The Sonata hybrid is unusual in that does not employ a CVT but uses a six-speed automatic instead. This makes for much more conventional, and more pleasant, response when accelerating. It also helps the hybrid powertrain recede into the background.
Interestingly, it appears that the Sonata hybrid can dip into EV mode even at highway speeds (I had the EV light come on when cruising just under 80 mph).
This has to be one of the worst traction-control programs I've seen in a while. I had to jump out into traffic in the rain, and it very abruptly swung back and forth between killing the power and letting the front wheels spin.
What most surprised me about the Sonata Hybrid, though, was the suspension. As much praise as has been heaped upon the Sonata, one noted weakness has been the chassis tuning. One might expect the hybrid version to be worse, what with the extra weight of the batteries and the electric motor. Certainly with the Camry Hybrid, we noticed more body motion at the rear of the car. But the Sonata Hybrid seemed impressively tight. It also thwacked (loudly) over bumps, but the ride remained quite serene. I'm guessing part of the credit for the excellent ride quality goes to the sixteen-inch wheels wrapped in 65-series tires. Those high sidewalls make for pretty lazy turn-in, but they go a long way toward taking the sharpness out of impacts.
The interior is a mix of good and bad. The former includes the excellent, clear switchgear and the overall spaciousness. The latter refers to the vast expanses of hard and semi-hard grained gray plastic as well as the bizarre, wavy-gravy seat upholstery.
Read More: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1106_2011_hyundai_sonata_hybrid/index.html
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