Chicago 2018: 2018 Hyundai Sonata Becomes Hybrid-ified: Comments

[William Maley]

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Following a few months after the debut of the refreshed Sonata, Hyundai used the Chicago Auto Show to debut the 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid.

Like the gas counterpart, the hybrid models feature new front and rear end styling, revised wheel designs (16 and 17-inches), and LED headlights. The interior is mostly the same as the standard model aside from a different instrument cluster and additional screens pertaining to hybrid system for the infotainment system. Qi wireless charging for smartphones is available as an option. 

Under the hoods of the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid is a 2.0L direct-injected four-cylinder producing 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This is matched with an electric motor in the six-speed automatic transmission - 35kW for the hybrid and 50 kW for the plug-in. Total output stands at 193 horsepower for the hybrid and 202 hp for the plug-in. The Hybrid features a 1.76 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, while the Plug-In boasts a larger 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

Hyundai says the Sonata Hybrid SE is estimated to return 39 City/45 Highway/42 Combined and have a total range of more than 650 miles - about the length from Detroit to Chicago and back. The Plug-In has an estimated electric-only range of 27 miles and is able to be recharged in less than 3 hours when plugged into a level 2 charger.

The Sonata Hybrid arrives sometime in the first quarter and the Plug-In will follow in the second quarter.

Source: Hyundai
Press Release is on Page 2

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Hyundai Reveals 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Models at Chicago Auto Show

• Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models receive extensive exterior redesign
• New instrument panel center stack, steering and infotainment features
  wheel
• New available safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist
• Steering and suspension refined for improved ride and handling

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2018 – Hyundai today unveiled its redesigned 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models at the Chicago Auto Show, the largest in the U.S.

2018 Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Highlights

• New front/rear fascia design, grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid, headlights/taillights
• New 16-inch and 17-inch eco-spoke wheel designs
• New LED headlights with cornering Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) function
• New instrument panel center stack, steering wheel and available heated steering wheel
• New, stiffer front anti-roll bar and recalibrated steering assistance feel
• New, more rigid rear-trailing-arm design with retuned bushings for responsiveness
• Standard Blind-spot detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist
• Newly available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist
• New, upgraded audio/video navigation system with new Bird’s Eye View map perspective
• New HERE HD Traffic (Real-time Traffic Service – non-paid subscription)
• Qi wireless phone charging on navigation-equipped models
• New rear USB charging port
• New three-year complimentary Blue Link Connected Car, Remote and Guidance on Blue Link-equipped models (Guidance requires navigation)
• Repackaged standard and available content for outstanding customer value

The new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid feature a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, safety, suspension and new and improved infotainment and connectivity features. The 2018 Hybrid and Plug-in will be produced in Asan, Korea, with Hybrid availability in the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-in availability in the second quarter of 2018.

“Our new 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in models add appeal in every area, from exterior to interior design, handling, steering, ride comfort, safety and infotainment,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “When combined with Hyundai’s outstanding value and efficiency, the new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in are sure to attract even more eco-focused buyers.”

The new Sonata exterior design conveys a new appearance from every vantage point, including new wheel designs. On the inside, a new instrument panel center stack, steering wheel, available audio/video navigation system, wireless phone charging and rear USB charge port further enhance the interior experience.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN

The heart of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of a larger electric motor.

This innovative transmission uses an electric oil pump, which helps improve efficiency. It is possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain.

Sonata Hybrid’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Hybrid SE has preliminary internal estimates of 39 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined. The Sonata Hybrid’s total range is estimated at more than 650 miles under typical driving conditions.

The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is 1.76 kWh and the battery pack fits under the trunk floor, which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Sonata Hybrid offers 13.3 cu. ft. of cargo volume, thanks to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design. Locating the battery pack beneath the trunk floor helps improve cargo volume and total interior volume with 106.1 cu. ft., the most in its segment.

PLUG-IN HYBRID POWERTRAIN

Although the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is very technologically advanced, it drives similarly to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the additional benefit of extended all-electric range. A 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, gives the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 27 miles, and it can recharge in less than three hours with a level-two charger. It offers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a hybrid gasoline engine, perfect for long trips, with the additional benefit of environmentally-friendly all-electric range for commuting. As a result, many consumers will be able to complete their daily commute without using a single drop of fuel, and total estimated range is an impressive 590 miles.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED), a 50 kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used in Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed. A 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with the electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. The Sonata Plug-in Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

SAFETY FEATURES

2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in come standard with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display and a rearview camera are also standard. LED headlamps are optional and LED taillights and DRLs are standard.

Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies, such as Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard. Available advanced safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam Assist.

The Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in advanced Blind Spot Detection system is designed to alert drivers of an approaching vehicle in the next lane if the turn signal is activated. Drivers are first alerted of a vehicle in the blind spot by warning lights in the side mirrors. When the turn signal is activated, the Lane Change Assist system determines the closing speed of any vehicle in the adjacent lane to determine if the lane change is safe. If the system determines the vehicle in the other lane is closing too quickly, it sounds an audible alarm to warn the driver that the lane change is unsafe. The Lane Keep Assist uses a forward-facing camera to recognize lane markers. If the system detects the vehicle is headed outside the lane markers, a warning on the instrument cluster illuminates and an audible sound alerts the driver.

Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) is another standard feature that uses advanced technologies from the Blind Spot Detection system. RCTA scans the areas to each side of the Sonata when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. If the system detects another vehicle is approaching from the side, the Sonata driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool that helps Sonata drivers benefit from active safety technologies.

CONVENIENCE FEATURES

The Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenience technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle in an incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan. Hyundai’s Hands-free Smart Trunk is available as well as an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, an Integrated Memory System for driver’s seat and side mirrors, segment-exclusive rear window sunshades, ventilated front seats, power front seats with adjustable driver lumbar support and Smart Cruise Control featuring stop/start capability.

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY

Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in offer an eight-inch color touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone integration, iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs, SiriusXM® satellite radio and Bluetooth® phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition. Available upgrades include a nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and external Infinity® amplifier.

The available eight-inch navigation system offers a map and music split-screen display and the ability to record SiriusXM presets one to six. For 2018, this navigation system also adds Bird’s Eye View map perspective capability. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song won’t be an annoyance any longer; simply rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to the full song or catch up on sports broadcasts. SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times.

AERODYNAMICS

Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in use the same functional design cues to improve the drag coefficient to an industry-leading 0.24 Cd.

NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM

Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Blue Link-equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice navigation services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:

Widgets for easy access to remote features
Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped)
Access to Blue Link notification settings

More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.

MYHYUNDAI with BLUE LINK® APP

Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid remotely via the Blue Link smartphone app. With the app, owners can access real-time data from their Sonata Plug-in and perform specific commands like starting the engine and locking doors. Plus, users can search for points of interest using Google with voice or text and have the directions when they start their Sonata Plug-in.

For Sonata Plug-in owners who will charge at their residence, one of the most useful features of the app is the ability to manage their Plug-in charging schedule. Owners are given vehicle charging options that they can select while in the car, but users can also manage them remotely via their smartphone. Immediate charge is the simplest option, as charging begins as soon as the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is plugged-in.

A distinctive instrument cluster provides Sonata Plug-in Hybrid drivers with additional information about the vehicle’s functions. A charge indicator is located on top of the dashboard to make it easy to see the state of charge from outside the vehicle.

Individuals that have different electric rates at off-peak times may want to schedule the charge to reduce cost as well as reduce peak demand on the electricity grid. Users can do that with the new app based on time and date. For example, charging could be set to start at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on a weekly basis.

Connected Car Services:

• Remote Start with Climate Control and defroster
• Remote Lock/Unlock
• Vehicle Diagnostics/status
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Car Finder

Connected Plug-in Hybrid Charge Management Services:

• Start or stop charging
• Set-up charging schedule with days of the week and time
• Current battery level with real-time electric and fuel range
• Real-time fuel range
• Plug status (in/out)
• Charge status
• Time left until fully charged

SONATA PLUG-IN AVAILABILITY AND TAX CREDITS

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will be distributed in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont, but customers in any of the other states can custom order the vehicle at their local Hyundai dealer. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid buyers are currently eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit. These tax credits reduce the amount of federal tax the purchaser is liable for, making them much more valuable+ than tax deductions. In addition, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is eligible for HOV-lane access in certain states.

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[G. David Felt]

Cool that they have done these two types of cars, yet with that said I do have to wonder WTF hyundai, you had the VOLT as the Measuring stick to equal or beat and instead you go weak ass with a 27 mile range pure electric plug in hybrid. Pathetic.! 

[frogger]

I don't think Hyundai is trying to compete with the Volt with their midsize sedan. Look at Chevy's lack of effort on the Malibu Hybrid with its destroyed trunk..

 

 

 

 

[regfootball]

in 2016, the malibu hybrid effort was good but now they need to seriously downsize the battery pack.  honestly too, make the fricken malibu a plug in...... volt is toooooo smallllllllll

[daves87rs]

Liking the look of this one....think it should do well when they discount it a bit...

[frogger]

16 hours ago, regfootball said:

in 2016, the malibu hybrid effort was good but now they need to seriously downsize the battery pack.  honestly too, make the fricken malibu a plug in...... volt is toooooo smallllllllll

To me the trunk on the Malibu hybrid  is a 100% deal breaker.  Takes a family sedan and make it nearly useless for a family..

 

 

 

[regfootball]

I had the Malibu hybrid as a loaner a couple times. I was on the fence as to whether it was a deal breaker. The part of the trunk I use most was unaffected by the battery set up and it actually seems less intrusive in person. However losing the folding seat is a problem.

For me it's 2018/2019 the hybrid should be a plug is the bigger issue.  

Edited February 9, 2018 by regfootball

[frogger]

For me with a stroller coming along on most family outings at this point, we need the space.  We also have started back up the ski/snowboard outings.

Ideally our next vehicle will be a PHEV/EV AWD vehicle, but decent cargo comes before those requirements.

 

 

 

Edited February 9, 2018 by frogger

[regfootball]

Lots of those compact CUV's Like RAV4 etc to me don't seem like they will even have a stroller fit. 

[thedriver]

Hey look, its the new Buick Regal!

[frogger]

A double stroller or the big fancy Uppababy type ones take up too much room, but our smaller ones are ok for midsize cars and the larger compact CUV's.  It's likely that 18 months from now the stroller days will be over for us.

 

[regfootball]

It kills me why people blow huge coin on compact CUV's. We're totally minivan folks now (we've long since past the stroller stage). The only reason to get a CUv if space is a concern is the perception of space.  Price and gas mileage is very comparable.