Courtesy of YNN/ Time Warner Cable
Aired: 10/18/2012
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a four-door sedan that has great driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, takes a closer look.
Model – 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
MPG – 35/40 37 mpg combined
Engine – 2.4L Hybrid engine with 206hp. joined with a 270 Volt Lithium Polymer batter riding on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Transmission – 6-speed Shiftronic
Price – starts at $25,850
Test Vehicle: $32,225 with the Ultimate Package that included a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated seats, navigation, rear backup camera, Infinity Premium Audio system, and more.
On the road, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a nice combination of nimble handling and a smooth, composed ride quality. It had great pickup and was quite responsive from a stop and in traffic.
Hyundai went its own direction on hybrid technology by developing original proprietary hybrid architecture to reduce weight and to improve highway fuel economy.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers standard BlueLink safety, service and infotainment telematics system.
Overall, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is just a great, affordable midsize car. We found that there are hardly any performance trade-offs compared with the gas-only Sonata. If you’re shopping for a stylish hybrid sedan, take one for a test drive.
Competes with:
•Toyota Camry Hybrid
•Ford Fusion Hybrid
•Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
•KIA Optima Hybrid
Likes:
•Bold exterior styling
•High fuel economy
•Comfortable interior
•Smooth ride
•Long warranty
•Top safety scores.
Dislikes:
•Hybrid powertrain
•Significant price premium compared to regular Sonata
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has all the right stuff, and good driving dynamics, packaged in a fuel-efficient, hybrid-powered family sedan.
