SONATA RANDOMLY CUT OFF BUT STARTS RIGHT BACKUP PLUS
Plus the ride is along the lines of an entry-level luxury sedan, aided by a plush leather interior. Handling is fairly responsive here as in the gas-only Sonata, with a moderate steering effort. A gauge on the dash points that out, but after a few days you’ll likely stop watching it. But remember hybrids feature regenerative braking, which helps repower the batteries every time you coast or apply the brakes. Sonata also has four drive modes, with Sport giving it more power from a stop and Smart, which over time learns how you drive and adjusts acceleration and shifts to match your style, and adjust to road conditions, such as rain or snow.īraking is fine, maybe a bit grabby at first until you get the feel of it. Hyundai helps that with something it calls Active Shift Control on its 6-speed automatic transmission, a system that provides faster shifts.įor the record the hybrid’s 2.0-liter VVT I4 with a partial Atkinson cycle combined with the electric motor creates 192 horsepower here. There’s a slight lull around 30 to 40 as hybrids shift over to gas power, but it’s a very minor lull. Hybrids usually offer swift-kick-in-the-seat-of-the-pants power as you aggressively accelerate from a stop due to their instant torque. Yes, the turbo will exhibit quick acceleration, but so will the 39 kilowatt electric motor here. It featured a 1.6-liter turbo I4 that creates 180 horsepower but a dandy 195 lb.-ft. The Sonata Blue trim, which costs less and includes fewer features (so weighs less), gets the maximum 54 mpg rating, 1 mpg more than the competition.įrom a performance standpoint you’ll barely notice this is a hybrid compared with the gas-only Limited I drove earlier. That’s comparable to other popular hybrid sedans, such as Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord. For the record, that’s 47 to 51 mpg with the Limited and my test car registered 49.9 mpg on its trip computer, while a quick fill-up put the actual figure at 45.5 mpg. Weight savings, like the slick looking 17-inch Aero wheel covers, helps Sonata deliver its fine fuel economy. Still, a clever idea and one that actually saves 22 pounds vs. In Wisconsin where sunshine is at a premium about 9 months a year, the figure will be lower. Well, in a sunny climate (think Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston) they can provide power for up to 1,236 extra miles a year. I know, you’re probably questioning how much those panels help.
So, what’s the deal with solar roof panels? Well, like other solar panels they gather energy, but here channel that into the hybrid’s batteries, plus they looked pretty cool on the black roof of the tested graphite metallic gray Sonata. a power sunroof, plus generates battery power.
The hybrid debuts at dealers sometime this month (June). It’s an option, but this being a pre-production model I got an early sneak peek at, no pricing has been announced. Third, the Sonata Hybrid Limited is available with two solar roof panels. RELATED VIDEO: Hop in and get Mark’s driving impressions. I had the Limited, so basically the same car I tested in gas-powered mode about 6 weeks ago. There are three hybrid models, Blue, SEL and Limited. Second, the Sonata Hybrid is rated at up to 54 miles per gallon. There’s simply the word “hybrid” on its tail.
Hyundai did not feel compelled to put blue or green eco markings on the car, or give it some odd styling tweaks to make it scream hybrid. Same dynamic profile, grille, nose, and taillights that ooze personality, a rarity among family sedans.
OK, OK, OK, I oohed and aahed so much over the gas-powered 2020 Hyundai Sonata you might ask, how could I be any more enthusiastic for the hybrid version?įirst, the Sonata Hybrid is still its same beautiful self as the gas-only model. New Sonata Hybrid with solar roof panels leads mileage parade …
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