Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a Good Car? 6 Pros, 3 Cons

With a welcoming and spacious interior, absorbent ride, impressive fuel economy and a solid list of standard features, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is an appealing mid-size family sedan offering solid value in a competitive category. A mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year added to the appeal, bringing added tech, styling updates and more.

Related: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review: A Refreshing, Comfortable Cruiser

Sonata buyers can still choose from a gasoline-only or a hybrid powertrain, as is also the case for the competing Honda Accord; the Toyota Camry has gone fully hybrid as of 2025. All are good choices, but the Sonata stands out with the most comfortable ride of the bunch and its variety of powertrains and configurations, including the performance-focused N Line. Changes to the Sonata are minimal for 2025.

Cars.com Managing Editor Joe Bruzek got to know a new Sonata Hybrid in the top Limited trim, putting it to use in its native environment as a family workhorse. He found that the updates mostly add to the appeal of the Sonata, but with a couple of notable exceptions. Tap the link above for Bruzek’s expert review, or read on for a quicker look at six things we like about the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and three things we don’t.

What Do We Like About the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

1. Smooth Hybrid

The hybrid powertrain switches between gasoline and electric power so smoothly and effortlessly that you might not even notice you’re driving a hybrid. The easy transitions deliver an unexpectedly refined powertrain feel and help compensate for the lackluster response from the six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy matches the Camry Hybrid’s at an impressive EPA-rated 47 mpg combined, while the 2024 Accord Touring hybrid is rated at 44 mpg overall.

2. Room to Move

The Sonata’s interior dimensions are unchanged with the update, but it is surprisingly roomy inside with its sleek fastback profile. Six-footers should find adequate room behind the wheel, even if that means adjusting the seat cushion to a lower position. Backseat room is not as generous given the sloping roof, but it’s still adequate for adults. We had no issues with the installation of a forward-facing convertible seat or high-back booster seat, and cargo room is competitive for the class.

3. Good Visibility

While the driving position is lower than in an SUV, as it is in any sedan, visibility is good thanks to a large glass area. Lots of electronic aids help with visibility, as well, including a blind spot camera system in addition to the more traditional blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

4. New Screens

Inside, the biggest change is a new dash dominated by a huge curved display encompassing a digital instrument panel in front of the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center. A basic 4.2-inch instrument display with limited options is standard, while other variants use a more configurable 12.3-inch screen that’s easy to use with sharp graphics. As a bonus, Hyundai gets extra points for including both a volume and tuning knob.

5. Wireless Connection

Another welcome tech upgrade is the addition of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility across the lineup, something that has been lacking in Hyundai’s other recent offerings with the upgraded touchscreen. Wireless device charging is also now standard on all but the base trim, where it is optional.

6. Comfortable Cruiser

With its soft suspension and relatively small 17-inch wheels and tires, the Sonata Hybrid is set up for ride comfort more than sharp handling. Hyundai says the freshening also brought reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness, bringing additional improvements in ride quality and control. When it’s time to go the distance, the Sonata Hybrid has an impressive driving range of up to 600 miles, as well.

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What Do We Dislike About the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

1. Balky Transmission

The Sonata Hybrid’s otherwise smooth powertrain is let down by the six-speed automatic transmission, which tends to be slow and hesitant to respond to throttle inputs. That can add unnecessary drama to merging and passing, when even a slight hesitation can feel like an eternity. The hybrid-only Camry uses an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission with much quicker response.

2. Touch-Sensitive Controls

We’re disappointed to report that Hyundai has swapped out physical knobs and buttons in favor of touch-sensitive controls for some climate functions and the heated seats and steering wheel. We prefer conventional controls that provide tactile feedback and are easier to see and operate on the road. Thankfully, the Sonata retains physical dials for cabin temperature.   

3. Safety Shortcoming

While the Sonata Hybrid’s Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is nothing to sneeze at, it falls short of the agency’s Top Safety Pick+ designation awarded to 2024 versions of the Accord and Camry. The Sonata lost out due to earning the agency’s lowest score of poor in the updated moderate overlap frontal crash test.

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