Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jan. 15, 2015
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid on the floor of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show - Pricing TBA while offering owners a 39/44 mpgUS city/highway rating from a more advanced downsized power plant.
It was almost a month ago when Hyundai released information on its 2nd generation Sonata Hybrid within the all-new 7th generation platform out of Korea. Just over a week and a half ago Hyundai teased us with a small mention of the new hybrid and plug-in hybrid within their sales report. Not only is the new drivetrain more efficient, the Hybrid now has even more passenger and cargo volume, an even quieter interior, and an even more advanced infotainment system.
CleanMPGs first look: Hyundai Dec 2014 Sales Up 2.4% with 64,507 Vehicles Sold + 2016 Sonata Hybrid Preview
Now for a little more detail in the overview.
At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, Hyundai introduced its next generation Hybrid. Like the previous generation, the all-new Hybrid variant incorporates unique alloy wheels and front and rear fascia differentiating itself from the current all-new 2015 Sonata. And just like the current generation hybrid, the second generation will be built in Korea.
It is scheduled to go on sale early this summer.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Drivetrain
Engine - The 2016 Sonata Hybrid uses a downsized direct injected 154 hp and 140 lb. ft. of torque 2.0L from the current MPFI 2.4L. It is paired with a six-speed AT that houses a more powerful 38 kW/51 hp (35 kW before) electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Together the system provides 193 net hp compared to 199 hp@5,500 rpm offered in the 2015 model.
Transmission - Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same drivability characteristics Sonata owners have come to expect while improving fuel economy through the use of the larger electric motor and storage battery.
This transmission has been upgraded significantly over the original Sonata Hybrid and now uses an electric oil pump to improve efficiency. Just like the 2015 model, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid can run at speeds of 75 mph on electric power alone by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain. Remember however that high speed EV use is not nearly as efficient as you might think.
Traction Battery – The new Li-Po battery has a total capacity of 1.62 kWh, a 13 percent improvement over the 1.43 kWh capacity Li-Po pack used in the 2015 model. In addition, the new larger storage pack now fits under the trunk floor allowing an available 60/40 split-folding rear seat and an increased cargo volume of 13.3 cu. ft., 1.2 cu. ft. larger than the current Hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid just like its non-hybrid is rated at a best-in-class full size passenger volume of 106.1 cu. ft.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Design
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid has an unusually low Cd of just 0.24! Visual changes to the Hybrid’s exterior include a larger grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, front and rear lights, chrome side sill moldings, Hybrid badging and new wheels. A distinctive instrument cluster with color LCD multi-purpose display provides Hybrid drivers with additional information about the hybrid system’s operation.
Sonata Hybrid will offer 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.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Safety
2016 Sonata Hybrid includes front, side, side curtains and a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Traction Control (TCS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock brakes (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure display and a rearview camera all standard. Projector headlamps are standard while HID headlamps are available.
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is also available with the very latest advanced safety functionality including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Convenience
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is available with Hyundai’s new hands-free Smart Trunk, 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 that are higher positioned with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control featuring full stop capability.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Infotainment
All 2016 Sonata Hybrids will arrive with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM with the ability to record SiriusXM presets 1-6 (optional), HD radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition. Available upgrades include an 8.0 in. NAVI hi res display with map and music split screen display, downloadable apps, and Infinity premium audio system with next-generation Blue Link telematics.
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 allows drivers to perform a variety of functions without taking their eyes off the road. The big news is that Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto will be available within the Sonata Hybrid later this year.
It was just three years ago – Sept of 2011 – when we took a 34/39 mpgUS city/highway rated 2011 Optima Hybrid out on a 48-state drive and set a new Guinness World Record mark of 64.55 mpg. What do you think the much improved 2016 39/44 mpgUS rated Sonata Hybrid is worth in your own daily travels?
I thoroughly enjoyed the The $50 Hyundai Sonata ECO Challenge: Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Rockets! drive in challenging conditions and the hybrid incorporates an even more powerful and efficient hybrid drivetrain.
Plenty of room for 5 large adults.
With its full sized interior – larger than the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon – segment leading efficiency with only the Accord being rated higher, latest advanced safety functionality and the most modern infotainment, this could be another kick @$$ ride!
More on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid from the 2015 #NAIAS
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