2016 Hyundai Sonata PHEV – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec

A Lavish Ride on Low Fuel Costs

It just makes sense. Use a battery and an electric motor for short daily driving routines and keep an engine for longer commutes. This is exactly what the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is all about.

The technology is not new however. Widen up your eyes will also reveal other flavors of PHEV’s available in the market including the Ford CMAX, Toyota Prius, and Chevorlet Volt. In regards to the Sonata, it does have an upper hand in the market with its well received rankings in the quality, styling and even reliability categories.

Subtle Styling

Hyundai’s design culture has more or less revolved around subtle design – and the Sonata is no exception. Thought here are custom design elements sprinkled throughout to help bring out its presence of commitment to zero emissions. Overall looks of the Sonata is mature with sharp lines engraved in the front grille, hood and side door panels as well. Front daytime running lights are standard, but HID headlamps are also available for upgrade for added front fascia jewelry.

Rock Solid Interior

Perhaps the best thing that you’ll remember about this car. The PHEV’s interior’s got all the upper tier amenities with leather seats, solid paneling and proper electronic fixings. Front seating is fairly generous; but rear legroom is a bit short in space, but still leaves a healthy amount for added passengers.

Quality is pretty much up there, but it really is the solidness and quietness that wins awards. This is made possible by low aerodynamics from its modified front grille and rear diffusers in addition to acoustic glass and sound dampening material layered throughout the interior. Driving comfort in this category does not disappoint.  Trunk space is diminished by fitting in the 9.8kWh battery pack for extended EV range however.

The Hybrid

Fitted underneath the hood is a standard but proven 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine working in parallel with a 50kW electric motor powered by a 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Total power nets in at 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This is by no means a thing of fast cars, and the numbness in acceleration during mid-speed really shows. But standstill acceleration is surprisingly capable with a 0-60 time of about 8.2 seconds – that was enough to make my tires squeal on my attempt off a straight line.

Charging the battery pack for 2.5 hours at a 240V charge station, or 5 hours from a standard 120V wall socket in your garage will buy you about 43 kilometers of pure EV range. That is typically more than enough for ones daily commute to and from work and a bit more. And this is exactly where the PHEV is best benefited. Once EV range is depleted, the powertrain will automatically kick in its hybrid system by orchestrating power from both the electric motor and combustion engine.

Driving Notes

In EV mode, acceleration is a brisk, but dies off quickly once speed is picked up. And do keep in mind that it’s only got 67 horsepower to spare from the electric motor alone. Though with a very limited amount of power behind the wheels in EV mode, it feels adequate enough to get up to city speeds, but highways entry and laneway merges require additional power assist from the combustion engine. There is a slight delay in waiting for the engine to fire up during the transitioning period from EV to hybrid, but it is tolerable and smooth.

Unfortunately, this is not a car you can throw around a corner easily. Handling is a bit sluggish and the added weight of the battery pack and electric motor is felt when throwing it around corners. Steering is well behaved and predictable, but won’t deliver a raw or enthusiastic driving sensation.

Fuel finances totally makes sense with the ability to travel in pure EV mode for 40km. Unfortunately, this costs a premium with a starting price of $44,000. Part of the hefty price tag stems from the fact that the PHEV is only available in the highest Ultimate trim.  This comes with all the high tech safety gadgetry including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear view camera and lane departure warning. system. More purchase option are available with the standard Sonata Hybrid available in the Ultimate, or Limited trim that’s priced in at $37,500 and $33,400 respectively.

It’s a pretty big money pill to swallow to enter in the PHEV technology, but its convenience and merits are easily realized with the ability to travel in pure EV mode on a daily commute. With just a bit of pre-trip planning of when to charge up, a significant amount can be saved up to reduce fuel costs. And this is enjoyed with a rock solid and quiet interior that will more than comfortably get you from A to B, and even C.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Hyundai Sonata
• Model : Hyundai Sonata PHEV Ultimate
• Vehicle Type : Mid-size Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Engine : 2.0 Atkinson Cycle V4 + 50kW Electric Motor and 9,8kWh battery pack
• Transmission :  6-Speed Automatic
• Price: $44,000

Pros

• Ability to run in pure EV mode for up to 43km.
• Subtle and modern styling inside out
• Excellent sound dampening
• Rock solid feel in cabin space

Cons

• Expensive as PHEV is only offered in the top Ultimate trim
• Trunk space compromised by battery pack
• Numb driving experience with not much fun to be had in either acceleration or handling.