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2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A bit of old with your new, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has some of the latest hybrid tech – hello, lithium batteries! - paired with some of the oldest for a combination that just might unseat some solidly cemented rivals. With Ford's Fusion Hybrid impressing with sporty handling and class-leading fuel economy and Toyota's Prius sitting on more than a decade of experience, there wasn’t much pie left for the Sonata Hybrid to carve out a slice. Know Thyself is a bit of Delphinian wisdom that’s just as useful in the contemporary automotive industry as it was in ancient Greece. Hyundai knows this as well as any other manufacturer out there, and the strength of Hyundai has been in high quality at a low price – at least lately.
Most manufacturers have been stitching their hybrid lumps to a new-tech continuously variable transmission (CVT) – a costly and complicated piece of equipment. Hyundai decided to utilize its reliable old 6-speed automatic instead and needed to develop some of its own new tech in order to do so. Ditching the torque converter that would normally weigh down the electric motor in order to mate it to the CVT, here the gas and electric motor are attached via a clutch, while the transmission is attached directly to the electric motor. Hyundai claims a combined 209-hp rating, but only 41 of that comes from the electric motor. Still, it’s providing 151 lb-ft of the total 195 torque rating, and it’ll scoot the Sonata Hybrid around just fine.
Actually, the powertrain performance is one of the best parts of the Sonata Hybrid. Because it employs a more traditional 6-speed transmission, it doesn’t feel as alien as a hybrid equipped with a CVT, which can leave you feeling very unsatisfied as you wait in vain for the system to shift while it continually builds the rpm. You can even use the manual shift gate here if you really don’t care about your fuel economy.
Speaking of which, testers have been split in their ability to recreate the Sonata Hybrid's EPA-estimated 35/40 mpg rating. Some have reported upwards of 58 mpg, while others have been unable to come even close to the much-ballyhooed 40 mark. Regardless, with the 2011 Elantra hitting 40 mpg in highway use from a conventional gasoline engine, should we really be content with getting it from a hybrid?
But the Elantra doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and what good is praying in secret? Hyundai knows this, too, and has made some adjustments to the Sonata Hybrid so your neighbors will all know how eco-conscious you are. A new front fascia sports a wide, black opening and new headlights with some fancy light framing. The rear taillamps are LEDS and fitted in a redesigned rear fascia as well. The exhaust is hidden here, and new wheels show up as well. This isn’t all aesthetic, either, as the side skirts and underbody fairing prove. All of this, coupled with an “active air flap” system in the front grille, cuts the drag coefficient down to a Prius-tying 0.25 cD.
Some small changes take place inside as well, with perforations gracing the optional leather and an extra panel in the sunroof. HVAC controls have been upgraded as well and are much more intuitive with a triad design, and the tach is missing here, replaced with an LCD “eco display” that I’d gladly trade to get back a nice tachometer. More noticeable might be the loss of trunk space due to the batteries, down from 16.4 to 10.7 cubic feet. However, this is a welcome sacrifice, as the Sonata Hybrid is the first commercial vehicle to use a lithium-polymer battery bank, a more compact, lighter and more energy-dense setup than the NiMH units used in other hybrids.
But regardless of all this tech talk, the Sonata Hybrid acts much like its conventional gasoline-powered stablemates. Tight electric steering is weighted well and quick enough to make you consider abandoning your ecological tendencies and push it through the turns a bit harder. The suspension actually encourages this, soaking up all but the largest road imperfections easily and still remaining stiff enough to offer a slightly sporty experience.
Because of Hyundai’s approach to the Hybrid segment, the Sonata offers a smart blend of old and new that might be the least obtrusive entry into the class. By pushing the tech with lithium-polymer batteries and sticking with the familiar by using the traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, they’re easing the entry into a new arena for the consumer. With style that immediately announces your ecological intent and a price that doesn’t make the sacrifice too painful, the Sonata Hybrid stands a good chance of getting some of that eco-pie.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
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by nikhil p
Nov 13, 2022
This car is in good condition. It is good car as it’s hybrid.Nov 13, 2022
by Anonymous
May 10, 2014
Trunk space is bit less , braking is fine and you feel safe in the car. The car is fun to drive. The car's acceleration is not awesome but pretty good but that is what is expected out of an hybrid.May 10, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 25, 2014
I love the beautiful lines of the car, the panoramic sun roof, the color. Complete strangers come up to me in parking lots, even men and tell me how beautiful the car is, especially the color. The interior is spacious and really comfortable, even the back seats. The problems are with braking and acceleration from a stop. The braking is jerky and there is a grinding, squeaking sound when the weather is really damp or rainy. That goes away after a few minutes, but it shouldn't happen at all. The acceleration from a stop, especially after the car has been sitting for a while in the garage or in a parking lot, is jerky. i understand from other reviews that this is a common problem with the hybrid and has to do with the engine struggling to be in hybrid mode or in gas mode. Again, this problem goes away after a few minutes. The ride on freeway or highway is incredibly smooth - just luxurious. The fuel economy is not what Hyundai stated that it was when the car first came out. Hyundai has acknowledged this problem and even is reimbursing owners for gas costs differences from what was advertised.Jan 25, 2014
What users have asked
No power after installing wrong battery
I installed the wrong battery and now have no power/electrical. I purchased and installed the correct battery as well as a new 125 amp hv battery fuse and still no power. What needs to be done to get the car started?
16 views
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Push to Start--Will Not Do anything/start
The car will not start at all just blinks the below light on the dash even with the key fob plugged into the center console. I replaced both fob batteries and the car battery is testing good and fully charged. The lock and unlock doesn’t even work on the car door or from the fob, just a dead car, any suggestions?
186 views
2011 Hyundai Sonata won’t accelerate after gets to 2rpm
My car was driving fine . Stopped and washed it and left it running. Got back in and car started sputtering and acting as if it was going to die and would not go past 2 rpms . Took it to auto place to put on machine guy said it was a P 1326 but said that’s normally a code for a diesel car and mine is gas ... any ideas
26 views
Are the batteries in a 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid have to be purchased at the dealership?
My daughter's battery died, and they told her she could only have it replaced by the dealership. Is that true? People are also telling her she has to have her oil changed by the dealership because they are not certified to work on hybrids?
7195 views
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2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,795 to $30,795Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: 4 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.32
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 40 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 30 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 169 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 156 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4250
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 400 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.32
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 40 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 30 · Electric Motor Torque: 151 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 169 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 156 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4250
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse