By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 17, 2018) The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid comes in two flavors Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. Both use Hyundai’s 2.0-liter direct-injected gasoline engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both replace the transmission’s torque converter with an electric motor and clutch unit, and use an electric oil pump to improve efficiency. And both mount their lithium-ion battery under the trunk floor.

With 154 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.0-liter engine is decently, but not excitingly, powerful. On the Hybrid model, a “Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device”, replaces the torque converter with a 38 kW (51 hp) and clutch that can decouple the engine from the rest of the drivetrain, and let the Sonata cruise at speeds up to 75 mph on electric power alone. Net power for the hybrid system is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and preliminary fuel economy estimates suggest the Sonata Hybrid is capable of 30 city/45 highway/42 combined, with a range of up to 650 miles. Further, its 1.76 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located under the trunk floor where it doesn’t impinge on cargo space.

The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid uses much of the same tech, but replaces the 38 kW electric motor with a 50 kW version, and swaps the 1.76 kWh battery for a 9.8 kWh unit. The combination allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed. It gives a total system output of 202 hp at 6,000 rpm, the ability to drive up to 27 miles on electricity alone, and an estimated range of 590 miles. With use of a level-two charger, recharging time is said to be less than three hours.

Visually, the hybrid models receive new front and rear fascias, hood, front fenders, deck lid, headlights and taillights. The LED headlights also have a Dynamic Bending Light function that allows them to turn with the front wheels. These design details, including new more aerodynamic alloy wheels, mean the drag coefficient of the pair has been reduced to a surprisingly low 0.24.

Very little has been done mechanically, though Hyundai has made a number of small improvements to improve ride and handling. These include a stiffer front anti-roll bar, a recalibrated electric power steering unit, and a more rigid rear trailing arm with retuned bushings. Stung by past criticism of its products’ uninspiring dynamics, Hyundai continues to make small but significant changes to improve ride, handling and feel.

On the safety front, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard. Other available technologies include Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Automatic High Bean Assist. Hyundai is going to concentrate delivery of the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Buyers in the remaining states will have to custom order the plug-in model. No matter where you buy it, unlike the regular Sonata Hybrid, buyers of the plug-in model are eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit, and able to use HOV lanes in some localities.

The Virtual Driver