2016 Sonata Hybrid continues to visually differentiate itself from other Sonata models with purposefully unique wheels and front and rear fascia that improve aerodynamics while highlighting Sonata Hybrid’s advanced technology and efficiency.
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid SE model estimated combined fuel economy of 42 mpg is a ten percent improvement over the previous model. Sonata Hybrid will be built at Hyundai’s Asan, South Korea assembly plant and will go on sale this summer.
Powertrain
The heart of the 2016 Sonata Hybrid is the downsized 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine coupled 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 (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor.
This innovative transmission has been upgraded significantly since its introduction with the original Sonata Hybrid and now uses an electric oil pump, which helps improve efficiency. It is possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain.
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 SE is expected to achieve an estimated 40 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg, which is more than a ten percent improvement from the 2015 model.
The lithium-polymer battery pack capacity is 1.62 kWh, a 13 percent improvement, and 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 best-in-class 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. Locating the battery pack beneath the trunk floor gives Sonata Hybrid best-in-class passenger volume at 106.1 cu. ft.
Design
The award-winning design of the latest Sonata is enhanced by a series of functional changes to the front and rear fascia for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid that highlight its efficiency and the advanced technology below the surface. These visual changes also lower the coefficient of drag to an exceptionally low 0.24; the lowest in its class and identical to the Tesla Model S.
Visual changes to the Hybrid’s exterior include a unique larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging and new eco-spoke alloy wheel designs. A distinctive instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch color LCD multi-purpose display provides Hybrid drivers with additional information about the hybrid system’s operation.
Sonata Hybrid offers 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 engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. No longer reserved for luxury cars, 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.
Sonata Hybrid’s advanced Blind Spot Detection system is designed to alert drivers of an approaching vehicle in the next lane if the turn signal is activated. This Lane Change Assist technology is a segment-exclusive active safety feature. Drivers are first alerted of a vehicle in the blind spot by warning lights in the side mirrors. When the turn signal is activated, the Lane Change Assist system determines the closing speed of any vehicle in the adjacent lane to determine if the lane change is safe. If the system determines the vehicle in the other lane is closing too quickly, it sounds an audible alarm to warn the driver that the lane change is unsafe. The Lane Departure Warning System uses a forward-facing camera to recognize lane markers. If the system detects the vehicle is headed outside the lane markers, a warning on the instrument cluster illuminates and an audible sound alerts the driver.
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) 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 Sonata driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool that helps Sonata drivers utilizes the active safety technology.
Convenient technology
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenient technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle in an incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan. Hyundai’s hands-free Smart Trunk is now available on the Hybrid as well as an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, a driver memory seat, rear window sunshades, heated steering wheel, LED interior lights, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control featuring full stop capability.
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 1-6. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song won’t be an annoyance any longer. Rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to the full song or catch up on a sports broadcast. SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times. 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 later this year.
Price
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $26,000
Specifications
| Hybrid | Hybrid Limited | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Type | 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with DCVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) | 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with DCVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) |
