2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Debuts With Sleeker Design

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Hyundai has finally decided that its Sonata Hybrid doesn’t need dramatic styling differences from the standard gasoline model.

The current Sonata Hybrid boasts a much larger, bolder front end compared to its gasoline counterpart but the Korean automaker has decided to make its 2016 Sonata Hybrid carry over the same stylish, sleek design as the new 2015 Hyundai Sonata. According to Hyundai, the new Sonata Hybrid is the “result of 27 months of development” and will launch in major markets outside South Korea starting in the first half of next year. The company also announced that it anticipates selling a total of 55,000 total units worldwide next year.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Review – Video

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter direct injection gasoline engine mated to a 38-kW electric motor. The engine itself provides 154 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor is good for 37 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Korean automaker hasn’t announced combined system output figures yet and those numbers could change when the Sonata Hybrid arrives in the U.S. Compared to the first-generation Sonata Hybrid, the new model is longer, wider and taller with its wheelbase about 0.4 inches longer. It will be capable of up to 18 miles on electric-only travel with a top speed of 75 MPH.

GALLERY: 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Discuss this story at our Hyundai Sonata forum

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • Xajel Xajel on Jan 24, 2015

    What about Santa Fe Hybrid ? I heard Hyundai said once there might be a hybrid version of Santa Fe after the new design in 2013.

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