hyundai's 2018 sonata plug-in hybrid has arrived with the updates already seen on the other refreshed 2018 sonata models, along with a $1,350 cut in the starting price from the 2017 base model and 1 extra mile of epa-rated electric driving range. the car's fancier limited trim level starts $250 higher, but it gets some new standard features, including more safety technology.
hyundai revealed refreshed 2018 model-year versions of the sonata hybrid and plug-in hybrid at the 2018 chicago auto show, and you can get more details on both updates in our coverage here. the sonata plug-in hybrid's pricing follows a $500 cut in starting price for the plug-free 2018 sonata hybrid when it went on sale earlier this year.
the base 2018 sonata plug-in hybrid will start at $34,135 including destination. it currently qualifies for a $4,919 federal tax credit along with additional subsidies in certain states. the epa now rates the car with 28 miles of all-electric range and a 39-mpg combined city/highway rating when operating as a gas-electric hybrid. its starting price stacks up competitively with plug-in hybrid versions of the 2018 ford fusion ($34,295), kia optima plug-in ($36,105) and honda clarity ($34,295); all prices include destination. the fusion has less electric range but a higher mileage rating when running on hybrid power. the clarity and optima are higher on both counts, the clarity significantly so for range. compare the 2018 sonata plug-in hybrid with them here.
the sonata plug-in hybrid comes in base and limited trim levels. both get similar updates to other sonatas — notably nicer interior details and a better dashboard — and hyundai will offer more safety options, including a collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and lane departure steering intervention.
the limited trim level, which adds leather upholstery and other upscale features, now starts at $39,735. additional equipment on all limited grades includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure steering intervention, adaptive led headlights, a driver attention warning system, heated steering wheel, backseat usb port and wireless phone charging.
both grades have a 2.0-liter gasoline used engine and 50-kilowatt (67-horsepower) electric motor mated to a true six-speed automatic transmission as opposed to a continuously variable automatic that's more common in hybrids. fully charging the 9.8-kilowatt-hour battery from empty on a 240-volt charger takes just over 2.5 hours.
while plug-in hybrids get less attention than all-electric cars, 's real-world test of a 2017 optima plug-in hybrid found its epa-rated range more than accurate. it could handle most city needs as an electric car but provide flexibility for longer distances without worrying about range. a plug-in hybrid could be a good option for households that want to be greener but stick with just one vehicle.
the 2018 sonata plug-in hybrid is at hyundai dealers now.
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