2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Test Drive [Review]

Second Generation Restyled Hybrid Bows with Increased Fuel Economy

Fountain Valley, CA – Hyundai Motor America introduced both the second generation 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the first ever Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid with a National Media launch program showcasing the vehicles’ advanced technology and improved efficiency.

This latest iteration of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid features a smaller displacement gasoline engine (a 2.0-liter replaces the old 2.4-liter Atkinson Cycle engine) that delivers 5 mpg city and 4-mpg highway better than its predecessor. The maximum voltage for the 270V electric motor produces 11 more horsepower than its predecessor while the torque remains the same. The horsepower and torque ratings for the new Sonata Hybrid are slightly less than before. The Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid electric motor cranks out 16 more horsepower than the regular Hybrid, thanks to its 370V motor and larger battery. The combined net horsepower is 9 more than the base Hybrid. The drag coefficient has also improved from 0.25 to 0.24 for better aerodynamics.

Both the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid share the same dimensions, which represent a slight increase over the old Sonata Hybrid, as well as the same new styling improvements.

Hyundai’s commitment to leading the automotive industry in fuel efficiency continues after climbing to the top of the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy rankings in 2009. With their implementation of a powertrain lineup that consisted exclusively of four cylinder engines and six-speed transmissions, Hyundai’s 2011 Sonata sedan became the most efficient vehicle in its class with an EPA rated highway mileage of 40 mpg.

The next stage in Hyundai’s top efficiency quest was the North American introduction of their Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system. The Sonata Hybrid debuted in the winter of 2010 with a powertrain that was developed entirely in-house by Hyundai that included several technical firsts. Those innovations allowed the Sonata to provide performance and efficiency improvements not available in other hybrids of the era.

The first production application of Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive debuted in mid-2009 on the Korean domestic market’s Elantra LPI mild-hybrid. Direct Hybrid Blue Drive as implemented in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, became a full parallel hybrid system. The 2012 Sonata Hybrid could be operated in a zero emissions, fully electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, or in a combined gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car came to a stop and the electrical storage load was low, the engine shut down, completely eliminating idle fuel consumption and emissions.

At the heart of the Direct Hybrid Blue Drive System is a lithium polymer battery pack, which Hyundai has added to its Sonata Hybrid coverage with a Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee to expand the benefits of Hyundai Assurance, what Hyundai claims to be the industry’s most comprehensive warranty program. The coverage applied to all 2012 model year Sonata Hybrid models over the life expectancy of the vehicle and thousands of miles beyond the average duration of new-car ownership. That first-of-its-kind protection ensured that if the Sonata Hybrid lithium polymer battery technology failed, Hyundai would replace the battery and cover recycling costs for the old powerplant free of charge to the owner.

The Hyundai Direct Hybrid Blue Drive powertrain is configured with a unique architecture. In contrast to the more familiar power-split hybrid systems such as those from Toyota and Ford, Direct Hybrid Blue Drive utilizes a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive layout where the motor is separated from the transmission gear-set. This modular layout offers Hyundai a number of advantages. Most importantly, the TMED configuration provides flexibility to mix and match different sized electric motors and transmissions to suit different vehicles. For example, Hyundai has different six-speed automatic transaxles in its portfolio, any of which could be utilized in a hybrid application.

The Direct Hybrid Blue Drive System consists of a 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with DCVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) that delivers 154 horsepower along with 140 pound feet of torque and a 270V Maximum Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric motor that produces 51 horsepower and 151 pound feet of torque. The combined gas/electric net horsepower is 193. The Sonata Plug-in Electric Hybrid produces 67 horses and a combined net horsepower of 202. The Lithium polymer battery output for the latter is 12kW higher than the Sonata Hybrid. The battery pack is now fitted under the trunk floor, which allow for improved cargo and passenger volume space.

The system transfers energy through a six-speed automatic transmission without a lock-up torque converter. Regenerative braking plays an important role in recovering kinetic energy lost during braking and storing it for future propulsion.

Hyundai’s award-winning design of the 2016 Sonata Hybrid continues with their “Fluidic Sculpture” theme, but is enhanced by a series of functional changes to the front and rear fascia highlighting its efficiency and the advanced technology beneath its skin. These visual changes were instrumental in lowering the coefficient of drag to a low 0.24; the lowest in its class and identical to the Tesla Model S. Visual enhancements to the Hybrid’s exterior include a unique larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging and new eco-spoke alloy wheel designs. A distinctive instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch color LCD multi-purpose display provides Hybrid drivers with additional information about the hybrid system’s operation. Trim levels will include a base trim and Limited trim.

