Hyundai is known for its fuel efficiency and the value you get for the money you spend on one of their automobiles. A definite car to consider when looking at value for money and fuel economy is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The goal of this article is to provide a review on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan | Base Price: $25,795.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) | MPG: 35 city / 40 hwy |
| Length: 189.8 in. (482 cm) | Width: 72.2 in. (183 cm) |
| Height: 57.7 in. (146 cm) | Wheel Base: 110.0 in. (279 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3457 lbs (1568 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC w/ D-CVVT inline 4 cylinder | Displacement: 2359 cc |
| Horsepower: 166 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 154 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Electric Motor: 40(30kW) w/ 270 VLithium Polymer Battery |
| Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC® | 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds |
Performance
The Sonata Hybrid is pricier than its gasoline powered brothers. Average price is a little bit more than $26,000 which is more than $6,000 pricier than the gasoline powered model. However with this the consumer gets a hybrid engine that is a mix between an electric motor and a powerful four cylinder engine. This translates to 35 miles per liter on the city and 40 miles per liter on the highway.
Exterior & Interior
Hyundai calls the design “Fluid Sculpture” and is reminiscent of swoops or gusts of wind. This is complemented by a futuristic grille and headlights. Combined the exterior design is a beautiful sight to behold, much like a very slender and elegant Pegasus.
The interior is both roomy and elegant and comes standard with a six speaker stereo with Bluetooth cell phone integration. This and more have reviewers raving with statements like, “looks better than it class or is a class of its own.”
Safety & Reliability
The federal government has performed tests on the Sonata hybrid and it scored 5 out of five stars. This should comes a s no surprise since it comes standard with airbags, traction control and anti lock brakes as well as a sturdy chassis and shell.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid has a standard warranty of, five year/60,000-mile and a power train warranty of 10-year/100,000-mile. The power train warranty is probably one of the longest power train warranties of its class which is a good sign
In fact the Sonata Hybrid ranks 6 out of 19 in the affordable midsize class which means it is the top 6 of its class in reviews, test drives and comparison.
Pros
- Value for money for a midsized Hybrid
- Excellent fuel economy that cannot be beaten by pure gasoline engines
- Beautiful exterior coupled with a well appointed and roomy interior
- A 10 year power train warranty which is one of the longest power train warranties out in the market
Cons
- A sticker price of a little bit more than $26,000
- Could use a better type and material for the seats
The Competition
If the consumer is looking for a Hybrid then the Chevrolet Volt (MSRP $40,280; 95 city / 90 hwy) or the Toyota Prius (MSRP $22,120; 51 city / 48 hwy) are viable options and since they are lower in automobile class they will be cheaper and lighter which also translates to higher fuel economy.
Other viable contenders are also the Ford Fusion Hybrid (MSRP $28,600; 41 city / 36 hwy) and the Toyota Camry hybrid (MSRP $27,050; 31 city / 35 hwy) as well as the Nissan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $26,800; 33 city / 33 hwy). The Fusion may have better city mileage but take note that the Sonata is still considered by most reviewers as the best value for money in this category.
Overall Rating
80 out of 100
What others say:
“The Sonata Hybrid is not only Hyundai’s first U.S.-sold hybrid; it also includes all-new lithium-polymer battery technology, which has been co-developed with LG Chem.”Car Connection
“A full parallel hybrid system, Direct Hybrid Blue Drive allows the Sonata Hybrid to be driven in fully electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour.”MSN Auto
“Excellent fuel economy; comfortable and handsome cabin; smooth ride; lengthy warranty.”Edmunds