| Materials | Aluminum block and head | Aluminum block and head |
| Bore and Stroke | 81.0 mm x 97.0 mm | 81.0 mm x 97.0 mm |
| Displacement | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower (est.) | 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (est.) | 140 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 | 13.5:1 |
| Hybrid type | Parallel | Parallel |
| Electric Motor | ||
| Horsepower (est.) | 51 hp (38kW) @ 1,770-2,000 rpm | 51 hp (38kW) @ 1,770-2,000 rpm |
| Torque (est.) | 151 lb-ft @ 0-1,770 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 0-1,770 rpm |
| Motor type | Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Voltage | Max. 270V | Max. 270V |
| Hybrid System Performance Combined (engine + electric motor) | ||
| Net Horsepower | 193 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 193 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Battery | ||
| Type | Lithium polymer battery | Lithium polymer battery |
| Power output | 56kW | 56kW |
| Transmission | ||
| Six-speed electronic automatic without lock-up torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode | ||
| Gear Ratios | ||
| First | 4.639:1 | 4.639:1 |
| Second | 2.826:1 | 2.826:1 |
| Third | 1.841:1 | 1.841:1 |
| Fourth | 1.386:1 | 1.386:1 |
| Fifth | 1.000:1 | 1.000:1 |
| Sixth | 0.772:1 | 0.772:1 |
| Reverse | 3.385:1 | 3.385:1 |
| Final Drive | 3.320:1 | 3.320:1 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | MacPherson strut with High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers and 23 mm stabilizer bar | MacPherson strut with High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers and 23 mm stabilizer bar |
| Rear | Independent multi-link design with coil springs, High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers and 17 mm stabilizer bar | Independent multi-link design with coil springs, High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers and 17 mm stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Type | Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column mounted, Rack-and-Pinion, Power assisted, Engine-RPM-Sensing | Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column mounted, Rack-and-Pinion, Power assisted, Engine-RPM-Sensing |
| Overall Ratio | 14.3:1 | 14.3:1 |
| Turns, lock to lock | 2.78 | 2.78 |
| Turning circle (curb to curb) | 35.6 ft. | 35.6 ft. |
| Brakes/ Tires/ Wheels | ||
| Front | Power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc | Power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc |
| Rear | Power-assisted 11.2-in. ventilated disc | Power-assisted 11.2-in. ventilated disc |
| ABS | 4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | 4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) |
| Tires | P205/65R16 / Tire mending kit (in lieu of temporary spare tire) | P215/55R17 / Tire mending kit (in lieu of temporary spare tire) |
| Wheels | 16-in. x 6.5J Alloy | 17-in. x 6.5J Alloy |
| Exterior Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in. | 110.4 in. |
| Overall length | 191.1 in. | 191.1 in. |
| Overall width | 73.4 in. | 73.4 in. |
| Overall height | 57.9 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Coefficient of drag (Cd) | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Wheel tread, front/rear | 63.5 in. / 63.8 in. | 63.1 in. / 63.3 in. |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Head room | ||
| Front (with Panoramic Sunroof) | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear (with Panoramic Sunroof) | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Leg room | ||
| Front | 45.5 in. | 45.5 in. |
| Rear | 35.6 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Shoulder room | ||
| Front | 57.9 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Rear | 56.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Hip room | ||
| Front | 55.3 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| EPA passenger volume | 106.1 cu. ft. | 106.1 cu. ft. |
| EPA cargo volume | 13.3 cu. ft. | 13.3 cu. ft. |
| EPA total volume | 119.4 cu. ft. | 119.4 cu. ft. |
| Capacities | ||
| Fuel | 15.85 gallons | 15.85 gallons |
| Oil | 4.30 quarts | 4.30 quarts |
| Curb Weight | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,497 lbs | 3,560 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City | 40 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Highway | 44 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Combined | 42 mpg | 41 mpg |
Features
| Hybrid | Hybrid Limited | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Features | ||
| Body Construction: | | |
| High-tensile steel unibody | S | S |
| Engine | | |
| 2.0-liter GDI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder | S | S |
| Horsepower: 154 hp @ 6000 RPM | S | S |
| Torque: 140 lb.-ft. @ 5000 RPM | S | S |
| Electric Motor | | |
| Motor type | Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor | Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Horsepower output 51 HP @ 1,770-2,000 rpm | S | S |
