Aside from its Santa Cruz trucklet concept, Hyundai also unveiled both the Sonata Hybrid and the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Power for the standard hybrid is provided by a downsized 2-liter Nu GDI four mated to a six-speed automatic with integrated 38 kW electric motor and clutch. The combination produces a net figure of 193 horsepower from the four’s 154 horses and the motor’s 51. Torque is 140 lb-ft for the four-cylinder, 151 lb-ft for the electric motor. Electric power is drawn from a 1.62 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack mounted under the trunk floor.
Meanwhile, the Sonata PHEV uses the same Nu GDI as the hybrid model, but has a 50 kW electric motor and a 9.9 kWh lithium polymer pack instead. Net output is 202 horsepower.
Fuel economy is expected to range from a combined 42 mpg for the hybrid, to 40 mpg with the PHEV, 93 MPGe in EV mode. Recharging for the latter takes between 2.5 to five hours depending on voltage used. Electric-only range is 22 miles before the gasoline engine takes over.
Both Sonatas have improved aero for both reduced drag and to distinguish themselves from the standard Sonata. Both also come in two colors — Graphite Blue Pearl and Seaport Mist — and offer two tones for cloth and leather, as well as a Blue Pearl leather option that includes matching stitching and trim.
Features shared by both vehicles include: driver’s knee airbag; electronic stability; forward collision warning; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration; and rearview camera. The PHEV adds a smartphone app for monitoring charging, as well as remote start and other real-time data.
The Sonata Hybrid is set to go on sale this summer, with the PHEV to follow in a handful of states later this year. Both models will arrive via container from Hyundai’s plant in Asan, South Korea.
We really like our ’13 Optima Hybrid, but hopefully Hyundai/Kia has improved the driveability of the ’16 model.
Agreed. We had a brand new 0 mile loaner (Sonata) for 6 weeks while the Ford monkeys played electrician on our POS Mountaineer and it was a very noisy unrefined ride.
A zero mile loaner? Now thats impressive.
I was far from impressed. At the time our vehicle was less than 3 months old and the wiring harness ended up being the culprit of many odd ball issues related to the AWD system. All of their service loaners were out so the manager gave the OK to set us up with a vehicle off the lot. It wasn’t our first choice, but at the time didn’t expect to have it as long as we did.
The only positive experience in owning our last 2 Fords has been the dealerships willingness to work with us through our problems. They’ve gone above and beyond their obligations and have given us a lot of freebies for all the troubles our vehicles have had.
May I ask which model your other Ford was?
You just did.
Having lived on the harbor of a sea port for many years I would assume that Seaport Mist is a dull dreary blotchy grey. Am I correct?
Wow that grill looks really really bad , well maybe not the whole grill but the H looks glued on and a last minute afterthought
It’s that dark backplate for the emblem – it interrupts the lines of the grille, and just looks “tacked on”.
If it were hiding a forward-looking radar antenna, it would be easy to rationalize, otherwise, looks dumb.
That’s exactly what’s behind the black plate, though.
I’m not a fan of the girills on either the Sonata or the Genesis.
They are ridiculously Gawdy.
As opposed to that reserved and tasteful “wannabe thug” look scrawled across every Chrysler?
Then you must really like Toyota/Lexus grills.