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Hybrid Car Review: Hyundai Sonata

It’s only natural for people who buy new cars to want their cars to look good, even if it’s the first. However, with the rise of global warming, many people are also going beyond aesthetics and are looking for cars that leaves a small carbon footprint as well.

If this describes you, you’ll be pleased to hear that Sonata has brought to life every design element found in an exquisite sports coupe, plus innovative solutions to real-world concerns like technology and safety that seamlessly meld into the future.

Getting Acquainted with the Hyundai Sonata

Luckily for you, the team at Hyundai has addressed consumer concerns and real-world issues competently. The Hyundai Sonata 2023 Hybrid isn’t a concept car, but a car that is now being driven by many satisfied customers. Here are some of the reasons why many drivers are choosing the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid over others on the market:

Price

The price will always have something to do with what car you decide to purchase. The average price for a sedan in America is around $28,000. This is something to consider, but this is not the only reason people choose it. The Sonata 2023 offers its owner smart features that are presented in a comfortable, modern, clean environment with design elements that suit your personality. For those who prefer the luxury version of the 2032 Sonata, the starting price is $36,000.

Innovative Design and Features

With innovation after inventive innovation, the Sonata has gained a worldwide reputation as the greatest thing to happen to sedans, stunning the world with unique reimagining’s of everything. New fashions, technology, and safety come together to lead the way into the future.

Let’s look at just some of the incredible features the new Sonata Hybrid 2021 offers…

  • 192-hp gas/electric combined engine
  • Regenerative braking and better MPG by using energy for electric power
  • EPA-estimated MPG of 54 on the highway
  • High-capacity lithium-ion polymer battery system with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty
  • More front head and leg room than all its competitors
  • Hyundai Digital Key to unlock the doors and start the engine
  • Touchscreen access to your favorite mobile apps
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor video feed of the SONATA’s blind spots
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist for Smart Key access to drive into and out of a parking space
  • Hidden LED lights with chrome trim to create an imaginative appearance
  • Roof-mounted solar panels with an integrated charging system
  • Bluelink to lock, unlock, or start your Sonata Hybrid remotely, from wherever you are
  • Slick design elements such as a smooth hood, fastback rear design, and a hybrid-exclusive integrated spoiler

Gas/Electric Hybrid Engine

The Sonata is a 4-cylinder hybrid, which means the gasoline is not completely dependent on power. Electricity is also a component, and therefore the gasoline consumption is much lower. You also get to drive forty miles before having to refuel, provided you opened the engine on a highway. City driving, with its many pauses, is estimated to take off 5 miles from the destination. These figures are greater than the typical sedan figure by nearly 35 percent. Also, this vehicle can hold approximately 17 gallons of gas, which means you could get up to approximately 1,700 miles between fill-ups.

Safety

A vehicle needs to meet specific safety standards on the road before it is allowed, and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid exceeds those standards. Safety is quite important for this hybrid. Aside from standard features such as airbags and seat belts for all the passengers (including a three-point seat belts for the middle-seat passenger who is positioned in the back), it also comes equipped with Smartsense Technology.

Hyundai Smartsense Technology

Hyundai Smartsense Technology is a combination of advanced technological features created to enhance the overall functionality and safety performance of the Hyundai Hybrid. It includes:

Forward Collision-Avoidance – When the forward-facing camera and radar are detecting a vehicle or pedestrian, an automatic collision warning will be given. If you don’t apply emergency braking in time, the system will automatically apply it for you.

Lane Following Assistance – Using the front-view camera on the front windshield, the camera helps identify lane markers on the road, and the vehicle assists drivers in steering to help keep the vehicle centered in the lane.

Rear Occupant Alert – The instrument cluster advises you to check the rear seats before you exit the vehicle once the engine has been turned off.

Highway Driving Assist – When you have smart cruise control or lane-keeping assist engaged, your Hyundai assists you in staying centered in your lane and away from the vehicle ahead. It uses GPS and roadway data to determine your speed as well.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist – To help prevent crashes, the vehicle will reverse if sensors detect an approaching vehicle from the left or right. If a vehicle is approaching from the side, braking is applied, and the vehicle does not move until the approaching vehicle has passed.

High Beam Assist – If oncoming cars are detected, the system switches between high and low beams depending on how close the vehicles are.

Drivers Attention Warning – The vehicle employs GPS technology and learns your driving habits to identify inattentive driving and to prevent possible car accidents. It will make a noise and display a warning message to let you know if you are off track.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist – The Hyundai will automatically apply light breaking before you change lanes if it detects an obstruction in your blind spot.

Lane Keeping Assist – If you move out of your lane without signaling, the Hyundai will provide you audible and visual indicators, so you know to return to your lane. It will even apply corrective steering assistance, if necessary.

Smart Cruise-Control – It maintains a safe distance from the vehicles ahead by using radars, and you dictate how fast it travels. When you slow below 6 miles per hour, the car will automatically shut off but will restart if the vehicle in front resumes moving within 3 seconds.

Safe Exit Warning – When a vehicle is approaching from behind, the vehicle lets you know so you won’t walk onto the road.

So, Is the Hyundai Sonata a Smart Choice?

One thing is for sure, the dramatic switch away from expected design and routine is reflected in the coupe-like design of this car. The Sonata Hybrid offers a fuel efficiency rating of 54 MPG on the highway, as well as solar-paneled roof-top arrays that can recharge the car’s battery packs. This car also incorporates hidden LED lighting in the trim. Even if spaciousness provides enjoyment, more improved technology and more safety are like a bridge to the future.

Just keep in mind, if you lean one way with design, you’re bound to be missing out on other opportunities. For example, the Hyundai Sonata is lacking in torque and power. Sedans have roughly 30% less performance in these areas. Therefore, if you shop around, you should know what aspects are most important to you. For customers who don’t expect to tow large loads with their vehicle and who value price savings and safety, the Sonata is a good option. You may want to consider a stronger option if you plan to tow, such as a trailer or a speedboat.

Regardless of your choice, one thing is for sure; with its remarkable MPG and breathtakingly attractive design not commonly found in hybrids, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2023 certainly seems to outshine much of its competition on paper as well as on the road.

Header Image courtesy of Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by CHU licensed under CC BYND 4.0