2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Updated feature from the 2020 Sonata

Prices start at $23,700.00. $35,300.00 as tested (not including destination charge)

Is the Hyundai Sonata all new as of 2021?

No, 2020 brought a whole new generation of Sonata to market. A very elegant and, in my option, a very European design. The mid-size sedan competes at the top of its class for affordability vs. premium options found in luxury cars. New for 2021, 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat now comes standard.

HYUNDAI SONATA Trim levels

The Hyundai Sonata is offered in several trim levels:

SE
SEL
SEL Plus
Blue Hybrid
SEL Hybrid
N Line
Limited
Limited Hybrid (as tested)

This was my 2nd Sonata driving experience. The car is truly a pleasure to drive. It continuously changes from EV mode (electric vehicle) to combustion engine, providing a balance of two worlds working harmoniously for maximum efficiency. In my week driving the Sonata, I averaged 40 MPG, mostly city-driving. To put into perspective, I drove nearly 400 miles in 7 days and still had a quarter tank left over! My test vehicle was finished in Calypso red over gray (very light almost white).

What is the HYUNDAI SONATA warranty?

10 year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited
5 year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited
5 year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance
7 year/unlimited-mile Anti-perforation

What engine comes with the Hyundai Sonata?

2.5L Four-Cylinder

SE and SEL are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder with 181 lb.- ft. of torque producing 191 horsepower. It is mated to an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission.

1.6L Turbo Four-Cylinder

The SEL is a 1.6L Turbo four-cylinder with 195 lb.- ft torque producing 180 horsepower. It’s mated to an 8- Speed Automatic Transmission.

2.5L Four-Cylinder Turbo

The N Line is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder Turbo with 311 lb.- ft. of torque producing 290 horsepower. It is mated to an 8-Speed Wet Daul Clutch Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters.

Limited Hybrid

Blue, SEL, and Limited offer the Hybrid system. My test vehicle was powered by a 2.0L gasoline direct injection four-cylinder. The electric motor is a permanent magnet synchronous motor (39 kW), 270V Lithium-Ion polymer battery & hybrid starter generator. The combined hybrid system power is 192 horsepower. It mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Only the Limited provides the solar panel roof.

The 2.0L Hybrid was really the best of both worlds. Power was adiquite and fuel efficiancy was maximized, epecially having the solar power option that adds 2 miles of driving per day. That is nearly 700 miles a year!

What are the interior features of the HYUNDAI SONATA?

“Bang for the buck” should be the the Sonata’s slogan. A very elegant, sleek, and contemporary interior that can only be found in luxury imported cars. What first caught my eye in the Sonata Limited was the all-digital LCD 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which I did not expect. Once I was in and adjusted, the spacious cabin made it a very pleasant experience and I looked forward to the drive after gripping the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

A 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor was the second screen I could not ignore. Android Auto and Apple Carplay, BOSE sound system, leather seats, both heated and ventilated. In the evening the car looks stunning with all LED interior lighting and 64 color option ambient lighting. This car was beginning to feel like an executive luxury car. The more I drove it, the more features I would find. All of these features are standard with the Limited.

How does the HYUNDAI SONATA Hybrid Drive?

I have two perspectives to answer this question:

As a fairly tall, family man, Very spacious for myself and my precious passengers (5 and 2 years old with carseats). It satisfied all of our daily requirements, connected to my phone with ease, for work, pleasure and child entertainment. Multiple charging ports + the ever so practical wireless charing base. The car also provide me with a great deal of peace of mind from a safety perspective. Collision avoidance for both the front and rear, which I love when backing out of my daughter’s school. The greatest safety feature of all was the blind spot “mirrors”/camera that activates when you turn on the blinkers. The 12.3 inch LCD interment cluster transforms into your monitor for blind spots when switching lanes.

As a car enthusiast, driving the Sonata limited felt like the ultimate executives car. The attractive exterior and interior gave you all the sensations of driving luxury. The car handled, braked and accelerated nicely, quiet cabin, and full comfort. The solar panel on the roof makes you want to brag to all your friends.

Final thoughts

A whole week with the Sonata: From dropping off kids, running errands, off-site business meetings, to dinner with my wife – The Sonata Limited provided a view of features to analyze, from safety, technology, design, practicality and value. These collective elements give you a sense of sophistication and create a certain mind set. I try to envision myself as the owner of the car and as the owner, you feel like a smart consumer, accomplished and that you did the right thing. This car is a tool that provides the resources any modern person will need on a daily basis. It is accomplished with style and a budget. A entry level car with all the bells and whistles of an expensive luxury car for just over $35,000.