutton ignition, automatic climate control and the Sonata Hybrid's specialized full-color display between the speedometer and tachometer. An optional Premium Package adds leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated front and rear seats, a navigation system and a high-end audio system. Similar options packages on other Sonatas cost around $2,500, so expect a fully loaded Sonata Hybrid to cost around $28,500 or so.

First Impression

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts quietly at the push of a button, with only a musical chime telling you the car is ready to go. With a full charge it'll start off in electric-only mode, and it's capable of moving only on battery power up to 62 mph, much faster than any other hybrid. When the battery charge begins to dwindle -- or if you just need extra power -- the gas engine kicks in, adding only a little vibration and noise to the cabin.

In fact, the most notable thing about driving the Sonata Hybrid is how unremarkable it is. For the most part it's just like a regular Sonata, with a comfortable and quiet ride, good acceleration for merging onto freeways, and plenty of room and creature comforts for all the passengers. If you go easy on the accelerator pedal you can get into the 40-mpg range without too much difficulty, and even on hilly terrain -- and with some full-throttle acceleration -- I still managed 38.5 mpg.

Hyundai wisely left the interior design alone, so the Sonata Hybrid has the same high quality feel inside as the rest of the Sonata line. The biggest difference is the hybrid's color computer display, nestled between the large speedometer and tachometer. The driver can switch between several functions like fuel economy readouts, a "power split" showing how hard the gas engine and electric motor are working, and even a game that turns a brown Earth green and lush the more fuel you save.

Family Friendliness

For the most part, the Sonata Hybrid is just as family friendly as the non-hybrid Sonata, with one major exception: trunk space. Although the Sonata's battery pack is smaller than the ones in the Camry and Fusion hybrids, it's still big enough to reduce the Sonata's 16.4 cu.-ft. of trunk volume down to only 10.7. That's a surprisingly large reduction, and the upshot is that there's not a lot of space for a stroller plus groceries. At least there's a small passage to the rear seats for long objects, but you'll need to keep it in mind if you have small children and are considering the Sonata Hybrid.

It's a shame, because otherwise it scores well. Crash test scores for the Sonata are excellent, and it boasts plenty of standard safety equipment, such as stability control and a lot of airbags. The rear seat is big and comfortable for 'tweens and teens, and although the two child-seat LATCH points are a snug fit between the seat cushions, at least they're not too deep. As long as Hyundai doesn't ruin the surprise with a much higher than expected price, its Family Friendliness rating should stay at 8.1.

Conclusion

It's hard to find fault with anything in the Hyundai lineup these days, and the Sonata Hybrid is no exception. The car keeps its fuel economy promises, looks good doing it, and is just as nice to drive as conventional Sonatas. Do I recommend it? Yes, but keep that small trunk in mind. It could be an impediment, but a good alternative is available: The standard Sonata still has a big trunk, gets great fuel economy, and it's right next to the hybrid on the showroom floor.

Want to geek out a little more about the Sonata's innovative hybrid system? Then check out this piece over at Wired.com for a closer look.

 

Back to top