Auto Tech

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (photos)

At the 2010 New York auto show, Hyundai launched the hybrid version of its Sonata midsize sedan. With its lithium polymer battery pack, the Sonata Hybrid can run up to 62 mph under electric power.

Wayne Cunningham

March 31, 2010 1:52 p.m. PT

Wayne Cunningham

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1 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Hyundai showed off a radically restyled Sonata at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. At the New York auto show, the company launched a hybrid version of the Sonata, with only minor cosmetic differences.

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Although many automakers have taken to putting LED strips in headlight casings, Hyundai goes for some unique style with this hooked strip.

3 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

The Sonata fits into the midsize sedan segment, but manages to pull off unique style with the high beltline and gracefully curved roof.

4 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

The Sonata Hybrid stores its electricity in lithium polymer batteries, the first production hybrid to do so, and can drive up to 62 mph under electric power alone.

5 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

The internal combustion part of the power train is a 2.4-liter four cylinder. With the hybrid system, the car gets 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

6 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Recent Hyundais have shown good cabin tech, and we expect the Sonata Hybrid to have Bluetooth phone support with the ability to use voice command to dial by name, and iPod integration.

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Hyundai fits a color LCD in the instrument cluster to show useful fuel economy information. Blue Drive is what Hyundai calls its hybrid system.