(December 24, 2011) Hyundai is pricing its 2012 Sonata hybrid at $26,610, including shipping charges, the company said. That's a modest $55 increase from the 2011 model.

Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system will come standard on the hybrid. It includes all of the safety, service and infotainment options besides navigation, which is extra.

Drivers can download the Blue Link app on their smartphones to lock and unlock the car and to control certain other functions. Blue Link includes voice activation.

The Sonata Hybrid models deliver a segment-leading 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, higher than any other mid-size sedan, hybrid or non-hybrid. In city driving, Sonata Hybrid delivers 35 mpg, yielding a 37 mpg combined city/highway rating from the EPA.

New for 2012 is a $1,500 Leather Package that includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass.

Hyundai's 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle engine remains the motivation for the hybrid, as does the six-speed automatic transmission. Power from the four-cylinder is rated at 166 horsepower, while the electric motor adds 40 horsepower for a total system output of 206.