I loved the Hyundai Sonata when I test drove it last year, so I was very excited to try out the new 2016 Hybrid on my recent trip to Arizona.
And — surprise! — I may have liked this one even better.
Before I give you the details, let me set the mood with a little, well, sonata. Go ahead and turn up the volume so you can enjoy some Mozart while you read. See, when I write about a Hybrid, I think it’s fitting to be high brow. And this specific car is aptly-named because the musical sonata is geared for one instrument — usually a keyboard. And the Hyundai Sonata is definitely a beautiful instrument with a key! (Although you don’t need the key to start the car or open it or really do anything. But, whatever. Just go with it.)
Anyway, one of the things that made me happiest about this Sonata was its GPS. I have complained about the navigation systems in many of the cars I’ve reviewed, so I was relieved to see how easy it was to program this one and how well it worked. The directions were clear and easy to follow, and it even continued to navigate me accurately through mall parking lots, direct to Anthropologie.
The car was also filled with safety features that are so good, they need to become standard in all cars: the blind spot detection system, rearview camera, and both lane departure and forward collision warnings.
The interior was roomy, with comfy leather seats and a great sound system. Speaking of which, the car itself was so quiet, I once accidentally turned it off because I was convinced I hadn’t turned it on yet.
What was most amazing, though, was that, when I returned the car, after driving back and forth to Scottsdale from Chandler and back and forth to the airport, I still had 500 miles worth of gas left. I can’t go 500 miles on a full tank of gas in my car! No wonder Green Car Journal named the 2016 Sonata Hybrid one of five finalists for the 2016 Green Car of the Year award!
Because this car was such a pleasure, I really wouldn’t have minded driving it all the way back to San Diego — which I could have done on what I had left in the tank.
I would totally recommend this car and am happy to sing its praises despite the fact that sonatas are meant simply to be played and not sung.
Hey, call me a rebel.
What a sweet ride! I hear great things about Hyundai’s!!
I agree! My parents have a Hyundai Sonata and they love it!
My father’s first brand new car was a Hyundai Sonata. They have come a long way in style and performance since then.
What a cool looking car. My friend drives a Hyundai and she says it’s really a good brand.
My best friend has one,too, and loves it.
Sweet ride. I am liking the new cars coming out now.
I know people love their Hyundai’s! I’ll have to check this out when we car shop in the Spring!
I’m really impressed with the safety features. The blind spot detection system, rearview camera, and collision warnings would definitely be welcome additions! I’ll be in the market for a new vehicle in the next 12-18 months and I might really think about the Hyundai Sonata, and maybe even a hybrid?!
I love this design, it’s so sleek! Looks like it offers quite of bells and whistles for a safe comfy ride!
HYBRID!!!! Yes! I also drive a hybrid, but it is an older one. Cool car. We have to be more conscious of what we are putting in the air!
I drive a Hyundai Santa Fe for all my kayaks and other toys — I love it! But with all the new bells and whistles that you describe in your post, maybe I need a NEWER one . . .
Kimberly XO
That is such a beautiful car. I love Hyundai, do wish they would not have done away with their Veracruze – I am holding onto mine until it will not go anymore – thankfully their cars last a long time!
Today’s dilemma: how to convince my husband I NEED a new Sonata Hybrid. Great review and, like you, I want an easy to use navigation system.
Cool. It is neat to see this written completely from the user’s point of view. Nice job. (P.S. I love me some Anthropologie too!)
This looks like a great car. We are a Hyundai family. We have 2 Hyundai Elantras.
Wow I’m loving the features and I love the fact that it’s quiet. This would be an awesome option for my next car.
What a great sounding car, love all the features and it looks so stylish! x
I drove the first Sonata and was very impressed. I’m glad to see that it’s only gotten better.
I have driven lots of green cars..electric and hybrid but not this one. Sounds like a great car!
That’s one pretty cool ride! We are finally looking for another vehicle, and I’ll keep this one in mind. My daughter’s had great success with their Hyundai’s throughout their college years.
It is a nice looking car. I will be in the market for a car soon too.
Looks like a beautiful car. Love it!
I’m a Hyundai girl (I drive an Elantra) so I already love this car. Now that I’ve seen all it has to offer, I will keep it on my radar when I’m ready for an upgrade.
What a nice looking car! I’d love to drive it!
I really like how this car is great on gas (I spend too much filling up my tank). I need to look into getting a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Yup, I’d love to cut down on the gas costs too. This would help!
It’s beautiful. And stylish. And I ‘m so glad the driving experience was superb. Hyundai makes a good driving machine!
The Hyundai Sonata looks like an amazing vehicle. I will have to take one for a test drive. I am looking to replace my car.
The sonata looks like a good car! I’d love it if my mini cooper was a hybrid 🙂
Sounds like a great car, especially if you want to drive something that will save you money and gas. I love the way it looks too.
We are in the market for a new vehicle next year – sounds like a win win for saving gas and being good to the environment. Nice look, too!
We test drove a Hyundai before buying our Honda. And I really did like it.
What a beautiful car. Hyundai’s sure have come such a long way since they first came out. It’s great to have so many choices.
We owned a Hyundai in the past and loved our Santa Fe. I think when I get rid of my mini van in the near future since the kids are getting older, I’m going back to a Hyundai but I’m looking at their SUV’s and no cars.
What a nice looking car. And I agree. Good navigation is a must!
What a luxurious and feature filled vehicle. It looks like a blast to drive.
We had a Hyundai as a rental car and I really liked it. Cannot wait to downsize to something like this.
That looks like a really good ride ! I’ve never been in by the maker, it looks great!
What a great looking car! My neighbor drives a Hyundai and she says it’s a really good car.
I would love to go the hybrid route! That looks like a super sweet ride!