2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Overview

Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a Good Used Car?

Yes, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a good used vehicle in the hybrid and electric car class. Both the Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid feel quick from a stop, and both generally have smooth rides. Also, Hyundai’s infotainment system is easy to use.

However, there are a few hiccups. Fuel economy, while good, is underwhelming compared to other hybrids. Both cars also have tiny trunks and lack the buttoned-down handling of some rivals.

If you like this Hyundai, you may want to consider the nonhybrid 2019 Hyundai Sonata, which has a bit more room for your stuff. On the other hand, if fuel economy is a big concern, you might consider something with better mpg ratings, such as the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq.

Compare the Sonata Hybrid, Sonata, and Ioniq »

Why You Can Trust Us

Our goal is to make shopping for your next car as easy as possible. You'll find everything you need to know about this car in our comprehensive Hyundai Sonata Hybrid review. It combines concrete data like fuel economy estimates, horsepower specs, and cargo space dimensions with 34 professional Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reviews.

U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. We care about cars, but we care more about providing useful consumer advice. To ensure our impartiality, an independent party handles our advertising, and our editorial team doesn’t accept expensive gifts from automakers.

How Much is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Based on listings for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the average list price is $17,263. Prices range from $25,750 to $31,300 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Cost to Own?

We currently do not have projections for this Hyundai’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance.

2018 vs. 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: What's the Difference?

Hyundai made no major changes to the Sonata Hybrid for 2019. However, keep in mind that Hyundai performed midyear updates to the Sonata for 2018. The updated vehicles have a "+" designation in their name, and they have more standard safety features and updated exterior styling compared to prior Sonatas.

Compare the 2018 and 2019 Sonata Hybrid »

Here are key changes for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid over the past few years:

• 2016: fully redesigned; plug-in-hybrid model introduced
• 2017: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 7-inch touch screen made standard
• 2018: refreshed interior and exterior styling; retuned suspension; blind spot monitoring made standard; wireless device charging became available
• 2019: no major changes

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 Sonata Hybrid, 2017 Sonata Hybrid, and 2018 Sonata Hybrid reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Reliable Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

The 2019 Sonata Hybrid has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five.

Read more about Sonata Hybrid reliability »

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at this time.

See more information on Hyundai Sonata Hybrid safety recalls »

Which Used Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Trim Is Right for Me?

The first thing you need to do when considering this Hyundai is choose which type of hybrid you want: regular or plug-in. Both come in two trim levels: SE and Limited. Generally, these two Hyundai models are the same, but the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid produces a little more horsepower, and it has a pure electric mode that’s good for 28 miles of range.

The SE has enough tech and comfort features to satisfy most shoppers, but those after more safety aids should consider the Limited.

We review the nonhybrid 2019 Hyundai Sonata separately.

• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE: The base Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE comes with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, alloy wheels, a hands-free trunk lid, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert, and a rearview camera. The base Sonata Plug-In Hybrid adds an eight-way power-adjustable front seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear-seat USB port, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system.
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The Limited trim gains the equipment that was added to the base Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, as well as an electronic parking brake, a 60/40-split-folding rear seatback, a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Some models may feature an 8-inch touch screen, a navigation system, a 10-speaker Infinity premium stereo, wireless device charging, a driver condition monitor, and rear parking sensors. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim comes with everything listed above except the sunroof.

See 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trims and specs »

What Does Hyundai's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Hyundai offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 60,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Certified pre-owned Hyundai vehicles receive the balance of the original new-car 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as the remainder of the five-year/60,000-mile comprehensive warranty. Hyundai CPO vehicles must pass a 173-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement may be available, so read Hyundai’s warranty page carefully.

Hyundai has one of the best CPO programs among affordable car manufacturers, according to our analysis. Only Kia, Buick, and Mitsubishi have better programs.

See the best CPO programs »

How Safe Is the Sonata Hybrid?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Sonata Hybrid an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with five stars in the frontal crash and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. The NHTSA did not crash test the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the 2019 Sonata Hybrid or Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.

