News Source: topspeed.com

The Sonata  nameplate may be 29 years old as of 2014, but Hyundai’s midsize sedan  made little impact on the U.S. market until 2009, when the sixth-generation model was introduced. Developed over four years in a process that cost Hyundai  $372 million, the YF Sonata became the first of its kind to receive an assembly line on North American soil. It received a couple of brand-new Theta engines, as well as a hybrid drivetrain that returned 38 mpg combined. The non-hybrid Sonata received yet another makeover for the 2015 model year, which brought exterior and interior styling based on the all-new Genesis. Handsome to look at and more upscale on the inside, the new Genesis  was received with enthusiasm in the U.S. As the seventh-gen sedan arrived in dealerships for the 2015 model year, Hyundai revealed a brand-new Hybrid  model in South Korea that follows the styling of the non-hybrid models.

Set to hit U.S. showrooms for the 2016 model year, the redesigned Sonata Hybrid borrows its exterior and interior styling from its gasoline-exclusive sibling. Although the exterior gained unique features of its own, the Hybrid’s main feature lies underneath its body shell. Gone is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, replaced by a 2.0-liter unit, while a new automatic transmission came to improve both performance and fuel economy. Read on to find out what else is new on the 2016 Sonata Hybrid.

As expected, the Sonata Hybrid’s exterior design is nearly identical to the standard, gasoline-powered sedan’s. This means it benefits from the company’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, with more angular body lines, large hexagonal grille, and reshaped light units, making it the sportiest Sonata yet. In addition, the sedan is longer and wider than its predecessor.

But that’s not to say you won’t be able to spot a Hybrid model in a pack of conventional Sonatas. Hyundai made sure the greenest member of its midsize lineup can stand out in a crowd by adding a unique inner-grille pattern while extending the grille farther down into the apron. On the sides, the Sonata Hybrid showcases a distinctive chrome molding at the bottom of the doors and "blue drive" badges on the front fenders.

Noticeable differences are found around back as well. The taillights feature a revised cluster configuration, while the standard diffuser-like element has been replaced by a low-drag piece unique to the Hybrid model. The exhaust tip is concealed behind the bumper. Naturally, the trunk lid comes with "hybrid" lettering in additional to the mandatory "Sonata" badge.

Step inside and you’ll find the same cabin layout that debuted with the regular Sonata earlier in 2014. Changes are limited to the instrument cluster and the center stack display, which have been updated to include information about the vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain and the all-new Eco mode.

Other than that, expect to find each and every convenience and safety feature available with the standard Sonata. Convenience amenities include Smart  Key entry with Smart Trunk function, ventilated seats with four-way lumber support, a heated steering wheel, and Smart Cruise Control among many others. Moving over to safety features, the Sonata Hybrid is equipped with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and a knee airbag.

This is where the Sonata Hybrid is completely different when compared to its siblings. Instead of carrying a 2.4-liter, four-banger under the hood, this sedan is equipped with a smaller, 2.0-liter unit mated to a 38 kW electric motor. The gasoline mill churns 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, making it 4-percent more powerful and 5.5-percent torquier than its predecessor. Also, at 51 ponies and 151 pound-feet, the electric motor gains an 8.6-percent increase.

Total system output is not yet available, but look for it to hover in the 175- to 200-horsepower range. Hyundai has yet to post performance figures, but we expect the new Sonata Hybrid to sprint from naught to 60 mph in about eight seconds, a decent figure for hybrid midsize. Power travels to the wheels through a brand-new, six-speed automatic transmission. The unit houses a highly-efficient traction motor, a lighter torsion damper and a new clutch with fewer clutch discs for reduced drag.

Based on Korean fuel economy figures, the Sonata Hybrid promises to return up to 42.7 mpg combined, which is a hefty 4-mpg improvement over the previous model. However, we will have to wait for the EPA’s official rating for confirmation on that significant