Photo by Ulysses Ang

Technology never sleeps and as technology keeps advancing, many people on the lookout for a new car are thinking about investing on a hybrid, not only for the cutting-edge features, but mostly for fuel efficiency and better mileage. Many view the hybrid as the industry’s “Holy Grail” of-the-moment. As gas prices continue to rise and the clamor for the most economical cars surges, so do car manufacturers step up.

Enter the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Quick to respond to the challenge, Hyundai offers something new to the mid-size segment, following the footsteps of the successful Sonata. Hyundai has developed the first non-plug-in hybrid version of the Sonata, which already has best-in-class fuel economy. The Sonata Hybrid is powered by Hyundai's Blue Drive system, featuring breakthrough lithium-polymer batteries with Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty, powered by 2.4L MPI Theta II Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine matched with 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC.

At the core of the 2012 Sonata Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 166 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, combined with a 30kW electric motor. Together, they produce a peak of 206 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC control.

Hybrid Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid increases fuel efficiency and operates in all-electric mode more often and for longer periods of time, with an advanced version of Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive architecture. The improved architecture optimizes electric-only driving with a higher output of 35 kW electric motor, a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery pack and an optimized hybrid operating strategy. These upgrades are paired with a 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine that now runs on a more efficient Atkinson cycle. The new Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive system offers greater fuel efficiency by increasing the overall amount of available electrical drive power, allowing drivers to go further between fill ups.


Ergonomically designed interior

The interior of the Sonata Hybrid embodies the rest of the Hyundai line: modern, sleek, and spacious. Its inner space is state-of-the-art and functionally designed so that driver and passenger features are within quick and easy reach. The dual automatic climate control offers custom settings for the driver and front passenger along with floor console air vent controls for rear passengers.  Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls keep your attention on the business at hand.  The available navigation touchscreen as well as the audio controls are set a tad higher on the center stack, making them easier to check while you keep your eyes on the road.

Striking Bodywork 

Of “Fluidic Sculpture” lineage, the Sonata Hybrid inherited its looks from the original Sonata, but with more polish. The unique front grille, raked roofline, and LED headlight accents further distinguish it from its traditional counterpart. 17-inch alloy wheels lower the aerodynamic drag while adding style. Front fog lights, LED tail lights and side-mirror turn-signal indicators increase visibility and appeal, while the Blue Drive badge shows that it leads the way to lower emissions.

Comfort and Safety

Hyundai takes the science of car safety to the most critical parts of the Sonata Hybrid. Key safety elements that meld in this hybrid variant include six airbags, 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), plus a host of other modern safety technologies that earned the Sonata line the 2012 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an NHTSA 5-star Crash Rating. The Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) keeps the driver confident and in control even in difficult braking situations by balancing the brake forces at each wheel of the vehicle, adjusting to road conditions, available traction, passenger and cargo weight and even driving speed.

Blue is the new language of green technology

Hybrid vehicles can reduce smog-forming pollutants by up to 90% and cuts carbon dioxide emissions in half.  With its Blue Drive brand, Hyundai capitalizes on developing technologies to minimize the discharge of harmful substances to the environment, from the early stages of production all the way to the moment of usage.  At the same time, the company spares no effort or investment on developing and producing eco-friendly vehicles with the ultimate goal of rolling out cars with zero CO2 emission. Hyundai continues its legacy of protecting the environment with the conception of the Sonata Hybrid.