By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai USA
For 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers a sophisticated design, revised transmission, a more powerful electric motor and larger lithium polymer battery pack for improve fuel economy.
Powertrain
The heart of the 2016 Sonata Hybrid is the downsized 2.0 liter Nu GDI four cylinder engine paired with a six speed automatic transmission that houses a more powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission Mounted Electrical Device delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor.
Sonata Hybrid’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Hybrid is expected to achieve up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg, which is more than a 10 percent improvement from the 2015 model.
The lithium-polymer battery pack capacity is 1.62 kWh the battery pack now fits under the trunk floor, which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split folding rear seats. 2016 Sonata Hybrid offers cargo volume at 13.3 cu. ft., a 10 percent improvement over the previous Sonata Hybrid, thanks to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design.
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Design
The design of the latest Sonata is enhanced by a series of functional changes to the front and rear fascias that highlight its efficiency and the advanced technology below the surface. Visual changes to the exterior include a unique larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging and new wheels. A distinctive instrument cluster with color LCD multipurpose display provides Hybrid drivers with additional information about the hybrid system’s operation.
Sonata Hybrid will offer two exclusive exterior paint options: Graphite Blue Pearl and Seaport Mist. Interior color choices include gray and beige in cloth or leather seating configurations and an all new Blue Pearl option for leather seats. Sonata Hybrids equipped with Blue Pearl leather seats will include contrast stitching and trim accent pieces.
Safety Features
2016 Sonata Hybrid comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display and a rearview camera are also standard. Projector headlamps are standard while HID headlamps are available.
Hyundai implemented many active safety technologies to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. Advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan.
Rear Cross traffic Alert is another feature derived from the 2016 Sonata Hybrid’s advanced Blind Spot Detection system. RCTA scans the areas to each side of the Sonata Hybrid when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. If the system detects another vehicle is approaching from the side, the driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool that helps drivers utilizes the active safety technology.
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Multimedia
All 2016 Sonata Hybrids come standard with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice recognition. Available upgrades include an 8.0 inch navigation system with downloadable apps, HD radio and Infinity premium audio system with next generation Blue Link telematics.
Hyundai’s 8.0 inch navigation system offers an enhanced display with improved touch sensitivity, a map and music split screen display and the ability to record SiriusXM presets 16. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song won’t be an annoyance any longer.
All 2016 Sonata Hybrids equipped with navigation will also support Pandora and SoundHound applications as well as Eyes Free Siri integration, which allow drivers to perform a variety of functions without taking their eyes off the road. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto will take smartphone integration to the next level on the Sonata Hybrid.
Summary
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenient technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle in an incredibly efficient midsize hybrid sedan. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $30,100.00, the one I drove included the Ultimate Package, Carpeted Floor Mats, First Aid Kit, All Weather Floor Mats, Wheel Locks, and it came in at $35,765.00 including inland freight and handling.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
