2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid shows up late, makes up for it with better MPGs and lower price

By Davis Adams February 22, 2013

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid might have shown up fashionably late to the New Year, but it’s here with improvements over the previous model. The 2013 model looks to increase fuel economy with with a larger, lighter-weight battery pack, a higher-output electric motor and updated computer logic.

Paired with the upgraded generator and improved battery, the new drive control software allows the Sonata Hybrid to engage in electric-only drive mode more often and for extended periods of time. The updates result in a two-MPG increase for city and highway combined driving conditions over the 2012 model. Where last year’s Sonata Hybrid earned 34-city/39-hwy/36-combined miles per gallon, the 2013 model earns 36/40/38 respectively. Not only will you save at the pump, but the base price on this year’s model is $200 less than the 2012 Sonata Hybrid, too.

One complaint that frequently accompanies hybrid sedans is the lack of cargo space in the trunk area. While we won’t say that the Sonata Hybrid’s trunk is cavernous, the lighter battery pack does create more space in this year’s model. For 2013, the hybrid gains 1.6 cubic space, now at 12.1 over last year’s 10.7, allowing for an extra bag’s worth of grocery shopping between trips.

The Sonata Hybrid maintains its industry-exclusive lifetime warranty for the battery, offering added peace of mind for owners who want to commit for the long haul. It’s probably safe to assume that the same changes will affect the car’s sister model, the Kia Optima Hybrid, but that has yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned for more information.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Whether you're talking about gadgets or cars, Davis always seems to prefer "next year's models." He's a neophile to the core…

Cars

The 10 best car battery brands in 2024

How to test a car battery

You must know this, but your car needs a battery to run properly. A dead battery means a car won't start, but various electronics in the car won't work properly either, including overhead dome lights, the radio, and even some security features, like door locks or alerts. So, it's in your best interest to ensure your vehicle's battery is in tip-top shape at all times. It's especially important if your car or vehicle sits unused for long periods. A trickle charger can help keep the battery powered in those situations, or worst case, a portable jump starter can help you get it going. But eventually, you're going to need to replace your battery, and it will help to know the best car battery brands out there so you know precisely what to replace your old one with. Let's discuss.
AC Delco
In operation for more than a century, AC Delco has been recommended as "the only batteries" for GM vehicles. You'll find them at retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Amazon, and even some Walmarts. They're reliable, reasonably priced, and come with a good warranty, 18 months or above, depending on where you buy. A great AC Delco battery to call out is the Advantage series.

Bosch
Bosch is a solid mid-grade battery provider both in quality and price. They do have some affordable options, but their premium lines are still reasonably priced, with several tiers available for a wide variety of vehicles. The downside is that Bosch batteries are not carried by all retailers like some of the other options on our list, but you can find them online. You can also visit a Bosch service center if there's one near you. Callouts are the S4 to S6 series and the T4 to T6 series. We will say the brand's four-year free replacement warranty is unmatched.

Cars

Tesla’s fix for faulty Cybertruck pedal is simpler than you might think

Tesla Cybertruck

Less than five months after handing over the first Cybertrucks to customers, Tesla has had to recall the electric pickup to fix an issue with the accelerator.

In a notice issued on Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the recall impacts Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024. This suggests that all -- or almost all -- of the 3,878 Cybertrucks being recalled are those that have been manufactured to date.

Cars

Ford Mustang Mach-E 2024 vs. Mach-E 2023: What’s new in Ford’s electric Mustang?

Blue Ford Mustang Mach-E on a rooftop

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is easily one of the best EVs for the price, offering a solid range, sleek design, and pretty good tech on the inside. In recent years, it has gotten even cheaper -- thanks in large part to a price war between it and the Tesla Model 3. And, the company just took the wraps off of the latest and greatest version of the Mach-E, labeled as the 2024 model.

The 2024 Mustang Mach-E is notably different from the 2023 iteration in some meaningful ways. So much so that we decided to take a look at the two head-to-head -- to see if it was better to pay for the 2024 model or save some cash on any remaining 2023 stock.
Design
The Mustang Mach-E looks relatively unique -- in a good way. And thankfully, Ford has largely kept the overall design the same for the 2024 model, at least when it comes to the more consumer-focused models. The car retains the slatted taillights and crossover size. It also offers a large selection of colors, including the very blue Grabber Blue Metallic, as well as Rapid Red Metallic. It's a good selection of colors, and there should be an option for most buyers.