Hyundai has revealed the new hybrid and plug-in
hybrid versions of the 2018 Sonata at the Chicago Auto Show. The two new
eco-friendly versions adopt the same redesigned bodywork with the regular 2018
Sonata, meaning fresh front and rear ends with new LED headlights, grille,
hood, front fenders, rear deck lid and taillights.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a
combination of a 154 hp 2.0-liter petrol engine with a 51 hp electric
motor. The combined power output remains the same 193 hp, with Hyundai expecting
fuel economy figures of 39mpg city/45mpg highway/42mpg combined. A six-speed
automatic transmission is the only option.
Hyundai claims that the new Sonata Hybrid is capable
of operating solely on electric power at speeds up to 75mph by decoupling the
petrol engine from the rest of the drivetrain. Total range on a full tank of
petrol is estimated at more than 650 miles.
As for the new Plug-In Hybrid Sonata, this packs a
bigger 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack (over the 1.76kWh battery of the
normal Hybrid model) which allows the Sonata PHEV to offer an EPA-estimated
all-electric range of up to 27 miles.
Hyundai claims the battery can be charged in less
than three hours with a level-two charger and estimates that many customers
will be able to complete their daily commutes without using “a single drop of
fuel”.
The petrol engine is the same 154 hp 2.0-liter
four-cylinder unit used in the regular Hybrid, only here it works together with
a more powerful 67 hp electric motor. Combined output is a solid 202 hp
while a six-speed automatic transmission remains the sole option.
Active safety technologies include everything from
Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert to Automatic Emergency
Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam Assist. An eight-inch
infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, iPod/USB
and auxiliary ports, SiriusXM and Bluetooth is what you get inside, with
Hyundai offering a nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system as an option.
The new 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will become
available in the first quarter of 2018, with the Plug-In Hybrid version to
follow in the second quarter of this year.
