2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedan (925)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 5-passenger sedan. Kudos to this newest of serious car makers.

Bluelink – is a feature that includes things like Automatic collision notification and assistance, roadside assist, website monthly vehicle report, remote door lock and unlock, lights, and horn, remote vehicle start, website diagnostic trouble code notification, maintenance alert, recall advisor, and Advanced features on the NAV / guidance system.

Well, Bluelink is high tech and promises a lot with the ‘smart phone’ mobile app that give you direct access to selected remote features such as remote start and door unlock. Only time will tell if there is truly a peace of mind from all the self-diagnostic vehicle reports it provides.

Owner’s comments: “I like everything”; “there’s nothing not to like, great styling, handling, better performance than any hybrid and I’ve tried them all and the best warranty in the business, great car”; “… packed with technology, most advanced battery pack … not the slow sluggish CV configuration of the rest…”

Negatives: “passenger front seat is less comfortable than drivers, less padding, sits too low and it can’t be raised…”; “I have no complaints”;

Note: some said the transition in electric to gas shifting was harsh on the older versions, but did not appear to be the case with this 2012 model.

All things considered this appears to be the best yet. It proves that it need not be ugly to be a hybrid… not that the Prius is ugly but rather it is homely… know what I mean? This is simply a very pretty car.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 2%, Korea 90%. It is assembled in Asan, Korea, Classification is Large Car. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster & Veracruz.

Handling & Performance:

Perhaps the most transparent mix of gas and electric system I’ve tested. Quiet and smooth and it appears the hybrid electric and gas is getting pretty commonplace so there is a comfort for me that it is here to stay and prices are coming down, if this Sonata is any indication. And fuel economy is just getting better all the time. . . and from Korea yet.

Styling:

Wonderful look. I love the Blue Sky Metalic color combination – it is a cool and refreshing look and comments were made by several that agreed with my private thoughts as well.

Fit and Finish:

Pristine.

Cost:

Extremely well price.

Conveniences and comfort:

Very good for the price. This is untouchable from an overview point of view and all the research I’ve done in addition to testing the car for a week, it points to a lot of agreement with my conclusion this is a keeper.

Consumer Recommendation:

I’d jump on this if a sedan is what you are looking for. I think you’ll agree with my enthusiasm.

Recognized Competition:

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid $26,000, Kia Optima Hybrid $26,000, Ford Fusion Hybrid $29,000, Nissan Altima Hybrid $27,000, Chevrolet Volt $39,000, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid $35,000,Infiniti M Hybrid $54,000, Toyota Camry Hybrid $26,000, Toyota Prius V $27,000.

Good News:

Lots of good vibes.

Bad News:

Nothing I care to pick on.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 4-cylinder 166 hp engine, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with regenerative braking and brake force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control, front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, permanent magnet high power density motor, 270 volt lithium polymer battery and hybrid starter generator, 6-speed automatic transmission, 16” alloy wheels, LED accents and tail lights, cloth seats, power driver seat, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, dual temp control, audio with Sirius XM, MPC, CD with 6 speakers, iPod / USB and Auxiliary input, Bluetooth phone system.

Gas Stats:

$4.05/ Gal avg. June 3, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

35 City and 40 Highway MPG

Pricing: