Any news on this front? With all the build up and hype surrounding The Leaf, Volt and even the approaching Prius plug in, seems Hyundai's apparent entry into the "mainstream" hybrid game is being forgotten before it is even seen. I like the styling on the new Sonata...it's a nice car. I was disapointed in the reported MPG's for the hybrid version. I think it was around 39-40 city and the same for highway. In anycase, I was looking forward to seeing this on the market. Might not be as industry shaking as The Leaf, or The Volt or eventually the PHEV Prius...but I think options and competition are a good thing.
There's also a wagon version coming out.... Hmm... Sonata Hybrid Wagon... first hybrid wagon? It's gone for an E-Class rear design in the sense that the rear window is curved (not sloped with a flat piece of glass nor upright... I hope that makes sense). That would be a pretty good vehicle... super fuel efficient and even more cargo carrying capacity than the Prius.
to the wagon or the hybrid wagon? The former I do have, the latter is something I'm dreaming of. Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Wagon - MotorAuthority Nicer, larger photo Spy Photos: Hyundai Sonata Wagon Note the "S" shaped LED daytime running lights.
I hope they bring it NA I would like to get 2 more years out of my truck then switch to a hybrid Van or wagon
I saw one of the sedans at a little show recently, which unfortunately I was also in so I had *no* time to really eyeball it before the person who'd brought it in had to leave. But it was quite the surprise to see that entry into the market. Reminded me fairly strongly of the Altima hybrid WRT size and overall shape -- largish feeling car, thus I'm not particularly interested and haven't tried to pursue finding out more about it. But it will be quite interesting to see how Hyundai does with this. . _H*
Based on what purchase criteria? Prius has major advantages with both MPG and cargo capacity, not to mention a well-established reputation. I see it as direct competition with Fusion-hybrid and the upcoming new Camry-hybrid instead. .
base on that a Hybrid wagon comes to NA More room much, nice interior, I would give up some mileage for a nicer interior
I'm going to just pose a question. Don't you think to a certain extent all Hybrids compete with all other Hybrids? Maybe not full size SUV hybrids...the few that do exist..but almost every other hybrid available right now. Yes there are class differences...Camry, Prius, Insight...but they aren't really so significant and there are so few real Hybrid options available...that I think anyone looking at Hybrids at least considers all of them at some point. I think as the market grows, and more and more options exist, then you could say...Hyundai Sonata is competing more directly with Camry Hybrid or Prius Hybrid....but for many right now, if you're interested in a Hybrid you at least look at all of them. Civic, Insight, Camry, Prius and Fusion.... I know when I was evaluating, I researched all of them...then narrowed down. But within the STILL relatively small audience of readily available small or midsize choices..I at least considered them all. Again I think this will change with a growing choice of EV's and alternatives. But for now...Hybrid in of itself is designation enough to conclude at least a passing competiton with everything within that designation.
I like the grille and front fascia of the Hybrid Sonata much better than the standard grille. This is one Hyundai that I would give a serious second look to...wish they would release a wagon version...I think that would push me over the edge.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a big failure, as are many vehicles in Hyundai's line-up. I know this because I just traded in a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe for a Prius V. The Santa Fe EPA mileage is rated at 22/26 but I could get no better than 13 average. I also had the stupidity to purchase the Sonata Hybrid for my daughter which is the worst hybrid out there. The mileage stinks (21 city/26 highway at best); the car stalls frequently without warning; the electric motor battery is infrequently engaged and uses the very powerful gas engine by default; the standard Sonata beats the hybrid in mileage. But the best part is Hyundai could not care less: Their answer to any complaint is: "our engineers are working on a fix, give us time." Call Hyundai Consumer Affairs and they are even more cynical and uncaring. Phew! I dumped the Santa Fe and am currently suing Hyundai under the Lemon Law in order to return the hybrid Sonata. I would not put much stock in anything Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Recall Issued, Company Fights Decision! Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Recall Issued, Company Fights Decision | AutoGuide.com News
Sorry to hear about your experiences. I could believe your Santa Fe mileage if you had short city drives, esp. in cold weather, like in Michigan. Cold weather kills mileage as does short trip, esp. in the city. FWIW, in the '10 Santa Fe 4 cylinder AWD, Consumer Reports got 15 city/24 highway, 20 mpg overall, 23 on a 150 mile trip. On their V6 they got 14 city/26 highway, 20 mpg overall, 23 on a 150 mile trip. On the Sonata Hybrid, they got 24 city/40 highway, 33 overall, 39 on a 150 mile trip. You might find http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...uth-about-epa-city-highway-mpg-estimates.html insightful. If your commute is like what you had on your Santa Fe, I wouldn't be surprised to see CR-type numbers on your Prius v (The most fuel-efficient cars).
