First Look At Facelifted 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid And Plug-In Hybrid

Hyundai has revealed the new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the 2018 Sonata at the Chicago Auto Show.

The two new eco-friendly versions adopt the same redesigned bodywork with the regular 2018 Sonata, meaning fresh front and rear ends with new LED headlights, grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid and taillights.

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a combination of a 154hp 2.0-liter petrol engine with a 51hp (38kW) electric motor. The combined power output remains the same 193hp, with Hyundai expecting fuel economy figures of 39mpg city/45mpg highway/42mpg combined. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option.

Hyundai claims that the new Sonata Hybrid is capable of operating solely on electric power at speeds up to 75mph by decoupling the petrol engine from the rest of the drivetrain. Total range on a full tank of petrol is estimated at more than 650 miles.

As for the new Plug-In Hybrid Sonata, this packs a bigger 9.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack (over the 1.76kWh battery of the normal Hybrid model) which allows the Sonata PHEV to offer an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 27 miles.

Hyundai claims the battery can be charged in less than three hours with a level-two charger and estimates that many customers will be able to complete their daily commutes without using “a single drop of fuel”.

The petrol engine is the same 154hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit used in the regular Hybrid, only here it works together with a more powerful 67hp (50kW) electric motor. Combined output is a solid 202hp while a six-speed automatic transmission remains the sole option.

Active safety technologies include everything from Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert to Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam Assist.

An eight-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, iPod/USB and auxiliary ports, SiriusXM and Bluetooth is what you get inside, with Hyundai offering a nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system as an option.

The new 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will become available in the first quarter of 2018, with the Plug-In Hybrid version to follow in the second quarter of this year.