Redesigned Sonata Hybrid: Leader of the pack – or not? - Phoenix Business Journal (blog)
Consider, though, that the Honda carries a base sticker of about 30 grand, while the Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,825 ($4,500 more than the traditional gas model). Fusion and Camry also cost a little more, while Kia Optima and Chevrolet Malibu are awaiting makeovers likely to make them more competitive. Price and fuel economy definitely make Hyundai Sonata a competitor. Outside of the powertrain, unique wheels and front and rear aero tweaks, the hybrid is much like the standard Sonata. Located under the trunk, the battery pack steals 3 cubes from cargo space, though it’s still fairly generous for a hybrid at 13. 3 cubic feet. As for power, I had no complaints with Sonata’s 2. 0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 38 kW electric motor, which combine for 193 horsepower. Safety features such as high-beam headlight assist, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic detection, lane-departure warning and blind-spot alert are available, albeit the latter seems rather sensitive. As with the all-gas Sonata, I like the controls that comes with the optional navigation system, the bright 8-inch screen with touch and traditional buttons rather than one of those skittish mouse-like gizmos. On a final note, a plug-in version of the Sonata Hybrid is due out this fall, with an added 9 horsepower on tap and an all-electric range of 24 miles, according to Hyundai. Source: www.bizjournals.com
