NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai’s first hybrid model, introduced in 2011. With a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 37 miles per gallon (mpg), the Sonata Hybrid makes significant improvements over the conventional Sonata’s 26 mpg. The 2011 Sonata Hybrid is a mid-size sedan that features a full hybrid drivetrain, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
The Sonata Hybrid’s 37 mpg translates to a 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Sonata. This solid overall performance tops the reductions of the 33 mpg Toyota Camry Hybrid (21 percent) and is within range of the 39 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid (33 percent). The smog-forming emissions performance of the Sonata Hybrid is good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 8. However, all of the Sonata Hybrid’s major competitors—including the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Honda Civic Hybrid—score a 9 in this category. Therefore, the Sonata Hybrid’s overall Environmental Improvement Score is 6.8.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Hyundai is charging $5,400 for the hybrid system in the Sonata Hybrid. Although this premium provides a solid 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions that gives the Sonata Hybrid a “Good” Hybrid Value score, it is considerably more than the Ford Fusion Hybrid ($4,190) and Toyota Prius ($3,665), both of which offer greater reductions and higher fuel economy. Considering the Sonata Hybrid is still priced under the Fusion Hybrid, further reducing the hybridization costs of the Sonata Hybrid will make this good value even more attractive to consumers.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
Hyundai really comes in strong when it comes to minimizing forced features. While the Ford Fusion Hybrid comes with more than $3,000 worth of extras over the base-level model, the Sonata Hybrid does not have any extras. For this reason, the Sonata Hybrid merits a Forced Features score of “None.” Hyundai shows that it is possible to engineer hybrids that allow consumers to make the choice as to where they want to invest their money. The lack of forced features helps Hyundai price the Sonata Hybrid about $2,500 less than the Ford Fusion Hybrid while offering similar overall fuel economy.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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