2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

　　

2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a stylish midsize sedan that serves as the brand's largest hybrid sedan. It's positioned above the smaller Elantra Hybrid and Ioniq Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid SUV doesn't cost much more and should also be considered, but it's naturally less fuel-efficient. Rivals include the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$74/mo  for Sonata Hybrid Blue

　　Sonata Hybrid Blue

　　Blue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $27,350 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $30,100 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) (Most Popular) - $35,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Sonata Hybrid comes with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 52 mpg combined driving in the base Blue trim and 47 mpg combined in the higher trims. For comparison, the non-hybrid Sonata with the base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 32 mpg combined.

　　Besides its good looks and efficient powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid comes with many standard advanced driver aids and lots of optional tech features, including one very unique feature: blind-spot view monitor (camera views of blind spots on each side of the car). The hybrid sedan also has a large cabin, comfortable ride and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Put it all together and you've got a pretty compelling pick for a hybrid. For even more analysis, check out our test team's Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Sonata Hybrid drive? The Sonata Hybrid is adequate from a performance perspective. Acceleration feels good off the line but tapers off once you're rolling. Essentially, it feels zippy around town but may take some planning to pass cars at freeway speeds. In zzdcar' testing, our Sonata Hybrid test car covered 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. That's about as quick as the Camry Hybrid but a little slower than the Honda Accord Hybrid.

　　Around turns, the Sonata Hybrid feels balanced and controlled. It's also easy to drive around town. The six-speed automatic transmission is quicker to downshift than the continuously variable transmissions in the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. In general, the Sonata Hybrid drives a lot like a regular car, which could be a high point for some buyers. The brakes also feel pretty natural without any of the hybrid weirdness that can stem from blending regenerative and regular braking processes.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sonata Hybrid? The Sonata Hybrid is a pretty comfortable car, but it isn't perfect. The front seats have a nice shape to them, but we found the padding a bit stiff, which can reduce your comfort on long trips. The outboard rear seats are nice and cushy, but the middle seat is stiff and uncomfortable.

　　Ride comfort is a high point and strikes a good balance between being compliant and controlled. The Sonata Hybrid's suspension absorbs impacts well without being overly floaty or soft when you take on curvy roads. The climate control system blows strong and cold at its max and is very effective at regulating cabin temperature in auto mode.

　　Surprisingly, road and wind noise is higher than average. It's not bothersome or loud, but you know that it's there. There's some engine noise at freeway speeds as well.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below