The hype for the hybrids cars is getting worse. The world is changing an incredibly fast pace and those changes are demanding for solutions. Hyundai is already a successful car maker and with the new 2016 Sonata Hybrid is going to make another hit.
This car is promising: the fuel economy, the performance, the comfort, and the quality, all has been improved to deliver a really convenient option for those that the fuel economy and a comfortable ride is their need.
The South Korean maker blended a really good car. The car by itself competes in one of the most aggressive segments of the automotive market, the family sedan. Competitors as the Honda Accord, the Mazda 6, and the Toyota Camry hardened the competition and elevated the level until the point that you need to deliver a flawless and affordable product to be able to compete with them.
In that way, the 2016 Sonata has a high expectancy, being already in the top 10 of best selling sedans. This year, this car maker is trying to shorten that distance with this improved and refreshed model. With the incorporation of the Hybrid and Hybrid Plug-In technology, Hyundai has good opportunities to rule the market. But here we don’t foresee things. Customers are those who decide.
Let’s review this sedan.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2016 Sonata in both Hybrid and Plug-in features a brand new 2.0 L four-cylinder, offering Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) which delivers a smooth acceleration. It can produce up to 154 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 14 0lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. This powerplant is also going to enhance the fuel economy.
With the incorporation of the electric motor in the Hybrid setup, the Sonata enjoys an addition of 51 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, or either a 67 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque added by the motor of the Plug-In Hybrid version. The Sonata Hybrid totalize 193 horsepower while the Plug-In Hybrid 202 horsepower. Both are paired with a Shiftronic six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of pure electric efficiency, the Plug-In model can travel up to 22 miles the electricity-only mode. The recharging battery pack takes five hours to be full with a 120-V outlet, and two hours and a half with a 240-V Level 2 charging station.
The fuel economy is pretty good, rated in 40 mpg in city and 44 mpg on the highway for the standard Hybrid. Meanwhile, the Hybrid Plug-In rated in 40 mpg combined.
Design and Interior
Hyundai did a clever move incorporating the style of Genesis into the Sonata couple years ago. The results? An aesthetically competitive car, with a unique style that puts it apart from the rivals. The exterior is smooth and solid without boring elements. It’s a family sedan with a sporty style.
The interior impressive and is dotted with upscale materials and interesting features. The steering wheel has a good style and the center console is huge, plagued with buttons, knobs, and switches, delivering a sophisticated look and design. The seats, both rear and front are comfortable and enjoy an excellent leg room.
The cockpit is full of cutting-edge features as well. The incorporation of a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 5-inch touchscreen, hands-free smart trunk and a rear-view camera in the standard model are well appreciated.
Further, if you want a more technology-packed car, are also available as options the nine-speaker Infinity audio system, navigation with a bigger touchscreen, forward collision warning, auto vehicle hold, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a lot more features.
The Bottom Line
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is available is two hybrid options. The car has an accepted performance, outstanding exterior and interior, and a good fuel efficiency.
About the author
William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.
In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.