Safety features abound in this latest Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – it comes with: seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display. A rearview camera and HID headlamps are also standard, while Projector headlamps are available.

Advanced safety technologies no longer reserved for luxury cars are available, such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and a Lane Departure Warning System.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenient technology to improve Blue Link connectivity and convenience features. Hyundai’s hands-free Smart Trunk is now available on the Hybrid as well as an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, a driver memory seat, rear window sunshades, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control featuring full stop capability.

All 2016 Sonata Hybrids come with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM® satellite radio and Bluetooth® phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition as standard fare. Available upgrades include an 8.0-inch navigation system with downloadable apps, HD radio and Infinity premium audio system with next-generation Blue Link® telematics. All 2016 Sonata Hybrids equipped with navigation will also support Pandora® and SoundHound applications as well as “Eyes Free” Siri integration, which allow drivers to perform a variety of functions without taking their eyes off the road. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration will become available on the Sonata Hybrid later this year.

My Test production 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was in Limited trim and wore a Starlight Silver exterior finish, with a Gray interior. Pricing is closely in line with the current model. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid goes on sale this summer with a base sticker of $26,000.,while the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited is slated to start at $30,100. With the Limited Ultimate Package adding $4,500 to the equation. Add another $825 for Destination and Handling charges for both.

The Sonata Plug-in Electric Hybrid will only be initially available in selected states, and won’t go on sale until the fall, with pricing yet to be established. I was able to experience time behind the wheel of both models during the National Media introduction.

SUMMARY: Both the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid get high marks as mid-size luxury vehicles. The performance level is admirable, with more than satisfactory acceleration and braking. The steering and overall handling characteristics are positive, but not necessarily sporty, and the ride quality and comfort are both very nice – neither too firm, nor too soft.

The cars are visually the same except for specific badging, and in the case of the Plug-in, there is a left side, front fender charge port door that is not on the regular hybrid. Internally, the plug-in hybrid comes with a Drive Mode Select feature that allows for Eco, Normal and Sport mode with manual shift capability.

In the final analysis, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks right at the top of the list for attractive, economical mid-size hybrid sedans. The Sonata Hybrid performed beautifully, and one is hardly aware of its hybrid operation, which is virtually seamless except for the gas engine shutting down when the car comes to a complete stop.

The Sonata Hybrid will be built at Hyundai’s assembly plant in Asan, South Korea.

On the TFLcar scale of:

• Buy it!
• Lease it!
• Rent it!
• … or Forget it!

I give the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid a Buy It! For an affordable and economical Hybrid sedan.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

• Base Price: $ 26,000. Sonata Hybrid / Hybrid Limited-$30,100
• Limited Ultimate Package – $4,500
• Price as tested: $26,825. – Sonata Hybrid / $30,925 – Hybrid Limited
• Engine Type and Size: 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with DCVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
• Horsepower (bhp): 154 @ 6,000 rpm
  Torque (ft./ lbs.): 140 @ 5,000 rpm
• Electric motor: Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
• Horsepower (bhp): 51 (38kW) @ 1,770-2,000 rpm
• Torque (ft./ lbs.): 151 @ 0-1,770 rpm
• Maximum Voltage – 270V
• Lithium polymer battery – 56kW power output
• Combined output: 193 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Transmission: Six-speed electronic automatic without lock-up torque converter, shift lock and Shiftronic™ manual shift mode
• Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Front-wheel drive
• Front Suspension – MacPherson strut with High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers and 23 mm stabilizer bar
  Rear Suspension – Independent multi-link design with coil springs, HPD shock absorbers and 17 mm stabilizer bar
• Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution
• Tires: Kumho Solus P205/65R16 / Tire mending kit (in lieu of temporary spare tire) mounted on 5-spoke alloy wheels
• Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
• Length Overall: 191.1 inches
• Width: 73.4 inches
• Height: 57.9 inches
• Curb Weight: 3.497 lbs. – Limited – 3,560 lbs.
• Turning Circle: 35.6 ft.
• Fuel Capacity: 15.85 gallons
• EPA Mileage Estimates: 40 mpg city / 44 mpg highway (39/43-Limited)
• Drag Coefficient: 0.24 c_d
• 0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.