2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a sedan that offers comfortable interior and ride. The Sonata Hybrid is offered in two trim levels for 2016. Customers can choose either the SE trim level or the Limited trim.
The Sonata Hybrid SE base trim includes ample standard equipment, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition. Outside it offers 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and automatic headlights. Technology features on the SE trim include a six-speaker audio system with USB, Bluetooth connectivity, and Hyundai’s emergency communication.
The premium Limited trim offers additional safety features including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. Some of the comfort enhancements on the Limited trim include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and manual rear sunshades.
Customers can choose to add an optional Ultimate package to the Limited trim. The Ultimate package features a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, updated sound system, and adaptive cruise control. Other options that come with the Ultimate package include Android Audio, Apple Siri Eyes Free, and satellite radio.
Changes for 2016
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid has been completely redesigned for 2016. It was updated with a more sophisticated look outside and inside. The Hybrid also received a roomier interior, stiffer platform, and improved overall styling. Active air shutters, a redesigned tail, and special alloy wheels were added to the Sonata. The Hyundai Sonata’s hybrid powertrain and transmission were both upgraded for 2016. The improvement in the Sonata’s hybrid
drive system helps the Sonata to achieve better fuel economy than before.
The Hyundai Sonata offers a great drive. It drives really well, absorbing potholes and bumps excellently. Barely any movement is noticeable with the Sonata Hybrid. It offers one of the most comfortable rides in its class.
2) Very Good Safety Ratings
In crash tests sponsored by the government, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid earned the highest safety rating for overall crash protection. It also placed top in both side impact protection and frontal impact protection. The Sonata Hybrid offers great standard safety equipment, including a rearview camera, antilock brakes, and traction control. There are a number of optional safety features that improve safety even more. Some of these include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot detection.
3) Transmission Shifts Smoothly
The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and is overall pretty responsive. The transition from gasoline to electric power is virtually seamless. It delivers a natural, smooth driving experience.
4) Excellent Value for its Class
The base SE trim level Sonata is around $600 less than the base models of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Sonata SE includes more features at this price level, as well. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is a great value among hybrid midsize sedans.
5) Stylish Exterior
The Hyundai Sonata’s exterior was designed for this year. The Sonata Hybrid now features a more contemporary and confident look. The overall engineering and design is great with emphasis placed on aerodynamics. The Sonata Hybrid offers the lowest coefficient drag in its class thanks to the top-notch exterior design. The front and rear bumpers are designed in such a way to offer the Sonata Hybrid a sleeker look. The redesigned taillights and LED daytime running lights add a touch of luxury and style.
6) Quality Interior
The interior of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is excellently designed and offers a number of features that add to its comfort. The driver’s seat offers an optional 10-way power adjustment with lumbar controls. This provides the ultimate comfort for long trips. A 6-way adjustable power passenger seat is available, as well. Dual automatic temperature controls come standard and help ensure that the cabin is comfortable. A heated steering wheel and heated front and back seats add to the comfort and quality of the interior.
7) Roomy Cabin and Cargo Space
The Sonata Hybrid’s excellent overall design ensures ample space. The compact battery fits perfectly in the trunk, offering excellent cargo and passenger space for the midsize hybrid class. The trunk is flat and quite huge. The interior is designed just as innovatively as the trunk. It offers the most interior space in its class. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom.
8) Impressive List of Available Features
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers an impressive list of features that make for an easy, comfortable drive. Some of the features include adaptive cruise control and hold assist. The available panoramic power sunroof provides a great view of the sky above.
9) Straightforward Cabin Controls
The cabin controls are ergonomically designed so that all of the amenities are within easy and quick reach of both the driver and passenger.
10) Hydraulic Braking System
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was upgraded with a hydraulic braking system for 2016. As a result, the Sonata Hybrid maneuvers quickly and easily in stop-and-go traffic. This is a result of its new hydraulic braking system. In the past, braking on the Sonata would feel delayed. Now, the hydraulic setup maximizes braking and slows the car down quickly and easily.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Base gets an estimated 40 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid base gets 50 MPG in the city and 45 MPG on the highway.
2) Not Powerful
Although, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid is not exciting to drive. The power is less than adequate. The Sonata Hybrid is not for the power and speed enthusiast.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Compared to the Competition
The Hyundai Sonata offers a great value compared to the competition. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,000. In comparison, the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid starts at $29,305.
Hyundai offers a great warranty compared to the competition. The Sonata includes a 120 month, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Honda Accord only offers a 60 month, 60,000-mile warranty.
Conclusion
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is an excellent choice for customers looking for a hybrid family sedan.
