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| 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Starting at about $26,000, the Sonata Hybrid costs less than the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Nissan Altima Hybrid.
The Sonata has a lower coefficient of drag than its competition, at 0.25 Cd versus the Camry Hybrids 0.27 Cd and the Fusion Hybrids 0.33 Cd.
Inside, all Sonata Hybrids get a digital readout between twin analog gauges that shows hybrid performance and trip computer information. Mileage is rated at 35/40 mpg city/highway, which outdoes the 2011 Camry Hybrids 31/35 mpg rating and bests the Fusion Hybrid in highway mileage; the Ford is rated 41/36 mpg.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 10.7 cubic feet of trunk space, while the base four-cylinder model has 16.4 cubic feet. The Sonata Hybrids six-speed automatic transmission is also a hybrid first. Hybrids typically use continuously variable automatic transmissions to maximize fuel efficiency. When the Sonata Hybrid isnt in that fuel-sipping mode, shifts are crisp and acceleration is strong. Before hybrid buyers scoff at these seemingly low figures, Ill say that these numbers should be considered the bottom of the Sonata Hybrids mileage spectrum.
That year’s Hyundai Sonata automatic managed fuel economy ratings of only 19/27 MPG from the EPA (2008+ system), well below the 21/31 achieved by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The 2011 Sonata does far better: 22/35. But the glory, of course, goes to hybrids, and so the Sonata will soon be available in hybrid form. Is Toyota’s hybrid leadership in danger?
By arriving late to the hybrid party, Hyundai had ample opportunity to learn from others’ failures. The Sonata Hybrid’s engine also receives one substantial modification. By declutching the engine, the Sonata Hybrid can (allegedly) cruise up to 62 MPH on electric power alone.
Partly as a result the Sonata Hybrid weighs only 3,457 pounds, over 200 less than the Camry and Fusion. Fuel economy. When the 274-horsepower Sonata 2.0T achieved the same. Drive the Sonata Hybrid aggressively, and suburban fuel economy falls below 20. A Ford Fusion Hybrid still managed 27 when subjected to my lead foot.
Taken by itself, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a very good, even excellent car. Pricing for the Hybrid hasn’t yet been announced.
