2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai is doing things a bit differently with its new 2011 Sonata—it’s a mid-size sedan that actually looks appealing—and that concept extends to the just-announced hybrid version. This gas-electric sedan is being shown for the first time at the 2010 New York auto show, alongside the turbocharged, 274-hp Sonata 2.0T.

A Different Approach

As the company’s first hybrid for the U.S. market, the Sonata will set the tone for Hyundai’s eco-friendly plans, debuting a system it calls Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive. The car may seem late to the gas-electric party, but the delay allowed Hyundai to incorporate lithium-polymer battery technology; it will be the first to market a vehicle using this type of battery formulation, which it claims allows for a lighter, smaller, more durable battery.

The parallel hybrid’s basic ingredients include an Atkinson-cycle version of Hyundai’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder, making 169 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque; a 40-hp, 151-lb-ft electric motor; a 34-kW lithium-polymer battery; and a six-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 209 hp—which bests that of the hybrid versions of the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, and Nissan Altima—and 195 lb-ft. And unlike the others, Hyundai is using a true automatic transmission instead of a CVT, which we welcome simply as a way to mitigate engine drone. The Sonata hybrid is also able to reach speeds of up to 62 mph in all-electric mode, which surpasses the current hybrid electro-speed champion Fusion/Milan hybrids’ Vmax of 47 mph.

Best-in-Class Highway Mileage

Hyundai estimates fuel economy of 37 mpg city/39 highway—the city figure beats all but the Fusion’s 41-mpg rating, and the highway number is the highest in the class. Contributing to efficiency are the vehicle’s relatively low weight—Hyundai claims it’s under 3500 pounds—regenerative braking, and an electric A/C compressor.

As part of the transformation, the hybrid Sonata also gets its own look, both to differentiate it and to improve aerodynamics. Unique head- and taillights sit above more-aerodynamic fascias, there’s a new grille and wheels, as well as a front air dam and aero-friendly side sills. Inside, a 4.2-inch LCD in the gauge cluster provides hybrid system information including drive mode, energy flow, fuel level, battery charge, and fuel-economy numbers. Hyundai has also taken a digital page from Ford’s engaging hybrid-monitoring interface and included what it calls the “Eco Level scoring system.” Instead of receiving green leaves as a reward for efficient driving like in the Fusion/Milan, Sonata drivers are treated to images of a sky, which are shown in eight different colors ranging form gray (bad) to blue (good).

Hybrid Sonatas will be available later this year. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we expect it to come in below the Fusion hybrid’s $28K sticker.