2012 Hyundai SONATA Hybrid consumer reviews

The essential value of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is that it has the most leg, hip and shoulder room of any hybrid for sale in the US. Hence if one wants a large car that get good mileage, the Sonata hybrid is a great choice. After more than 7000 miles, I find the car fun to drive and I get complements on its looks. Before the snow hit in Northeast Ohio, this car was getting over 40mpg in mixed driving. The cold weather and snow have reduced the mileage to 37-39mpg. The drop is due to energy is needed for the heated seats, heater and there is an increase in rolling friction associated with packed snow compared to clean pavement. I find the electronic recognition and ignition system operates logically. I appreciate the easy entry and exit. The seating is comfortable and heating system will quickly make the car toasty. The trunk can hold alot even though it is compressed by the battery. There is a pass through into the trunk that proved handy for carrying a pair of skis inside the car. So far the car has hancled well on wet and dry pavement and on packed snow. My only complaint is that the upholstery gets water marks easily. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend/relative. The long warranty provides a sense of security. The Sonata hybrid is the best car I have ever owned!!

I bought my Sonata Hybrid two months ago and already have 15000 miles on it. The advertised 40 mpg highway is easy to attain, the car works hard to meet that goal, and my best tank has averaged 45mpg. The city mileage is harder to get up to 35 though, stop and go with a depleted battery will put you in the mid to high 20's. I am pleased with the exterior, and am grateful for the proximity key. The interior was put together nicely for a car of it's price. The only three complaints I have would be: 1-the gear shift lights are extremely bright and distracting, they cannot be dimmed. 2- the front seat could use a little more thigh/leg support. 3- the stock stereo is pretty bland (great for talk radio, terrible for any top 40). The battery pack in the car is great. With a full charge, you can get up to 45/50 without the gas engine. Also, at highway cruising, the car rotates from gas and charging the battery for approx 1.5 miles to battery power for the next .5 miles. I have driven a Prius before, and this car has a much more solid feel to it. Overall, I would buy this car again.

The new Sonata Hybrid has some styling elements not shared with gasoline engine versions. The trim on the Hybrid looks rather cheesy. It cheapens its looks of this otherwise good car. The front end has a large gaping "hole" that we find rather odd for a car so highly detailed. We first that grille work was missing. The '12 Sonata is our first Hybrid. Mileage is not has high as advertised by we have only had the car a week. The sleek body style is youthful, but it severely limits head room, especially for rear passengers. The sunroof decreases room and comfort even more, including up front. Some interior materials are thin and flimsy, an issue commented on by other Sonata owners we know. The Sonata Hybrid is expensive, but that is relative. If gas mileage improves, I think we will enjoy it even more. There are a lot of needless features that drive up prices. Many hybrid owners are frugal and use their fuel misers as a second car, as in our case. Are only major grip is an annoying tugging sensation, pulling the car to the right. After noticing it, Hyundai informed us that public service announcements will be sent out alerting owners of this problem. If not for this, we would more than likely recommend the Sonata to a friend, but the annoyances experienced are alarming for a $30,000.00 vehicle. Other grips include: significant tire hum, a rattling dash and choppy ride.