HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

HYUNDAI TAKES WIDE APPROACH

IN ELECTRIFYING ITS VEHICLE LINEUP 

While many automakers are going all-in on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and filling their fleets with electric-only products, Hyundai is taking a somewhat different approach.

Yes, the South Korean automaker offers award-winning EVs, but it also offers buyers an option of virtually tip-toeing into the world of electric power with plug-in and standard gas-electric hybrid versions of their more traditional nameplates.

The approach seems to be working. The company reported reported record-breaking sales in each of the last two years with models such as the Sonata hybrid (HEV) playing a key role. The first two months of 2025 have continued the trend.

The hybrid version of the Sonata kicked off the midsize sedan’s seventh generation with the 2011 model and a mid-cycle refreshing gave the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status.

For 2025, an SEL Sport trim replaces the SEL and a new SEL Sport HEV is added.

Driving the Hyundai Sonata is a 2.0-liter gas engine combined with an electric motor putting out 192 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Fuel efficiency numbers are an impressive 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

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The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille and larger air intakes, and a spoiler-shaped trunk lid with black trim are among features that give the exterior a sporty appearance that should help draw customers back to a segment that at one time seemed to be fading in popularity.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the Hyundai SonataHybrid Limited comes with a long line of standard features. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mentioned earlier, comfort and convenience features include proximity key entry and push-button start, Smart Parking assist, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, memory seat settings for the driver, Bose Premium sound with 12 speakers, dual automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Smart (adaptive) cruise control.  The large touchscreen provides a nice wide map for the included navigation system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor (activated by your turn signal), and a surround view monitor that provides a spectacular view of your entire vehicle and its surroundings.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rides on 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive is standard. If you want all-wheel propulsion, you’ll have to pick a model with the 2.5L gasoline engine.

Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Sonata starts at $32,445 (including freight charges for the Sonata HEV with SEL trim and $48,895 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. 

What I liked about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The updated design gives the Sonata a sportier exterior than the previous generations. The interior is comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech features. The surround view camera provides a wide look at rear cross traffic to help with backing out of parking spot. Fuel economy is excellent. Though it’s not a threat in a drag race, performance is satisfying for every day use. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT helps in that. Trunk space is a generous 16 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited? Sure would. You get the benefits of a boost from the electric motor and a generous range between fill-ups without the fuss of plugging it in.