The Sonata Hybrid SE base trim includes ample standard equipment, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and keyless ignition. Outside it offers 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and automatic headlights. Technology features on the SE trim include a six-speaker audio system with USB, Bluetooth connectivity, and Hyundai’s emergency communication.
The premium Limited trim offers additional safety features including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. Some of the comfort enhancements on the Limited trim include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and manual rear sunshades.
Customers can choose to add an optional Ultimate package to the Limited trim. The Ultimate package features a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, updated sound system, and adaptive cruise control. Other options that come with the Ultimate package include Android Audio, Apple Siri Eyes Free, and satellite radio.
Changes for 2016
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid has been completely redesigned for 2016. It was updated with a more sophisticated look outside and inside. The Hybrid also received a roomier interior, stiffer platform, and improved overall styling. Active air shutters, a redesigned tail, and special alloy wheels were added to the Sonata. The Hyundai Sonata’s hybrid powertrain and transmission were both upgraded for 2016. The improvement in the Sonata’s hybrid
drive system helps the Sonata to achieve better fuel economy than before.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – The Pros
1) Quiet, Comfortable RideThe Hyundai Sonata offers a great drive. It drives really well, absorbing potholes and bumps excellently. Barely any movement is noticeable with the Sonata Hybrid. It offers one of the most comfortable rides in its class.
2) Very Good Safety Ratings
In crash tests sponsored by the government, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid earned the highest safety rating for overall crash protection. It also placed top in both side impact protection and frontal impact protection. The Sonata Hybrid offers great standard safety equipment, including a rearview camera, antilock brakes, and traction control. There are a number of optional safety features that improve safety even more. Some of these include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot detection.
3) Transmission Shifts Smoothly
The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and is overall pretty responsive. The transition from gasoline to electric power is virtually seamless. It delivers a natural, smooth driving experience.
4) Excellent Value for its Class
The base SE trim level Sonata is around $600 less than the base models of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Sonata SE includes more features at this price level, as well. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid is a great value among hybrid midsize sedans.
5) Stylish Exterior
The Hyundai Sonata’s exterior was designed for this year. The Sonata Hybrid now features a more contemporary and confident look. The overall engineering and design is great with emphasis placed on aerodynamics. The Sonata Hybrid offers the lowest coefficient drag in its class thanks to the top-notch exterior design. The front and rear bumpers are designed in such a way to offer the Sonata Hybrid a sleeker look. The redesigned taillights and LED daytime running lights add a touch of luxury and style.
6) Quality Interior
The interior of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is excellently designed and offers a number of features that add to its comfort. The driver’s seat offers an optional 10-way power adjustment with lumbar controls. This provides the ultimate comfort for long trips. A 6-way adjustable power passenger seat is available, as well. Dual automatic temperature controls come standard and help ensure that the cabin is comfortable. A heated steering wheel and heated front and back seats add to the comfort and quality of the interior.
7) Roomy Cabin and Cargo Space
The Sonata Hybrid’s excellent overall design ensures ample space. The compact battery fits perfectly in the trunk, offering excellent cargo and passenger space for the midsize hybrid class. The trunk is flat and quite huge. The interior is designed just as innovatively as the trunk. It offers the most interior space in its class. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom.
8) Impressive List of Available Features
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers an impressive list of features that make for an easy, comfortable drive. Some of the features include adaptive cruise control and hold assist. The available panoramic power sunroof provides a great view of the sky above.
9) Straightforward Cabin Controls
The cabin controls are ergonomically designed so that all of the amenities are within easy and quick reach of both the driver and passenger.
10) Hydraulic Braking System
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was upgraded with a hydraulic braking system for 2016. As a result, the Sonata Hybrid maneuvers quickly and easily in stop-and-go traffic. This is a result of its new hydraulic braking system. In the past, braking on the Sonata would feel delayed. Now, the hydraulic setup maximizes braking and slows the car down quickly and easily.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – The Cons
1) Lower Fuel Economy than CompetitorsThe 2016 Hyundai Sonata Base gets an estimated 40 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid base gets 50 MPG in the city and 45 MPG on the highway.
2) Not Powerful
Although, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride, the 2016 Sonata Hybrid is not exciting to drive. The power is less than adequate. The Sonata Hybrid is not for the power and speed enthusiast.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Compared to the Competition
The Hyundai Sonata offers a great value compared to the competition. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,000. In comparison, the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid starts at $29,305.
Hyundai offers a great warranty compared to the competition. The Sonata includes a 120 month, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Honda Accord only offers a 60 month, 60,000-mile warranty.
Conclusion
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is an excellent choice for customers looking for a hybrid family sedan.
