[Test Drive] 'Beyond Basic' Sonata Hybrid, Achieving Both Fuel Efficiency and Driving Performance

Maximum Output 152 Horsepower, Maximum Torque 19.2 kgf·m
Official Fuel Efficiency 20.1 km/l... Actual Fuel Efficiency Is Higher

2019 Sonata Hybrid (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] There is a car that strongly conveys the image of "doing the basics well" when you hear its name. It’s a model that has built trust over a long time by scoring above average in every aspect, even though it’s hard to point out any striking strengths. Hyundai Motor Company's Sonata is one such model. Therefore, the Sonata is a model you can expect to perform "above average" without necessarily trying to change.

However, early last year, Hyundai boldly transformed the 8th generation new Sonata and decided to face the market’s harsh evaluation. Then, with the hybrid model released in July, they added further changes and took on the challenge. To see what kind of evaluation the Sonata’s challenge deserves, we test-drove the hybrid model ourselves.

2019 Sonata Hybrid

First, the design is the area where Hyundai made the biggest change when introducing the new Sonata model. Because of this, opinions were sharply divided from the early stages of its release, and even now, more than a year later, both harsh criticism and praise coexist.

The Sonata’s exterior design can be summarized as a "harmony of sharp lines." Overall, it has sufficient three-dimensionality and volume, but the edges are sharply finished, emphasizing sportiness. The daytime running lights on the front are the first to apply the "hidden lighting lamp," which was later used on the Grandeur as well. When off, it appears as chrome material, but when lit, it transforms into lamps. The side emphasizes a sleek image through character lines, and the rear features slim horizontal rear lamps that convey a futuristic image.

2019 Sonata Hybrid Rear View (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

The hybrid model differentiates itself from the standard model by adding a cross-hole cascading grille and hybrid-exclusive alloy wheels. The body dimensions are 4900 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1445 mm in height. The wheelbase, which affects interior space, is 2840 mm, about 45 mm shorter than the new Grandeur released at the end of last year.

The interior, inspired by the slimness of stealth aircraft, stands out for its sleekness. It features built-in cameras, a cluster rear-side monitor, a 10.25-inch navigation system, and a full digital instrument cluster, making it truly "high-tech." The difference between the standard and hybrid models lies mainly in the content displayed on the instrument panel and display.

2019 Sonata Hybrid Interior (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

Once driving began, the Smartstream G2.0 GDi hybrid engine and hybrid-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission delivered a stable driving experience. It was quiet, and there was no dullness felt when accelerating. The world’s first adoption of active shift control technology, which controls the automatic transmission 500 times per second to assist quick shifting, seemed to play a part. The new Sonata produces a maximum output of 152 horsepower and a maximum torque of 19.2 kgf·m. Double-glazed windows are applied to the driver and passenger side, contributing to excellent quietness.

As a hybrid model, Hyundai paid particular attention to fuel efficiency. The official combined fuel efficiency is 20.1 km/L, the same as Kia’s new K5 in the same class. A notable feature is the solar panel installed on the car roof to extend driving range. Although variables like sunlight amount exist, Hyundai explains that it improves fuel efficiency by about 7%. In fact, the roof slightly protrudes inward, allowing you to visually confirm the solar panel installation. However, there are drawbacks. Aside from the inability to install a sunroof or glass roof, the headroom feels somewhat cramped after sitting down. Nevertheless, after alternating between city and highway driving, the actual fuel efficiency exceeded 24 km/L, showing a clear advantage in terms of fuel economy.

Sonata Hybrid Solar Roof System (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

The now-common advanced driver assistance systems are also well-equipped. Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, lane keeping assist, and front vehicle departure alert are standard. Additionally, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, which warns the driver and controls braking if a pedestrian or obstacle is detected during low-speed reversing while parking or exiting, is also installed.

The overall evaluation after test-driving the 8th generation Sonata hybrid model was that it is "a model too good to be judged as just doing the basics." The impression is that it is a model that aims to be more than just the basic representative mid-size sedan by further enhancing its strengths and repeatedly addressing its weaknesses.