Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Plug-In Limited
Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 193-hp (Hybrid), 2.0-L 202-hp gas & electric (Plug-In)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive
EPA Ratings: Hybrid Limited: 39/City—43/Highway—41/Combined
Hybrid Limited Plug-In: 40 gas—99 electric & gas—27-mile range electric only
Base Price: $30,100 (Hybrid Ltd)/$38,600 (Plug-In Ltd)
As Tested: $31,050 (Hybrid Ltd)/$39,610 (Plug-In Ltd)
Performance:
Excellent fuel economy for both variants
We averaged 41.6 (hybrid) and 40.5 (plug-in) on similar long trips
City-only was better in the plug-in at 43.8 mpg
Our locale isn’t suited to electric-only driving
Regenerative power is a nice feature
Eco and Sport driving modes
Plug-In port located on left front fender; cable stored in trunk
Very smooth transition between gas and electric power modes
Comfortable highway ride
Strong acceleration
Excellent gauges and info regarding energy usage
Comfort:
Super stretch-out front legroom for driver and passenger
Excellent headroom
Three temp heated and cooled front seats
Heated, thick, contoured leather steering wheel
Driver power lumbar support
Large, sliding sun visors
Quality sound system
Upscale interior materials
Tall person backseat space even with front seats all back
Almost flat rear floor
Soft, wide rear armrest
Utility:
Large front door bins
Big rear door bins
Medium size console bin
Extra bin in front of shifter
Medium size locking glovebox
Two seatback pouches
Very efficient windshield wipers
Lighted door handles
Large, deep, wide trunk with flat floor on Hybrid
Split folding rear seats on Hybrid
Small, compromised trunk on Plug-In
No pass through or folding rear seats on Plug-In
Wow Factors:
Impressive luxury features
Great technology
Handsome styling
Highly informative gauges
Outstanding front legroom
Ample small item storage bins
Whines:
Compromised trunk space on Plug-In
Short all-electric range on Plug-In
Bottom Line:
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a great car with high quality technology, sharp styling, and a spacious, comfortable interior. The regular hybrid returns excellent fuel economy for $8,000 less than the plug-in variant. Unless short, daily, all-electric trips were common we’d opt for the regular Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. We much preferred the Hybrid to the Plug-In. The Hyundai Sonata offers an impressive array of luxury features and space at an attractive price.
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