2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: First Drive

When it appeared in 2011 to counter rivals like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid generally didn't fare too well in head-to-head matchups. Complaints of a lack of refinement in the hybrid powertrain and braking feel were cited, and the Sonata routinely under-delivered on the fuel economy front. Hyundai seems to have been listening, as these are exactly the areas the company focused on for the 2013 Sonata Hybrid, and the result is a top-notch, fully competitive hybrid sedan ready to take on the competitors.

Changes start with the powertrain: The same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remains, but it now makes slightly less power, 159 horsepower compared to the 2012 model's 166. This is made up for by a more powerful electric motor, rated at 35 kilowatts instead of the last model's 30. Net power thus drops from 206 in the 2012 model to 199 in the 2013, but this is the only trade-off for superior performance, fuel economy and cargo room. The 2013 Sonata Hybrid's lithium polymer battery has a higher capacity, but it's also lighter and better packaged, allowing the trunk's cargo room to grow from 10.7 to 12.1 cubic feet.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Priced at $26,445

For the 2013 model year, Hyundai has bumped up the Sonata Hybrid's electric-only capability and fuel efficiency while reducing its price. The Sonata Hybrid will start at $26,445, including a $795 destination charge; that's $180 less than last year's starting price with destination. The 2013 Sonata Hybrid Limited trim level will start at $31,345 with destination.

The 2013 Sonata Hybrid improves fuel economy and operates in all-electric mode more often and for longer periods of time, the automaker said. This is achieved with an advanced version of Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which adds a larger-capacity 10.5 kW generator, an electric motor that boosts output by nearly 17% and a lithium-polymer battery pack that increases output by 38%. These upgrades are paired with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, good for a top electric-only speed of 75 mph, according to Hyundai.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Priced at $19,195

When the redesigned 2011 Sonata goes on sale later this month, it will be one of the most affordable midsize sedans on the market, but not by much. Base GLS models with a six-speed manual are $19,195 before destination charges of $720. The competition is close with manual-equipped versions of the Ford Fusion ($19,695), Toyota Camry ($19,395), Mazda6 ($18,450), Nissan Altima ($19,900 with continuously variable automatic transmission), Honda Accord ($21,055), Subaru Legacy ($19,995) and the slightly smaller Suzuki Kizashi ($18,999). The outgoing Sonata started at $18,700.

We covered the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and its 198- or 200-horsepower four-cylinder and 35 mpg highway rating at last year’s L.A. Auto Show. You can read more here.

Hyundai points out that the 2011 Sonata is well equipped in base form, with the GLS coming standard with USB inputs, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, trip computer, keyless entry, heated mirrors, Bluetooth and steering-wheel audio controls. Adding an automatic transmission brings the GLS price to $20,195.

The Sonata’s top trim level of Limited continues to be much less than the competition’s comparable entries and starts at $25,295. Navigation is an option on all trim levels.

A full price, option package and trim level breakdown from the automaker is below.

2011 Hyundai Sonata: Up Close

The Sonata has long been a practical family sedan, but Hyundai aims to increase the car's style appeal with the redesigned 2011 model, which sports a more distinctive — if not revolutionary — design.

The changes are immediately apparent in the Sonata's face, which features a wide chrome grille and long, thin headlights that run into the fenders. Chrome trim around the side windows is a common styling cue; Hyundai has taken it a step further by extending the chrome strip, which sits at the base of the windows, forward along the sides of the hood to the headlights. While the overall look definitely pushes the bar compared to the previous Sonata, there are some other memorable designs, including the Mazda6, in the segment.

2011 Hyundai Sonata at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion
• Looks like: An evil-looking take on the family sedan
• Drivetrain: 198-200 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: January 2010

We already knew about Hyundai’s impressive four-cylinder engine going into the all-new Sonata, but today the company revealed the full details on the 2011 heading to U.S. dealers next month.

Mileage is impressive at 23/35 mpg city/highway, but what's more interesting is that this Hyundai sedan will turn heads. Yes, it shows glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and VW CC, yet it's distinctive enough to stand out among its direct competitors like the Camry and Accord.

On top of mileage and looks, the Sonata packs a spacious interior with the most overall interior volume in its class. Like the Accord, it falls in the EPA’s large sedan classification -- not midsize -- because it is so roomy inside. The trunk is nearly class-leading at 16.4 cubic feet.

We don’t have a full model breakdown in hand yet. However, all Sonatas come standard with XM Satellite Radio, USB port and iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid model will be unveiled later in 2010.

More photos below. We’ll have more information and first-hand impressions later in the day.

2011 Hyundai Sonata's Radical New Look

Today, Hyundai released two sketches of the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan. Orders are already being taken in Korea ahead of its official launch there on Sept. 10; the Sonata won’t hit the U.S. until 2010 as a 2011 model.

We expect to learn and see a lot more of the Sonata next week, but we do know that the Korean version will have a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The current Sonata has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed automatic transmission returning 22/32 mpg city/highway. This new engine looks to be more efficient. Electronic stability control will be standard across the line.

Other features and options include a panoramic sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and a push-button ignition.

The fastback look in these images seems a wild departure for the typically sedate Hyundai. One more image is below.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: Hyundai Hybrid Concept

• Looks like: The Hyundai Sonata sedan's innards
• Defining characteristics: A new hybrid powertrain and battery
• Ridiculous features: None
• Chance of being mass-produced: 100%

We’re not sure why Hyundai is calling this a concept, because it’s already said a Sonata Hybrid will hit dealerships in the U.S. in 2010. That’s big news not only because this will be Hyundai’s first hybrid in the U.S., but because it will use a lithium-polymer battery that’s unlike any nickel-metal-hydride-powered hybrid currently on the market, or any lithium-ion-powered hybrids planned for the near future.

Hyundai says the lithium-polymer battery is more efficient and lighter than other battery technologies, and that’s two things you might like in a fuel-efficient car. Plus, it’s less expensive to make than lithium-ion batteries. The battery is part of a system featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, regenerative braking, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor.

Hyundai hasn’t said what kind of fuel economy to expect from this system, but we assume it will be on par with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, if not better.

Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Headed to U.S.

Today, Hyundai announced it will sell a hybrid version of its popular Sonata sedan in the U.S., using a lithium ion battery to store electricity in the hybrid. The company did not announce a release date, but the new hybrid will debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November, so we’d guess it will go on sale in calendar year 2009.

The current four-cylinder version of the Sonata — which was redesigned for the 2009 model year — gets a very healthy 22/32 mpg city/highway. We’ve yet to see a lithium ion battery-powered hybrid on sale, though companies like Audi and GM have plans for products that use them.

Hyundai Announces Hybrid Sedan (Technoride)
2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review (Cars.com)  

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Mike Hanley already had the Hyundai Sonata high on his list of affordable midsize family sedans, but he was pleased to find the 2009 Sonata had improved in all the areas where he found the 2008 lacking. The interior styling is much improved, with cabin features and materials finally matching the quality of the car they're built into. Furthermore, when facing-down competitors, Hyundai has given the Sonata two key advantages: A low starting price and a highly favorable warranty. Read his full review at the link below.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Hyundai Azera, 2008 Mazda3

2009 Hyundai Sonata: Mike Hanley walks us through the Sonata's significant updates for 2009, including a revised exterior and redesigned cabin.

2008 Hyundai Azera: With a price tag under $25,000, Kelsey Mays finds this sedate sedan to be an excellent value.

2008 Mazda3: Although the Mazda3 hasn’t been upgraded for a few years, David Thomas says its interior has held up well.

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