2011 New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Those eagerly looking forward to our next hybrid family sedan comparison have to wait just a bit longer this Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we recently tested is a pre-production model. 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Side Click to view Gallery Acceleration is far from Final combined performance figures are 206 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. As you'd expect from a hybrid, the Atkinson-cycle variant from Hyundai's Theta II family has been optimized for maximum efficiency. Because the motor is synced directly to the transmission, a clutch latches to and unlatches from the gasoline-fed 2.4-liter inline-four with 166 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque on tap (also revised slightly from earlier in the year).

In its place is the keystone of this hybrid's operation: an electric traction motor rated at 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. But the Sonata Hybrid's six-speed automatic is missing one key ingredient: a torque converter. Hyundai's Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system earns its keep as a full parallel setup with an actual step-ratio automatic transmission, a departure from the continuously variable transmissions common in most hybrids. 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Rear Three Quarters Click to view Gallery Improved fuel economy obviously doesn't materialize out of thin air.

Vacationing families and business road warriors will enjoy blowing past all those gas pumps. Given the Sonata Hybrid's 17.2-gallon tank, you could theoretically roll more than 680 highway miles between fill-ups. Then there's range. Against the likes of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, the highway number is right at the top of the class. To start, Hyundai slightly revised its estimated fuel economy numbers for the Sonata Hybrid to 36/40 city/highway mpg down 1 city and up 1 highway.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011

Its full parallel hybrid configuration and breakthrough lithium polymer batteries offer a new take on traditional hybrid design, while its unique design sets it apart from the mid-size hybrid pack. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the new kid on the block, but it's not a follower, said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. Moreover, Hyundai went its own direction on technology by developing an original proprietary hybrid architecture to reduce weight and to improve highway fuel economy. While the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid does not look exactly like its conventional sibling more about that in a moment—Hyundai decided not to copy the unique aero look of the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The company is taking direct aim at the Toyota Camry Hybrid (33/34) and Ford Fusion Hybrid (41/36), the two most popular regular-looking mid-size hybrid sedans.

Hyundai expects the Sonata Hybrid to achieve 37 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. While we’re still lacking perhaps the most critical piece of information, it appears that Hyundai has produced a mainstream mid-size hybrid sedan that provides real competition for class-leading fuel economy. Apparently, Hyundai took its time, scrutinized the hybrid competition, and attempted to outdo it in every respect. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, expected to hit dealerships later this year, is the South Korean company’s first hybrid in the US market.