5 Reasons Why Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2016 is one of the Best in its Class [Review, Release Date, MPG, MSRP, Features]

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It looks like Hyundai is really serious about its intentions to produce more vehicles in the green category following the footsteps of the industry-leader Toyota, which sells the most number of hybrids globally. For the upcoming year, the Korean automaker came up with their second-generation Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2016. And, let's check out some of the reasons why the new Hyundai model is the best in its class.

Fully-redesigned interiors

"We aren't so much mourning the loss of the flamboyant, swoopy interior design—it aged quickly and was rather gimmicky, while this one's a model of functionality—yet the exuberance of the previous exterior's been replaced by a look that we can best describe as conservative, mature, and understated," wrote Car Connection about the redesigned Sonata interiors.

Some of the features include an available panoramic power sunroof, advanced navigation system which includes an interactive 8-inch touchscreen and voice-recognition, Sonata Hybrid technology 4.2-inch LCD color screen display, and an improved passenger and cargo volume, which Hyundai claims as the best in the Midsize Hybrid Sedan class because of its more compact battery.

Seamless hybrid operation

According to AutoWeek's Digital Editor Andrew Stoy, the new Hyundai hybrid car, definitely, redefines the word "seamless" when it comes to its use in hybrid powertrains. For the most part, there was only a slight engine hum, which is the only thing that will remind you you're not driving in EV mode, said Stoy on his road test. He also noted that the road noise is very minimal.

Best buy awardee

Green Car Reports has named both the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid as one of its finalists for its 2016 Best Car To Buy award. It has placed its confidence to the two hybrid 2016 Sonata models saying that the vehicles could, definitely, be very competitive in its class and might even outperform other cars from different makers on some of the specs.

More efficient drive

Although, total system output for the drivetrain has dropped by about 6 HP compared to the previous version because of the replacement of the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder by a smaller 2.0-liter direct injected four-cylinder, the rest of the advancements make the new Sonata Hybrid easier to drive efficiently, notes AutoEvolution The official EPA ratings for the Sonata Limited Hybrid was at 39 mpg (6.0 l/100km) in the city and 43 mpg (5.5 l/100km) on the highway, while the lighter Sonata SE Hybrid has slightly better fuel economy by 1-mpg improvement.

Practical exterior design

The outside design of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2016 is more than just sleek and sculptured, as the engineering team from Hyundai claims that they have achieved a class-leading lowest 0.24 coefficient of drag. As for the release date, the Sonata Hybrid, which comes in four different trims, is now available starting at an MSRP of $26,000 for The SE model with a 40/44 MPG city/hi-way and as much as $38,600 for the Plug-in Hybrid Limited.