2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Hybrid Plug-In: First Driving Impressions

MY16 Sonata Hybrid
2016 Sonata Hybrid Plug-In

Driving the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In is very much like driving a regular Hyundai Sonata, and that’s a good thing. They are just as comfortable and capable for those who need a commuting machine that has few drawbacks. Yes, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Plug-In roll on low rolling resistance tires and have extra weight at the rear where the batteries are stored, but you would be hard pressed to feel it when driving to work.

You can read about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Hybrid Plug-In specifications (Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In details).

Comfort, economy, leisurely driving and good overall utility (especially for hybrid sedans) are top for both vehicles. On the other hand, hardcore driving dynamics – not so much. No biggie, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In were never touted as sport sedans, but this is the one place that the Ford Fusion Hybrid/Energi Plug-In Hybrid and Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid have the Sonata cousins beat: street performance.

Hyundai was careful to provide journalists with a mostly highway route during their press event. This meant that we would exploit the strengths of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Plug-In version. Still, I needed to know how they would handle on the street, so I took advantage of a few moments where we were on the streets to see how these cars handled. In a word – heavy.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Both the Sonata Hybrid and the Plug-In have low rolling resistance tires (they are slightly different from one another), and a substantial amount of weight under the load-floor and backseat. This, combined with no steering feel, gives the driver the impression that the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In are happiest when corners are taken slow. Otherwise, there’s a fair amount of tire squeal.

Despite being a bit sluggish when pushed, these two are a joy on the highway and cruising down the boulevard. As a matter of fact, Hyundai has the competition beat in nearly every other measurable way.

Hyundai Sonata 16 hybrid chart

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In:

    • 2.0-liter, 154 horsepower four-cylinder engine makes 140 lbs-feet of torque
    • Net hybrid power is 202hp
    • Lithium Ion Polymer batteries
    • 50 kW, 67 hp electric motor
    • kWh capacity is 9.8
    • Maximum EV speed – 75 mph
    • Maximum EV range – 24 miles (estimated)
    • Gas mileage (charge sustaining) 40 mpg and 93 MPGe (Charge depleting) – these numbers are “internal” estimates

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Interior

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

  • 2.0-liter, 154 horsepower four-cylinder engine makes 140 lbs-feet of torque
  • Net hybrid power is 193 hp
  • Lithium Ion Polymer batteries
  • 38 kW, 51 hp electric motor
  • kWh capacity is 1.62
  • Gas mileage on the SE model – 40 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined

As for the rest of the drive, the electrified sedans feel just like the regular Sonata. The interior is filled with soft touch materials, the seats are very comfortable (front and rear) and full-sized adults fit comfortably throughout. It’s worth nothing that the new Sonata Hybrid and the Plug-In have the largest trunks in their class. The Plug-In has 9.9 cubic feet and not only does the regular hybrid have a 13.4 cu-ft trunk, the back seats fold 60/40 for maximum utility.

Hyundai will announce pricing closer to the start of production.

Hyundai set out to make one of the most technologically advanced hybrids for the North American market. For drivers looking for a vehicle that drives like a real sedan with a quiet, compliant ride – either one makes sense. If you want range and capability bragging rights, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In Hybrid is your car. If you want a sedan that has none of the penalties most hybrid sedans force you to live with – the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is worth a look.

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.