Slow selling base Sonata PHEV receives a lower starting MSRP. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 19, 2018 The refreshed 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) adopts the same distinctive design of the recently released Sonata gasoline and Hybrid models while delivering 28 miles of all-electric range, feature enhancements and a lower starting price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid Plug-In is $33,250, a $1,350 reduction from the 2017 model, furthering the value-added benefits of Hyundai eco-friendly vehicles. The price of Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited model increases by $250, but now comes with all these new features: Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light Lane Keep Assist Driver Attention Alert Heated steering wheel Wireless charging pad for Qi compatible devices Second row USB port The value proposition is further enhanced as the vehicle qualifies for a $4,919 Federal Tax Credit along with other state-level incentives. The 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid is available now at Hyundai dealerships. 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Pricing - $33,250 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim - $38,850 Freight charges for the 2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid are $885 MODEL YEAR CHANGES FOR 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid All-electric range improved by 1 mile (27 -> 28 miles) New available features: Forward Collision Warning now enhanced with Automatic Emergency Braking function Lane Departure Warning now adds Lane Keep Assist function Additional USB charge port Wireless charging pad for mobile devices Heated steering wheel Bi-function LED headlights with dynamic bending light Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited New available features: Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light Lane Keep Assist Driver Attention Alert Heated steering wheel Wireless charging pad for Qi compatible devices Second row USB port Hyundai’s award-winning Plug-In Hybrid technology combines the best of both worlds by offering customers the emissions-free operation of an electric vehicle (99 EPA estimated MPGe) combined with the flexibility and efficiency of a hybrid vehicle (39 EPA estimated MPG). Sonata Plug-In Hybrid’s 28 mile all-electric range is ideal for commuting purposes and combined with the 572 mile range in hybrid mode, total driving range is an impressive 600 miles. The 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid’s efficient 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine and the powerful 50 kW (67 HP) electric motor are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for a more familiar and natural operation feel compared to competitors use of CVTs. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used in Sonata Hybrid and allows for EV operation at higher engine load and speed. The state-of-the-art 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery system is more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery and can be charged using a 240V Level 2 charging station in two hours and 42 minutes. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid’s battery can also be charged overnight using the Level 1 charger equipped with the vehicle. Exterior Redesign The advanced exterior includes a more dynamic front fascia featuring new sheet metal for the hood and front fenders, incorporating the new Hyundai signature cascading grille shape, while a new rear deck lid allows for a sleeker, coupe-like appearance. In addition, the redesigned 17-inch eco-spoke alloy wheel, distinctive blue bezel headlights and taillights with clear outer lens further highlight the refreshed design of the Plug-In Hybrid model. Interior Update The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid’s interior has also been updated with a revised center stack area and instrument cluster that provides an improved sense of dimension while the steering wheel now has a sportier leather-wrapped three-spoke design. Standard and Optional Features Sonata Plug-In Hybrid The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid MSRP is $33,250, excluding the $885 freight, and includes the following standard equipment: 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder Engine Permanent magnet high-power density motor (50 kW) 8kWh lithium ion-polymer battery system EPA estimated 28 All-Electric Range and 99 MPGe in EV mode 6-speed automatic transmission with drive mode select Blind Spot Detection (BSD) w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Lane Change Assist Rearview backup camera VSM/ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS Front, front seat side, curtain and drivers knee airbags 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels LED Daytime Running Lights LED taillights Automatic headlight control Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators Heated side mirror Proximity key w/ push button start Hands-free smart trunk opener Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob 8-way power driver seat w/ lumbar support 6-way manual passenger seat (height-adjustable) Heated front seats 2-inch color LCD trip computer Tilt and telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls Dual automatic temperature control Auto-dimming mirror w/ HomeLink® and compass Auto up/down driver & passenger window Tire mobility kit (TMK) in lieu of temporary spare tire 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio Apple Carplay™ & Android Auto™ iPod®/USB and AUX input jacks Integrated Bluetooth® w/ phonebook transfer SiriusXM® satellite radio HD Radio™ technology Blue Link® Connected Car Services Blue Link® Connected Care Package (for 3-years, enrollment required) Blue Link® Remote Package (for 3-years, enrollment required) USB charge port (2nd row floor console) Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited MSRP is $38,850, excluding the $885 freight charge, and includes all of the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid equipment plus the following features: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) Driver Attention Warning System Rear parking sensors Automatic high beam assist Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ stop/start capability Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) w/ Auto Vehicle Hold LED headlights w/ Dynamic Bending Lights Chrome side rocker moldings Leather seating surfaces 6-way power passenger seat Integrated Memory System (IMS) – driver seat and outside mirrors Ventilated front seats Heated steering wheel Wood grain interior trim inserts Premium door sill plates Navigation System w/ 8-inch Color Touchscreen Display Infinity® premium audio system SiriusXM® Travel Link® Blue Link® Guidance Package (for 3-years, enrollment required) Wireless device charging
I have the 2016 PHEV limited and I already have heated steering wheel so that's not a new option. But other options look new to me. The Sonata will be fully redesigned soon so probably they have to give a better deal but who knows if PHEV will be discontinued after this model year. There are some annoyances with Hyundai I have: Auto-headlights don't work well and I had a Hyundai SUV in front of me driving in a tunnel and both our headlights came on only after several seconds (when we almost exited the tunnel). Never had these issues with Honda/Acura. The trip meters are missing lots of detailed information. Miles are not in tenths and there's no dual MPG trip meter Loud chime you can't turn off when you start or stop the car If 2 people unlock at same time you hear long warning beep No intelligent maintenance reminder. Some may find that annoying but with Honda it could tell me type of next service and how many miles left. Here it's simple countdown counter. Also with Accord service interval was longer (7000 compared to 5500 IIRC?) Road assistance was bad for me. Took 2 months to get my towing costs paid back and they asked for all kind of unnecessary proof since seems this is outsourced Honda/Acura does this better with their Hybrids/PHEV. Although suspension comfort, cargo space is worse and engine is lot noisier. I hope Honda would bring back PHEV with this kind of total range and improved cargo space and better seats.
Automatic braking should be standard on all cars. And no adaptive cruise control unless you spend another $5000 for the Limited?
I wonder why Hyundai doesn't use their DCT for this model. They use a DCT for the Ioniq and claim that it's more efficient than Sonata auto.
The sensitivity of the auto head lights is adjustable on my Camry. I think only GM and Honda have an intelligent maintenance reminder. The DCT was still new to them when the Sonata PHEV was released, and they had issues when the DCT was new in the Tuscon. They even may have gone back to a step transmission there. The next Sonata PHEV might get the DCT, or Hyundai could hold off. Either waiting to ensure there isn't reliability issues in the Ioniq and Niro, or they feel the step auto has smoother shifting, and that trumps efficiency for the model.
KIA is also using a DCT in the Niro. I haven’t read any bad press about it. (Save for one online review)
Yes, it is the same drive train as in the Ioniq. Never driven a DCT myself, but the hybrid side of this is suppose to reduce/eliminate the low speed jerkiness of the DCT.