Standard advanced safety features:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane change assist
• Rearview camera

Available advanced safety features:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Adaptive headlights
• Electronic parking brake
• Driver condition monitor
• Rear parking sensors

See Sonata Hybrid safety scores »

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid or 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata is a good used midsize sedan. Many of the differences between these two Hyundai vehicles are typical of hybrids and gas-only cars. The hybrid gets significantly better mpg ratings, but the nonhybrid has a larger trunk. Also, the nonhybrid Sonata comes with turbocharged engine options that are stronger than anything you’ll find in the hybrid. In most other respects, these vehicles are similar, so your choice in this side-by-side comparison comes down to personal preference.

Which Is Better: 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid or 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a great vehicle in the hybrid and electric car class. It delivers significantly better fuel economy than the Hyundai (51/53 mpg vs. the Sonata’s 40/46 mpg). The Camry Hybrid also has sharper handling than the Sonata, a more energetic powertrain, and a larger trunk. On top of that, the Toyota has more standard safety features and a roomy cabin with plenty of passenger space. While the Hyundai is good, the Toyota is better.

Like the Sonata, the Camry Hybrid is available as a nonhybrid. We review the 2019 Toyota Camry separately.

Compare the Sonata Hybrid, Sonata, and Camry Hybrid »

2019 Sonata Hybrid Performance

How Does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Drive?

The 2019 Sonata Hybrid rides comfortably on just about all roads, with its suspension smoothing over most bumps. Handling may not be sporty, but it’s composed, and the sedan is easy to maneuver. However, like many hybrids, this Hyundai suffers from grabby brakes.

Regardless of whether you pick the hybrid or plug-in hybrid, you’ll get a decent powertrain. Acceleration from a stop is quick thanks to the instant torque from its electric motor. However, this vehicle struggles at higher speeds. While many hybrids come with a continuously variable automatic transmission – which contributes to a droning powertrain – the Sonata Hybrid gets a traditional automatic that operates smoothly and quietly.

• Base powertrain: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a combined 193 horsepower (hybrid)
• Available powertrain: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a combined 202 horsepower (plug-in hybrid)
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
• Transmission: six-speed automatic

Does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Get Good Gas Mileage?

For a hybrid, this Hyundai’s fuel economy ratings are good but not great. Some rivals are more fuel-efficient, such as the 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid. Compared to the midsize car class overall, the Sonata Hybrid fares well.

• Hybrid SE: 40/46 mpg city/highway
• Hybrid Limited: 39/44 mpg
• PHEV: 99 MPG-equivalent combined (electric), 39 mpg combined (gas)

For more information, read What is MPGe?

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Alternative Fuels and Charging

A fully charged Sonata Plug-In Hybrid has an all-electric range of 28 miles. The charging time depends on the method used.

• 240-volt charging station: about three hours
• 120-volt household-style power outlet: about nine hours

Read more about Sonata Hybrid performance »

2019 Sonata Hybrid Interior

How Many People Does the 2019 Sonata Hybrid Seat?

The 2019 Sonata Hybrid seats five people in two rows. Both rows have plenty of legroom, and while headroom is good up front, it gets a bit tight in the rear. All of the seats are comfortable. The cabin is well-built and fairly attractive, but the design still doesn't seem as modern as what you’ll find in some rivals.

Standard seating features:

• Cloth upholstery

Available seating features:

• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

This hybrid sedan has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear outboard seats.

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Features

This Hyundai has a straightforward infotainment system. The touch screen displays sharp graphics and has quick response times, and there are logically arrayed physical controls for some settings.

• Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, a USB port, and Bluetooth
• Available infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, an eight-speaker Infinity stereo, wireless device charging, a rear-seat USB port, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system
• Other standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and proximity keyless entry
• Other available features: a panoramic sunroof

See 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid specs »

Read more about Sonata Hybrid interior »

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Dimensions

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Cargo Space

Because of the placement of the battery pack, the trunks in hybrid vehicles are often smaller than in their nonhybrid counterparts. That’s true here too, but this sedan’s 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space isn’t only small for a midsize sedan, it’s small compared to other vehicles in the hybrid and electric car class.

The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) has a larger lithium-ion battery pack and, consequently, even less trunk space: 9.9 cubic feet. Additionally, while the Sonata Hybrid can be had with split-folding rear seats, the plug-in model cannot.

2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Length and Weight

• Length: 15 feet, 11 inches
• Curb weight: 3,949 to 3,814 pounds
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,630 to 4,784 pounds

Where Was the 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Built?

Hyundai built the 2019 Sonata Hybrid in South Korea.