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

By Davis Adams Published 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.

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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.

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

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