More and more it seems that the adhesive which kept the cheap, inferior quality label attached to Hyundai vehicles is wearing off. So much so that I think the label needs to be discarded with a new label – one that reads, tremendous quality, attractive designs and value priced may in fact be more appropriate.
Hyundai has jumped light years ahead of where it was when they entered the North American market back in the mid 1980’s in terms of quality and appeal. The old argument against Hyundai and in favour of the more popular Japanese brands for example has become obsolete. One might even argue that Hyundai now offers just as much as say Toyota, Honda or Nissan does, but with a lower price tag.
The story of Hyundai’s continued growth and development can easily be followed by looking at the history of its flagship full sized sedan, the Sonata, which is the focus of this Enviro Dad Test Drive review. With the complete re-design in 2011, the Sonata is now in its sixth generation and with this re-design, Hyundai has also introduced a Hybrid model for the 1st time. I had a chance to spend a week in each of the Hybrid as well as their 2.0L Turbo versions which combined make up the content of this review.
AT FIRST GLANCE
Right up until the generation before this, Hyundai Sonata’s always had something of a rather pedestrian and bland design. That all changes though with the new 2011. With lines that are lower, steeped forward and aggressive, the new Sonata bears some resemblance to a Mercedes CLS or a Volkswagen CC.
The Hybrid received more exterior modifications to make it distinct from its non-hybrid siblings. A more aggressive front grill combined with Blue-drive accents and even some exterior paint colours only available on the hybrid make it perhaps even more distinctive and esthetically pleasing.
Inside both versions you will find plenty of room. So much so, that even though its exterior dimensions qualify it as a mid-sized vehicle, the large interior cabin had to be classified as full sized in the US by the E.P.A. While nothing screams luxury per se, it certainly is a far cry from where Sonata’s once stood.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
With an exciting new exterior and interior design, it would have been a major disappointment if the Sonata was a bore to drive. Fortunately though, this wasn’t the case. Each of the two versions I tested offered plenty of enjoyment but for different reasons.
While not a standard offering (2.4L 4 cyl is standard), the non-hybrid version I tested was the 2.0L 4 cylinder turbo. It offers a whopping 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, which is very impressive considering that it’s only a 4 cylinder engine. It basically mirrors the output of its cousin, the Kia Optima turbo, and just as it does with the Kia, the engine offers more than enough pep.
The Hybrid utilizes a parallel hybrid drive system that is different than the power split technology that is used by other manufacturers. Hybrid claims this Blue Drive system offers better efficiency at higher speeds. The 2.4L 4 cylinder engine is paired with a 30 KW electric motor that when combined offer 206 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque.
What I found great about driving the hybrid was its ability to run on EV mode at higher speeds than competitors like the Prius. Hyundai claims one can drive up to 100 km/h using only EV, but I never tried to go that high. What I didn’t enjoy was how rough the transitions felt at times from EV to hybrid to all engine. It almost felt as if it were a manual being driven by someone with little finesse on the clutch. The brakes also left a bit to be desired as well. Brakes on all hybrids have a unique feel to them given the regenerative function they play, but the Sonata’s felt odder than most.
THE GREEN FACTOR
Both versions of the Sonata that I tested offered impressive fuel efficiency, but each for different reasons.
The Hybrid naturally is designed to offer superior fuel efficiency and with a fuel consumption rating of 5.5 L/100km (City), 4.6 L/100km (Hwy) and 5.1 L/100km (Combined) it’s up to the task. The fuel ratings are especially impressive given the performance capabilities of the drive system.
While the 2.0 T is not as efficient as the standard 2.4 L engine, it offers relatively favourable ratings. At a rating of 9.2 L/100km (City), 5.8 L/100km (Hwy) and 7.7 L/100km (combined), it’s not in Hybrid territory, but when it brings you 274 hp, it’s not too shabby. The ratings are more impressive with highway driving so that’s something to keep in mind when considering this vehicle.
THE FAMILY FACTOR
As a mid to full sized sedan, the Sonata falls into a category very popular with families. As mentioned earlier, the re-design of the Sonata has created full sized interior space in the confines of a mid-sized physical design. I found both the front and rear seats to be spacious enough on each model.
Where the two versions of the Sonata I tested differ though is in regard to rear trunk space. Rear trunk space is compromised in the Hybrid given that the hybrid battery is placed behind the 2nd row of seats. With 304 Litres of cargo space in the Hybrid versus 464 Litres in the non-hybrid, the lost capacity can have an effect if lots of hockey bags or groceries are part of the weekly regime. It’s a “take the good with the bad” scenario since some will place an emphasis on eco over storage capacity, so ultimately it’s a personal choice.
If there is a silver light on the Sonata hybrid, it’s with the fact that Hyundai utilizes a new lithium polymer batter versus the much more common nickel metal hydride battery found with other hybrids. Lithium polymer batteries are smaller and lighter than nickel metal hydride so the reduction in cargo space is mitigated.
FOR THE TECHIES
Both versions of the Sonata offer an assortment of gadgets and gizmos for those who need or want it. Nothing is exceptionally unique amongst its competition and most of it is pretty common place nowadays, but I did find the premium stereo on my 2.0T to be quite nice.
The Hybrid offers a tutorial system that helps a driver to learn how to optimally drive a hybrid vehicle. Depending on which model of the Hybrid you buy, the tutorial will either be visible in the centre of the driving console or on a LCD screen affixed to the centre console itself. I kind of preferred the falling leaves tutorial that Ford uses on its Fusion Hybrid as well as on the Lincoln MK-Z Hybrid, but certainly any tutorial system that teaches optimum driving is a good thing.
SUMMARY
With the redesign of its flagship sedan, the sixth generation Hyundai Sonata has fully entrenched itself as a leading contender in what is a rather crowded vehicle category. With 2 standard engine offerings as well as a highly efficient hybrid, the designers and engineers at Hyundai have attempted to provide a suitable option for everyone.
A small complaint I have about the Sonata relates more to the overall product line up of recently designed models. There is a strong similarity in both interior and exterior design between the Sonata, the new Elantra and the new Accent. So much so that if you had the 3 side by side you’d think they were all siblings with a youngest, middle child and eldest. I suppose many would argue this as a plus, but to me I would argue that there should be a little more distinctiveness with each model in the line-up as opposed to more similarity.
That aside, if you are in the market and currently considering vehicles like the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry or Prius, Buick Regal, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima or others, you would be well advised to give the Hyundai Sonata serious consideration. With exceptional quality, attractive styling and advantageous pricing it would be rather unwise not to.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10)
SONATA 2.0T
LOOK/DESIGN – 8.0
DRIVE – 8.5
THE GREEN FACTOR – 8.0
THE FAMILY FACTOR – 8.5
TECHIE STUFF – 8.0
VALUE – 8.5
(MSRP as Tested $34,199)
OVERALL SCORE – 8.5
SONATA HYBRID
LOOK/DESIGN – 8.5
DRIVE – 7.0
THE GREEN FACTOR – 9.0
THE FAMILY FACTOR – 7.5
TECHIE STUFF – 8.0
VALUE – 8.5
(MSRP as Tested $34,499)
OVERALL SCORE – 8.0
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