GREEN | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
2011 Hyundai Sonata: 24/35 mpg (six-speed manual)
EPA
2011 Hyundai Sonata: 24/35 mpg (six-speed manual)
EPA
2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: 22/33 mpg (six-speed manual)
EPA
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 34/39 mpg (six-speed automatic)
EPA
With a standout fuel-economy rating of 35 mpg highway, base versions of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata are up at the front of the pack, while the Hybrid outranks all other family sedans with a highway rating of 40 mpg.
The EPA gives the entry-level Sonata a rating of 24/35 mpg, with the base six-speed manual, and it falls only to 23/35 mpg when the six-speed automatic is specified.
Add on a turbocharger to the automatic-equipped car, and the resulting Sonata 2.0T gets a rating of 22/33 mpg.
Meanwhile, the Sonata Hybrid sports the best highway fuel-economy figure in the mid-size sedan class, at 34/39; but with a 41/36-mpg rating, the Ford Fusion Hybrid outdoes it in the city.
The 2011-201 Sonata Hybrid is one of a group of cars found to have overstated gas mileage on its window sticker. Hyundai submitted figures of 35/40 mpg and 37 mpg combined to the EPA. When the self-certified figures were double-checked, the EPA discovered the Sonata Hybrid's actual tested fuel economy to be 34/39 mpg or 36 mpg combined.
Owners can register with Hyundai to receive reimbursement for the gas consumed above and beyond expected levels; more details are found at HyundaiMPGInfo.com.
Conclusion
While the 2012 Hyundai Sonata stands out for its 35-mpg highway rating, the Sonata Hybrid does even better.
