Hyundai’s 2013 Sonata hybrid promises a good enough upgrade over its predecessor toting better miles to the gallon, a higher capacity battery as well as a lower price.
The Sonata hybrid this time round has a better Hybrid Starter Generator with a capacity of 10.5 kW, compared to last year’s 8.5 kW. Other improvements include a bumped-up Lithium Polymer battery capacity of 47 kW and an electric motor of 35 kW capacity, up from last year’s 34 kW and 30 kW capacities respectively.
This means that fuel economy is also improved, with 36 MPG against 34 MPG in the city, 40 MPG against 39 MPG with respect to the highway and an overall 38 MPG against 36 MPG, when this year’s model is compared to the 2012 version. Even better news is the fact that the price has been cut down by $200, while keeping its so-called “lifetime” warranty with respect to the battery.
When the 2013 Sonata is driven in its all-electric mode, it can go up to 75 MPH. The internal combustion engine features 159 hp at 6,000 rpm with torque 154 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. This means that in conjunction with the electric motor, the total hp is 206. Another notable improvement over the 2012 Sonata hybrid is improved aerodynamics due to its new unique design, enabling it to score 0.24 Cd in the aerodynamics test.
Pricing for the regular version of the 2013 Sonata hybrid, according to Hyundai, is $200 less than 2012’s model at $25,650 whereas the unique Sonata Hybrid Limited costs $30,550.
