The current-generation Hyundai Sonata caused a commotion when it debuted in 2018. No other sedan looked like it and turned heads everywhere. The best part? This curvy four-door backs up its appearance with genuine substance, making it one of the best in its class. Of the four variants, the electrified version seems most compelling. Or is it? Let’s take a deep dive and check out what the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brings to the table.
2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Distinct Style and Quality
You’re not mistaking the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for anything else on the road. From its curvaceous shape, and the cool LED daytime running lights embedded into the chrome trim, no other mainstream sedan exudes such a powerful presence. Together with its massive grille, full-width LED taillights, and angular headlights, you get a car that stands out even in neutral colors. Key details distinguishing the hybrid variant include unique front and rear fascias, and aerodynamic 16- or 17-inch wheels.
Best of all, you don’t sacrifice space in the name of design. The Sonata Hybrid comfortably seats four average-sized adults and has a massive expandable trunk. You also get lots of nifty storage spaces for phones and small items. My only quibble is that the front seats don’t go down enough meaning tall people’s heads will touch the headliner. Otherwise, this sedan brings full-size space in a midsize package, making it a great choice for families not ready to commit to an SUV.
As with nearly every recent Hyundai product, the Sonata Hybrid’s build quality stands out. Excellent fit and finish combined with interesting and high-quality materials give the interior the ambiance of a luxury car. Nearly everything you touch feels expensive while the controls are satisfying to use. Together with generous sound insulation, you get a truly class-above experience, a cabin that’s easily the most luxurious in its segment.
Tech Leadership
Hyundai Motor Group’s three brands lead when it comes to democratizing the best technologies. That’s most evident in the Sonata Hybrid’s infotainment system, which remains one of the easiest to use. Quick responses, minimal submenus, and vivid graphics create a modern interface that minimizes the overall learning curve. The available 12-speaker Bose audio system offers a clear, immersive listening experience and plenty of customization.
Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance suite operates with a level of accuracy that puts it above the rest. It does a fantastic job keeping you centered and helping you navigate gentle turns on the highway or execute evasive maneuvers. Highway Driving Assist, Hyundai’s semi-autonomous system, seamlessly follows traffic even in gridlock and maintains your set distance. The feature even slows the vehicle down smoothly when someone cuts you off.
Efficient Cruiser
The Sonata Hybrid excels as a cruiser. Between the quiet cabin and comfortable ride, it effortlessly devours endless highway miles in this sedan. It also helps that it gets 17-inch wheels as the largest, allowing for the use of tires with generous sidewalls. That gives you additional cushioning from road imperfections and harsh impacts. Most importantly, you don’t sacrifice confidence in favor of comfort. The Sonata Hybrid possesses surefooted handling and good body control despite its narrow tires and comfort-oriented suspension. Good steering complements the car’s chassis thanks to its accuracy and weighting.
An efficient yet peppy powertrain complements the Sonata Hybrid’s cushy ride. It couples a 2.0-liter I-4 to an electric motor, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.5-kWh battery. With 192 hp combined, you get lots of power for all driving situations. The electric motor’s instant torque contributes to the car’s punchy acceleration. However, the gearbox always wants to go into the highest gear, causing it to hunt and take the engine out of its sweet spot.
The Sonata Hybrid redeems itself in brake pedal operation and efficiency. This possesses natural transitions from regenerative to mechanical braking. Additionally, the car’s efficiency impresses. EPA-rated at 45/51/47 mpg city/highway/combined for the SEL and Limited grades, or 50/54/52 mpg in the base Blue trim, the Sonata Hybrid sips fuel. During my week I breezed past both figures, averaging 56 mpg. That makes this sedan a proper 600-mile car, perfect for road warriors.
Limited trim models also get solar panels on the roof, which generate energy to run the climate controls and other components. This reduces the draw from the powertrain, enabling it to use all of its power to motivate the vehicle, improving overall efficiency.
2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Luxury Without the Price
To further democratize electrification and cutting-edge technologies, Hyundai continues to offer its vehicles at attractive prices. That also applies to the Sonata Hybrid, which starts at a reasonable $28,445 for the base Blue grade. This range-topping Limited test car checks in at $36,990, a steal considering the features, quality, and comfort you get. Add the incredible efficiency to the mix and you get a genuine class leader.
As sedans continue to wane in popularity, the competition gets fiercer between automakers that remain committed to the segment. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stands out as the best version of the popular midsize car. It takes a lot of good and wraps it in an upscale package without the requisite price tag. While the design may divide opinions, its efficiency, comfort, and appointments won’t.
