Preview: The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Up their Game

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Both the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In bring a host of innovations that may surprise the competition. The main surprise dwells in the numbers both vehicles produce. According to Hyundai’s numbers, both the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In compete or better the competition in (nearly) every way.

Here are the numbers.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

  • 2.0-liter, 154 horsepower four-cylinder engine makes 140 lbs-feet of torque
  • The batteries are lithium Ion Polymer
  • 38 kW, 51 hp electric motor
  • kWh capacity is 1.62
  • Net “hybrid” power is 193 hp
  • Gas mileage on the SE model – 40 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

One interesting thing that encapsulates the thinking in the heavily revised 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the trunk. Hyundai managed to take their batteries and place many under the back seat and under the trunk’s floor. This gives you a flat cargo floor, 13.4 cubic feet of cargo space, AND a 60/40 split rear folding seat. The simple utility of a properly folding rear seat is all but unknown in most hybrid sedans.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In:

  • 2.0-liter, 154 horsepower four-cylinder engine makes 140 lbs-feet of torque
  • The batteries are lithium Ion Polymer
  • 50 kW, 67 hp electric motor
  • kWh capacity is 9.8
  • Net “hybrid” power is 202hp
  • Maximum EV speed – 75 mph
  • Maximum EV range – 24 miles (estimated)
  • Gas mileage (charge sustaining) 40 mpg and 93 MPGe (Charge depleting) – these numbers are “internal” estimates

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In has a fairly large trunk for its class as well. Give that there are several more batteries needed, the bulkhead of the trunk is also used by the batteries. The result is a, still best-in-class, 9.9 cubic feet.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Driving impressions are under embargo until Tuesday, May 26th at 12:01 a.m., but I can say that Hyundai aimed at making these vehicles drive better than the old Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Prices have yet to be announced; however, Hyundai says the price will be around the same as the current hybrid. Obviously, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Plug-In will be pricier, but (I suspect), it will rival the competition.

Stay tuned for more!

Speaking of new Hyundai Sonata, have a look at this!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.