| Torque output 151 lb-ft @ 0-1,770 rpm | S | S |
| Battery Type: | | |
| Lithium polymer (270V) | S | S |
| Battery power output 56 kW | S | S |
| Hybrid System Combined (engine + electric motor) | | |
| Horsepower output 193 HP @ 6,000 rpm | S | S |
| Steering: | | |
| Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column mounted, Rack-and-Pinion, Power assisted, Engine-RPM-Sensing | S | S |
| Suspension: | | |
| Front: MacPherson strut with High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers | S | S |
| Front stabilizer bar 23-mm | S | S |
| Rear: Independent multi-link design with coil springs, High Performance Damper (HPD) shock absorbers | S | S |
| Rear stabilizer bar 17-mm | S | S |
| Transmission/Drive System: | | |
| 6-speed electronic automatic with shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode | S | S |
| Engine clutch without lock-up torque converter | S | S |
| Exterior Features | ||
| Headlights, jeweled projector-lens | S | -- |
| Headlights, HID Xenon | -- | S |
| LED Daytime running lights (DRL) | S | S |
| Automatic Light Control | S | S |
| Automatic high beam assist | -- | O |
| Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | S | S |
| LED taillights | S | S |
| Folding outside mirrors, body-color, with turn signal indicators | S | S |
| Dual power outside mirrors, heated with timer | S | S |
| Driver spotter mirror | S | -- |
| Blind Spot Detection (BSD) System | -- | S |
| Front grille, Matte black design | S | S |
| Front grille, Bar design (Smart Cruise Control) | -- | O |
| Lower side chrome molding | S | S |
| Chrome window belt moldings | S | S |
| Door handles, chrome with welcome light | S | S |
| Rear bumper with parking sensor | -- | O |
| Bumpers, body-color | S | S |
| Solar control glass | S | S |
| Front windshield, 2-speed with variable intermittent, speed sensitive | S | S |
| Panoramic sunroof, power glass | -- | O |
| Glossy DLO surround and outside mirror housing | -- | O |
| Rear exhaust (hidden type) | S | S |
| Rear lip spoiler | S | S |
| Wheels & Tires | ||
| 16 x 6.5J Eco-spoke alloy wheels with P205/65R16 tires | S | -- |
| 17 x 6.5J Eco-spoke alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires | -- | S |
| Emergency tire mending kit (in lieu of temporary spare tire) | S | S |
| Seats | ||
| Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Seating surface, premium cloth | S | -- |
| Seating surface, leather (perforated design) | -- | S |
| Front seats with multi-adjustable bucket, active head restraints (height adjustable) and seatback pockets | S | S |
| 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support | -- | S |
| 6-way power passenger's seat with power lumbar support | -- | S |
| Integrated memory system (IMS) driver's seat and side mirrors | -- | S |
| Ventilated front seats | -- | S |
| Heated front seats, adjustable temperature control | -- | S |
| Rear center armrest with dual cup holders | S | S |
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seats | -- | S |
| Heated rear seats | -- | S |
| Fixed bench with ski pass through | S | -- |
| Interior Features | ||
| Roof trim, cloth | S | S |
| Metal grain appearance interior accents, beige and gray | S | -- |
| Woodgrain appearance interior accents, beige and gray | -- | S |
| 3D tech appearance accents, blue pearl | -- | O |
| Door sill scuff plates, plastic | S | -- |
| Door sill scuff plates, metalgrain | -- | S |
| Door trim, simulated leather inserts | S | S |
| Door trim, with accent stitching | -- | S |
| Door handles, chrome | S | S |
| Door armrest, integrated | S | S |
| Door pockets, small map with bottle holders | S | S |
| Instrument cluster hood stitching | S | S |
| Sunvisors with illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror | S | S |
| Shift knob, leather-wrapped | -- | S |
| Parking Brake, Foot brake | S | S |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | -- | O |
| Floor covering, full cut-pile carpeting | S | S |
| Trunk lid liner | S | S |
| Air conditioning | S | S |
| Heater | S | S |
| Floor console mounted rear seat vents | -- | S |
| Cabin air filter | S | S |
| Dual fully automatic climate control with outside temperature display | S | S |
| Rear window defroster, electronic with timer | S | S |
| iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks | S | S |
| Steering wheel, urethane | S | -- |
| Steering wheel, leather-wrapped | -- | S |
| Steering wheel, tilt and telescopic | S | S |
| Steering wheel, audio controls (volume up/down, mode, seek) | S | S |
| Steering wheel, Bluetooth phone controls and Cruise Control | S | S |
| Interior Illumination | ||
| Front map lights | S | S |
| Front LED map lights | -- | O |
| Central dome light with delay (door activated option) | S | S |
| Rear LED reading lights (door activated option) | -- | O |
| Glove compartment light, cargo area light | S | S |
