2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$26,000 to $30,100

Original MSRP

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expert review

3.8

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Preview summaryImage

Hyundai has apparently seen the light, and its Sonata Hybrid is born again for 2016. This 5-passenger midsize gas/electric sedan, once an afterthought in this eco-minded niche, has been given the same refresh the Korean automaker put into the fully gas-powered Sonata lineup for the 2015 model year. Upgrades include a new front fascia, grille and headlight design; some brand new exterior colors and interior accent improvements; and a new instrument cluster, including a hybrid-dedicated trip computer with a 4.5-inch touchscreen. Additionally, Hyundai now includes its BlueLink apps as standard equipment in both the Base and Limited Sonata Hybrid trims, each of which returns from 2015.

Headlining the thoroughgoing changes for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, however, is a brand new powertrain that features a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine mated with a 38-kilowatt electric motor and a new 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. A state-of-the-art lithium polymer battery pack, again bolstered by regenerative braking, puts out 1.6 kilowatts per hour (kWh), a 13 percent increase over the 2015 iteration, and good enough, claims Hyundai, to power the upcoming version to 75 mph for short sprints using battery power alone. Look for a total of 193 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque from the upgraded drivetrain, with mileage estimated, again by the folks at Hyundai, to be 39 mpg city/44 highway/42 combined, which works out to a significant improvement over the current Sonata Hybrid's 36/40/38.

As for appearance and creature comforts, there’s no official word yet–this next-gen Sonata Hybrid won’t be going on sale till later this summer–but look for this finally classy 4-door to return with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the selected trim. Each 2016 trim, though, will doubtless host standard heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, and a rear-view camera.

Tech-wise, bolstering the new hybrid-oriented trip computer (which Hyundai calls a Hybrid Performance Display) and the newly standard BlueLink infotainment and smartphone apps are such returning niceties as Bluetooth connectivity and a CD player complemented by 6 speakers, satellite radio, HD Radio, and an auxiliary audio input.

The still-top-shelf 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited, furthermore, throws such extra standard perks as even more upgrades to the newly upgraded cabin accents as well as a power-adjustable driver’s seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror into the mix.

Currently, the sole option worth noting is the return of the Premium package to the 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited trim. This extra-cost bundle currently adds a glossy exterior finish, a panoramic power sunroof, GPS navigation, and a 9-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display to this flagship variant’s already hefty list of goodies.

Look for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid lineup to again boast such standard safety equipment as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags, along with LED running lights, front fog/driving lights, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. A remote antitheft alarm will also remain standard for 2016, along with BlueLink emergency telematics that include a programmable speed- and audio-governing system similar to Ford’s touted MyKey feature.

The next-gen Sonata Hybrid is also slated to debut such safety options as lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts, but so far, there's no word on such safety extras as blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the current Sonata Hybrid its best 5-star rating overall, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2015 Sonata Hybrid its highest Good rating in all tests except small-overlap front-offset, for which the current edition received a next-to-worst Marginal rating.

All in all, expect the new and improved Sonata Hybrid to finally mount a serious challenge against such traditional rivals as Ford’s nimble Fusion Hybrid and Honda’s uber-capable, not to mention admirably handsome, Accord Hybrid for the 2016 model year. Oh, and a spanking new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid sedan, covered as a separate model, also debuts for 2016.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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User rating:
by Alphonse L
Oct 25, 2024
50000 miles on a car and the check engine light is on Oct 25, 2024
by Rickey S
Dec 03, 2023
Compares well with Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry.Honda Accord.Lots of technology. Good screen.Dec 03, 2023
by Shane W
Apr 22, 2023
Check bsd system then shortly after it says check hybrid system and I kose all power. Have used all of my AAA tows taking back to the dealership for them to give flimsy answers like a cable was loose. 73,000 miles and I have a lawn ornament.Apr 22, 2023

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,000 to $30,100
Price range
$11,402 to $12,034
Average price on CG
$11,494
YoY price change
$11,513 to $11,494

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 104 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 50 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 38 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 140 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 104 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: 4 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver side mirror · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 50 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 38 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 140 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 104 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.32

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 50 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 38 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 140 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)