2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid review: Going mainstream

The revised Sonata receives the Hybrid treatment for 38 MPG overall tested

2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

If Honda and Toyota’s latest hybrid sedans just aren’t doing it for you, Hyundai is ready to pick up the slack. Not only are they here for scraps these days, but they want a bite of the main pie while it’s still fresh. Their Sonata sedan was completely overhauled a half-decade ago, and it’s now received a midlife revamp throughout the range—including this Limited Hybrid model. Sitting at the top of the Sonata and Hyundai sedan lineup, the newfound class and style make for a compelling combination and an alternative for those seeking maximum efficiency on their commutes.

Picks

Excitement isn’t the right word to describe the character of the Sonata Hybrid—but that’s by design and intention. With its laid-back and calm driving demeanor, it fulfills its role as a commuter with aplomb, thanks to a controlled, comfortable ride paired with easy and predictable steering. It’s not a quick car, but it also thankfully never feels particularly slow nor gutless, and its cabin fosters a soothing environment for relaxation while you internally about the day's frustrations.

Speaking of which, while the car looks great on the outside with its updated front fascia, the real highlight is inside. This Limited trim delivers genuine luxury through its choice of materials and overall fit and finish. If this were 15 years ago, you’d think it was an E-Class Mercedes—but it’s not, it’s a Hyundai. That’s how far they’ve come recently. By moving the awkward button shifter to a column stalk, Hyundai has freed up space in the center console, and the long, wrapping screen is well-integrated instead of feeling like a tacked-on afterthought.

While the window sticker might suggest you’ll get nearly 50 MPG, my real-world experience lowered that expectation to 38 MPG. That may fall considerably short of the claim, but it’s still an excellent result—no doubt hindered by the abundance of freeway hills on my daily drives. For the record, that figure is right in line with recent Camry and Accord Hybrids, which helps make it impressive by equalling its direct rivals and hybrid heavy hitters.

The powertrain is easy to operate, with smooth modulation across all speeds—something older Hyundai hybrids struggled with. I’m happy to report this is now a very refined system, and transitions between electric and combustion power are all virtually seamless. There’s still a bit of graininess from the four-cylinder when you get on it and ask for power, but it’s controlled well enough to be acceptable among its peers.

Fully optioned, this Limited trim retails for $38,810. Now, that’s indeed a lot for a Hyundai on paper, but it’s several thousand less than what a top-end Camry XLE/XSE or Accord Touring hybrids will run you these days. Other small changes include the integration of truly wireless Apple CarPlay, something missing from previous Hyundai Group vehicles. And would you look at that? A power-opening and -closing trunk! That’s a nice luxury touch—not just for a sub-$40K car, but even a sub-$50K one.

Nicks

Like any new car, the latest Sonata isn’t without its drawbacks. For me personally—and this is a subjective gripe—even at my modest 5'10" height, I sit too tall in the driver’s seat. Even after lowering the driver's seat as much as possible, I’m left with only about an inch and a half, maybe two inches of headroom. In other words, if you’re six feet tall and above, you might very well literally not fit in this car—or at least feel uncomfortably tall in the cabin. That’s a disappointing oversight and a real issue for many around the world.

I also experienced problems with the proximity-sensing keyless door locks. Putting my hand on the handle often took several tries to unlock, and the same went for locking upon exit. This has actually been an annoyance on other Hyundais, too, and it’s now consistent enough to no longer be dismissed as a fluke.

Inside are now many digital touch buttons, which are easier to use than other brands luckily, but some of the layout choices are odd. For example, why is the heated steering button next to the passenger's seat warmer switch on the wrong side? As Chris Traeger would say, "That makes literally no sense."

Inside, there are now many digital touch buttons, which are thankfully easier to use than those in some other brands, but some layout and ergonomic choices remain just strange. For example, why is the heated steering wheel button next to the passenger’s seat warmer switch on the wrong side of the dash? As Chris Traeger would say, “That makes literally no sense.”

Even with the bona fide luxurious interior finish, one area needing improvement is wind noise. Cabin volume is just that little bit louder than competitors, thanks to a constantly rustling wind at highway speeds.

Unique meets the mainstream

If you’re under six feet tall, the Sonata Hybrid is a very nice place to be and drive daily. It’s big and practical for family and friends, and its updated style now makes it the most eye-catching sedan in its class. The recent refinements have made a good thing even better—even with the few kinks that should be considered (though most people will easily adapt). It’s not the car for everyone just yet, but there’s a growing number of buyers for whom the Sonata Hybrid is now a legitimate top pick above the typical Honda and Toyota.

2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Price as-tested: $38,810

Pros: Excellent looks and interior quality; Great mileage

Cons: The limited costs nearly $40K; High driver's seat

Basic specifications

Powertrain & Performance

• Engine: 2L inline-4 cylinder hybrid

• Combined Power Output: 192 horsepower

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

• 0–60 mph Time: About 8 seconds

Fuel Economy & Range

• EPA Rating: 44 mpg city / 51 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined

• Road Beat real world MPG: 38

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons

Dimensions & Weight

• Length: 193 inches

• Width: 73 inches

• Height: 57 inches

• Wheelbase: 112 inches

• Cargo Capacity: Approximately 16 cubic feet

• Curb Weight: Around 3,700 pounds

Features & Trim Highlights

• Trim Level: Limited Hybrid (top trim)

• Starting MSRP: Around $37,700

• Standard Features Include:

  • Leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats

  • Dual 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster + infotainment)

  • Bose 12-speaker premium audio system

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Blind-Spot View Monitor

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Power opening and closing trunk

  • Hyundai SmartSense safety suite including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assist, forward and rear collision avoidance

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  • Warranty & Assembly

  • Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

  • Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles

Warranty & Assembly

• Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

• Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles

  
  

Thank you for reading The Road Beat's 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid review. For more unfiltered and candid reviews of the latest new cars, please subscribe. All photos by mitchellweitzmanphoto.com.