Hyundai has updated the Sonata Hybrid for the 2013 model year with a larger lithium polymer battery pack, more powerful electric motor and a lower starting price.
Hyundai has updated the Sonata Hybrid for the 2013 model year with a larger lithium polymer battery pack, more powerful electric motor and a lower starting price.
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is now more fuel efficiency and operates in all-electric mode more often and for longer periods of time. The improved hybrid system optimizes electric-only driving by adding a larger capacity 10.5 kW Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG), higher output 35 kW electric motor, a more powerful 47 kW Lithium Polymer battery pack and an optimized hybrid operating strategy. The electric upgrades are paired with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that now runs on a more efficient Atkinson cycle and is mated to an enhanced transmission to generate 206 total horsepower.
The 2013 Sonata Hybrid utilizes the all-electric mode at optimal moments such as highway driving, then saves the gasoline engine start-up for roads that require a heavier dose of power. All of this translates to money saved for the driver. When in pure electric drive, the Sonata Hybrid can drive electrically up to 75 miles per hour. The 2013 Sonata Hybrid is now 6 percent more efficient in the city, 3 percent more efficient on the highway and 6 percent combined. The Sonata Hybrid is now rated at 36/40 mpg.
Even though the 2013 Sonata Hybrid’s 47 kW lithium polymer battery pack is that not only is it more powerful and more energy dense, but also weighs less and takes up less volume in the trunk. The weight of the pack has gone from 92.4 pounds to 87.8 pounds while trunk volume has increased from 10.7 cu. ft. to 12.1 cu. ft.
The 2013 Sonata Hybrid starts at $25,650, while the Sonata Hybrid Limited starts at $30,550.