| Illuminated ignition push-button start surround | S | S |
| I/P switch illumination (hazard) | S | S |
| Convenience Features | ||
| Cruise control, steering wheel mounted | S | S |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start, steering wheel-mounted | -- | O |
| Color trip computer (average fuel economy, average speed, range to empty, trip timer, trip distance) | S | S |
| Power windows with driver’s auto-down, auto-up with pinch protection; all window switches illuminated | S | S |
| Power windows with passenger's auto-down, auto-up with pinch protection; all window switches illuminated | -- | S |
| Rear side window sunshades, manual | -- | S |
| Power door locks | S | S |
| Proximity entry key with push button start | S | S |
| Remote keyless entry system with integrated fob, alarm/panic | S | S |
| Hands-free Smart Trunk opener | S | S |
| Front center console, fixed armrest storage box (dual tier) | S | S |
| Dual cup holders, front center console-mounted | S | S |
| Door panel bottle holders (4) | S | S |
| 12-volt outlet, center stack mounted (2), floor console mounted (1) | S | S |
| Assist grips (4) | S | S |
| Rear coat hanger (1) | S | S |
| Glove compartment, locking with damper | S | S |
| Inside rearview mirror, manual day/night | S | -- |
| Inside rearview mirror, electrochromic auto-dimming with HomeLink® and compass | -- | S |
| Remote releases, hood, trunk and fuel filler door | S | S |
| Rear backup camera | S | S |
| Blue Link Telematics | S | S |
| Safety & Security | ||
| Advanced airbags, driver and front passenger (2) | S | S |
| Occupant Classification System (OCS) | S | S |
| Driver's knee airbag | S | S |
| Driver and front passenger side-impact airbags (2) | S | S |
| Side air curtains, front and rear passengers (2) | S | S |
| 3-point outboard seatbelt | S | S |
| 3-point inboard seatbelts (rear) | S | S |
| Height adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors | S | S |
| Front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters | S | S |
| LATCH Lower Anchors (2 rear) and Upper Tether (3 rear) Anchors | S | S |
| Rear seat low-profile head restraints (rear, center, left) | S | S |
| Power window lock-out button | S | S |
| Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) | S | S |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist | S | S |
| Brake Assist System (BAS) | S | S |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | S | S |
| Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) | -- | O |
| Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) | -- | O |
| Energy-absorbing steering column | S | S |
| Front and rear crumple zones | S | S |
| 5-MPH bumpers | S | S |
| Hood buckling creases and safety stops | S | S |
| Body-side reinforcements | S | S |
| Shift interlock system | S | S |
| Steering wheel locks when vehicle is turned off | S | S |
| Emergency internal trunk release, bright yellow | S | S |
| Anti-theft system integrated with remote keyless entry system and panic alert | S | S |
| Immobilizer | S | S |
| Instrumentation | ||
| Electroluminescent gauge cluster | S | S |
| Meters/Gauges: Speedometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, odometer, trip odometer, eco guide gauge and clock | S | S |
| Advanced 4.2-inch LCD trip computer with Hybrid display | S | S |
| Indicators: PRND, cruise control, turn signal/hazard, high beam, ESC/TCS, and Drive Mode Select (Eco/Sport) | S | S |
| Warning lights: Oil pressure, battery charge, door ajar, airbag, seatbelt, low fuel, trunk lid open, brake, check engine, ABS and TPMS | S | S |
| Warning chimes: seatbelt, proximity key removed with vehicle ON | S | S |
| Adjustable illumination level | S | S |
| Audio System | ||
| 5-inch color touchscreen and AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers (2 front-door-mounted speakers, 2 tweeters and 2 rear speakers) with multicasting | S | S |
| 8-inch color touchscreen and AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with 9 Infinity® speakers (2 front-door-mounted speakers, 2 tweeters and 4 rear speakers with coaxial mounted tweeters, subwoofer and external Infinity® amplifier) with HD Radio Technology and rearview camera (400 watts) | -- | O |
| iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks | S | S |
| HD Radio Technology with multicasting | -- | O |
| Antenna, shark fin design with SiriusXM reception | S | S |
| Antenna, diversity (with navigation and premium audio) | -- | O |
| Optional Features | ||
| Ultimate Package includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, automatic high beam assist, rear parking assistance system, panoramic sunroof, glossy DLO surround, Smart Cruise Control, Electronic Parking Brake, LED interior lights, Infinity® premium audio system, 8-inch navigation system, HD Radio Technology, Hyundai Blue Link telematics (Gen 2), Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and SiriusXM(R) Travel Link (R) (complimentary trial). | -- | O |