The 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid adds flair to the lackluster styling that's traditional within the mid-size sedan segment. This spacious, elegantly designed sedan is well equipped and offered in two easy-to-configure trim levels.
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid arrives at dealerships mainly unchanged for the new sales year.
Consumers in search of an attractive and fuel-efficient hybrid should consider the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid as a serious contender. This attractive four-door receives its power via a 2.0-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with Hyundai's Blue Drive HEV system. With the engine and a 38-kW electric motor, total system horsepower comes out to 193. The power of the hybrid system is delivered to the front-wheel-drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is arguably the greatest consumer attribute with the Sonata Hybrid. According to EPA estimates, the base model achieves 40 miles per gallon city, 46 mpg highway, and 42 combined while the Limited gets 39/44/41 mpg (city/highway/combined).
The base Sonata Hybrid SE begins at $26,670 (all prices include a $920 destination charge). The SE rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and includes standard exterior features such as LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, a hands-free smart trunk, and heated exterior mirrors.
The interior features cloth seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-button start, power windows, and a proximity key entry. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen displays the rearview camera and powers a six-speaker audio system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. There are three exterior color options, two interior cloth choices, and no package options.
The range-topping Sonata Hybrid Limited is priced from $32,200. This trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a dynamic blending lighting system, and LED headlights. On the inside, the Limited adds leather seating, a six-way power passenger seat, an eight-way power driver seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, HD radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror infused with a three-year subscription to HomeLink, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio connectivity. There are also a few driver-assist safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
The Limited can be enhanced with the Ultimate Package ($3,200) that adds a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, an improved 8-inch color display, navigation, an Infinity audio system, a wireless charging pad, rear window sunshades, and a driver attention warning system.
The simplicity of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is attractive to many consumers – but it may be a deterrent to others. While each trim is well equipped with standard features, the Limited is the better value of the two in our opinion. Adding the Ultimate Package is also worth your while considering the amount of safety features and creature comforts it adds.
