Even in the car's default Eco setting, at low speeds, the transition between first and second gear is really noticeable. This tech is also supposed to smooth out those shifts, but in action, I can't really say I notice a difference. The Hybrid gets Hyundai's new Active Shift Control technology, something the automaker claims makes the transmission's gear changes roughly 30% quicker.
There's a Custom drive mode, too, if that's your jam, but the Sonata Hybrid is set up pretty perfectly from the get-go. Instead, you're better off leaving the Sonata in its default Eco mode, or even toggling to the adaptive Smart setting, both of which offer a nice, easygoing balance. Throttle tip-in is a little too sensitive here, meaning the Sonata can jump off the line, and the quicker gear changes are harsh, especially at slow speeds. There's a Sport driving mode, which improves throttle response and makes the six-speed automatic transmission more eager to move through its gears, but I wouldn't recommend driving the Sonata Hybrid in this setting. This grille treatment looks much better than the one used on turbocharged Sonatas, and you still get the super-cool LED running lights that fade into chrome strips. The Honda Accord Hybrid has a slight edge over the Sonata as far as handling is concerned, but the Hyundai can more than hold its own. The chassis is taut enough to mitigate ungainly motions, and the steering is well-weighted and responsive, with an appropriate amount of feedback. Should you throw it into a corner, the Sonata Hybrid won't come unglued, either. Still, whether scooting around town or merging onto the highway, the Sonata Hybrid doesn't feel underpowered, and I think most buyers will get on just fine. Neither sedan is what I'd call quick, and compared to the Accord Hybrid (208 hp) and Camry Hybrid (212 hp), the Sonata Hybrid is the least-powerful of the bunch. Sonata, the Hybrid feels every bit as powerful as the gas-only version on the road. For comparison, a gas-only Sonata Limited makes 180 hp and 195 lb-ft from its 1.6-liter turbo I4 engine. Through the wizardry of illogical hybrid math (you can't just add the numbers together, remember), Hyundai says the Sonata Hybrid is good for a total system output of 192 hp. That's supplemented by a 56-kilowatt lithium-ion battery and electric motor, which adds 51 hp and 151 lb-ft to the party. The Sonata Hybrid is powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter Smartstream I4 engine, which on its own delivers 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. This isn't a plug-in hybrid, so there's no dedicated electric-only drive mode, but when you're only barely dipping into the power reserve, the electric motor has enough oomph to keep the Sonata moving. Once you're up to speed, the Sonata will largely cruise under electric power around town. Even when just tooling around running errands, I saw 51.3 mpg over the course of 25 miles of city driving.Īs always, your mileage may vary, but my drive suggests it's easy to eke out that kind of fuel economy, too the Sonata Hybrid is the sort of car that prefers - and rewards - a light touch. On a 100-mile highway loop around the greater Los Angeles area, with relatively light traffic (thanks, COVID-19) and the adaptive cruise control set at 72 mph, I saw an average of 54.6 mpg in the fully loaded Sonata Hybrid Limited pictured here. Opt for an SEL or Limited and those ratings drop to 45 city, 51 highway and 47 combined, which might actually be a bit conservative. The EPA says the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid should achieve 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway and 52 mpg combined in its most-efficient Blue trim level, which bests the hybrid versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
And hey, how does 54 miles per gallon sound?Ĭlass-leading fuel economy is the latest feather in the Sonata's cap. All of that goodness carries over to this new Sonata Hybrid, too. From its standout design to its super-comfy interior - not to mention its impressive roster of onboard tech - there's a lot to like about this midsize sedan. Hyundai knocked it out of the park with the new Sonata.
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