2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I know every carmaker on the planet, well, most of them at least, are investing millions or billions of dollars to develop hybrids. And they do return better fuel mileage, but at what cost? Take this Hyundai Sonata here. The hybrid model costs about $6,000 more than the base Sonata, and delivers—wait for it—about 6-mpg better fuel economy. OK, I know, this isn't an apples-to-apples comparison, because the hybrid has some extra features the base Sonata doesn't have. But still let's say it's in the middle at $3,000. Well, even at $4-per-gallon fuel, $3,000 buys a lot of it.
And then there is the driving aspect of the hybrid versus the “regular” car. This is where it really makes the difference, in that the driving experience of the hybrid is, for me, terrible compared to the gas-only Sonata. There's a ton of hesitancy in the throttle, not just from a dead stop but also just about anytime you want some power. Step on the throttle, wait while the electronics figure out what they are supposed to do, and then go. I nearly got hit in an intersection this morning while the car was thinking about what it wanted to do, which system it wanted to engage.
And then there are the brakes, and for regenerative brakes, they are OK. But that's the problem, they're just OK. There is that mushy feeling at first hit, and when you really need some more biting power, it's really not there. I drove this car significantly differently that I'd drive a standard car, especially in freeway traffic, where panic stops are somewhat common. You have to plan ahead.
The Sonata is a handsome car, well-designed inside and out. And I applaud Hyundai for its rapid rise to what is near the top of the class.
But after driving this, I know one thing for certain: A hybrid is not for me. Not for a 6-mpg gain and for taking several thousand more dollars out of my pocket. When I'm looking for a high-mileage car, I'm looking for a diesel.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The Sonata Hybrid actually gets 9 more mpgs than the base model, going with the combined figure of 28. That's still a 25 percent improvement, not too shabby in my eyes. Sure, it does hesitate off the line, deciding whether to use gas, electric or both. But if you really boot it, it goes.
The price of $32K seems a bit steep, but buyers could knock off the optional Ultimate package; that would bring the price down to $27,000 or so, which is competitive.
Sure, it's not nearly as fun as the turbo model and doesn't really look as good with the unique hybrid front end. But for a daily driver, most of which are purchased like ovens, it should do just fine.
The stop/start system works well and is relatively aggressive. Even at 75 mph on the freeway, if you let off the pedal, it slips into EV mode. When the engine does kick back in, it feels more like a gentle gearshift. It's easy to keep the battery at a high charge. Any sort of braking or coasting will move energy back into the battery, which is shown on the dashboard display. Like Roger says, the brakes suffer from the regen feeling—at first they're too light, and then they get very grippy once you pass the threshold.
All of the interior controls make sense and are easy to use. The iPod-connected radio has all of the functions you need displayed prominently on the touch screen, while heating is controlled by rotating knobs below.
The Sonata is a great package, but the hybrid would be a tough buy for me. The base model gets darn good fuel numbers without the sacrificing off-the-line speed, is cheaper and keeps the standard front end.
2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid
Base Price: $26,625
As-Tested Price: $32,260
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter I4 hybrid; FWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 166 hp @ 6,000 rpm (206 hp @ 6,000 rpm net system output), 154 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm (195 lb-ft net system output)
Curb Weight: 3,417 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 37/37.1 mpg
Options: Ultimate package including panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/55R17 tires, leather seating surfaces, heated front and rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, navigation system with touch-screen display, rear backup camera, Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier, HD radio technology with multicasting, SiriusXM NavTraffic with 90-day trial, SiriusXM NavWeather with 90-day trial, SiriusXM sports and stocks with 90-day trial, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink, premium doorsill plates, glossy black mirror surround and outside mirror housing ($5,500); carpeted floor mats ($100); iPod cable ($35)
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