2011 Hyundai Sonata Packing Power, Mileage

The four-cylinder engine powering Hyundai’s upcoming 2011 Sonata sedan will get an expected 35 mpg highway, the automaker announced. This bests any other midsize sedan on sale today; its closest competitor is the Ford Fusion, which in its S trim level can get 34 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. However, the Sonata will also pack 200 horsepower and 186 pounds-feet of torque, which will make it the most powerful four-cylinder in the class, as well.

The engine is the company’s first use of direct injection. The transmission that will gain the top mileage hasn’t been announced yet. The engine was designed in Michigan and will be built in Alabama. The 2011 Sonata goes on sale in the first half of 2010.