Her + His Car Reviews
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Ltd.
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $35,764 | $35,764 |
| Performance | |
| The new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid features both a 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Standard in this vehicle are automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The hybrids engine hosts 154 horsepower and transitions from gasoline to electric very smoothly. The acceleration and overall responsiveness in the Sonata is abit sluggish, but its akin to the new normal for a powered car of this category. Handling is OK. | Though the handling is pretty average, the Sonata Hybrid rides like a luxury car, and generally performs well on the highway with brisk acceleration.
While the Sonata Hybrid isn't a particularly strong handler around corners and turns---there is a tiny bit of body lean....it still is very composed in most driving conditions. Hybrid's Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The lithium-polymer battery pack capacity is 1.62 kWh, a 13 percent improvement, and the battery pack now fits under the trunk floor, which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Sonata Hybrid's Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor, company officials added. Sonata Hybrid can operate only on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the system. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 39 city miles and 43 highway miles. 41 mpg overall. Consider this is a on the lighter side of gas mileage for hybrids and impacts how Sonata stacks up against its competitors. Hyundai can improve here. | Hybrid SE is expected to achieve an estimated 40 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg, which is more than a ten percent improvement from the 2015 model. |
| The Car | |
| Hyundai's Sonata Hybrid Limited is a fine, extraordinarily roomy and comfortable vehicle offering sophisticated technology and the latest in safety and quality amenities. Yet, to drive it, well, its in a word - common. Power, Leather, heated seats. Heated steering wheel. 60/40 split folding rear seats - nice for additional and optimal space, unrivaled by another in its class! Dual temperature gauges in front and back seat for personalized riding. Keep in mind that about one-third of new 2016 cars do not come with a spare tire, and this model is no exception. It comes with a Tire Mobility Kit in the trunk - please click to view the video or ask your dealer about use. |
Sonata always has been at or near the top of the heap when compared with other mid-sized family cars, and though its styling is now getting a bit worn, it still gets turned necks and praise from onlookers. The Hybrid adds a special blend of brisk performance with economy that is much improved over the last year's model and also compares about par with other midsized hybrids and a bit better than most. |
| Safety | |
| Driver and Passenger Air Bag, Brake Assist, Child Safety Locks, Traction Control, Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors, Daytime Running Lights, Electronic Stability Control, 4 Wheel ABS, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes. | Safety-wise, 2016 Sonata Hybrid comes standard with seven airbags, and all the safety features that can be found on competitors. |
| Technology | |
| Technology includes Bluetooth, USB port, 9 speaker Infinity audio system, HD radio, rearview camera, satellite radio, 8" touch screen, push-button start. Panoramic sunroof. 17" alloy wheels, Rear Parking Assist, NAV System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control. Hyundai's Blue link syncs Emergency Assistance, Auto Collision Notification Service, Rear Parking Sensors, Forward Collision Warning System and Land Departure Warning System. |
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 takes smartphone integration to the next level on the Sonata Hybrid. Our test model was a top of the line Limited model, though you can also buy a less expensive SE version too. With the price you get 16 inch alloy wheels, full power brakes, seats, and windows, automatic headlights, fog lights, LE daytime running lights and taillights, dual zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, rear view camera phone and audio connectivity. Spring for the Limited, and you will have as standard equipment such as larger 17 inch wheels, xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear view motor, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise controls and other items. One feature to single out is the easy-to-use upgraded Blue link system that offers emergency assistance, automatic collision notification system and if you order the Ultimate package in your Limited, you also get rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system and a lane departure warning system. Company officials say that the 2016 Sonata Hybrid offers best-in-class cargo volume at 13.3 cu. ft., a 10 percent improvement over the previous Sonata Hybrid, thanks to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design. Locating the battery pack beneath the trunk floor gives Sonata Hybrid best-in-class passenger volume at 106.1 cu. ft. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| This Sonata Hybrid has a lot going for it. It is clean and open; it is stacked with technology, sound and spacious. For all the vehicle amasses, there is ordinary style about it. That's not bad; it's a bit of a run of the mill to drive. However, Hyundai can jazz up. And increase their audience - hybrid or not. | Sonata looks good too with a clean, futuristic front end design that is not shared by gasoline powered Sonatas. It has unique styling elements front and rears that are not shared with gasoline Hyundai Sonatas, like its beautifully clean-lined front end and grille design. Secondly, it is lavishly equipped--I cannot think of a single thing you can get on a luxury car that was not included on my test example. And this comes at a price that is thousands upon thousands less than luxury cars. And the Sonata Hybrid is quieter than most, and is quite lovely to drive, too. And finally, with its sumptuous interior, and lovely features like a set of controls for climate options and other things in the rear seating area, and he fact that the rear seat has plenty of stretch out space, it's hard to miss the way Sonata can really pamper you. |
| Warranty | |
| America's Best Warranty: 5 Year New Vehicle Limited Warranty/60,000 Miles. 7 Year Anti-Perforation Warranty/Unlimited Miles. 10 Year Powertrain Limited Warranty /100,000 Miles. Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty. | Basic Warranty is five years/60,000 miles. |
