2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is up against some tough competition in the midsize hybrid sedan class, but it’s worth considering for many reasons. For starters, it’s tied for the best fuel economy in a segment where efficiency is paramount; it gets up to 51 combined mpg. Another best-in-class bragging right is class-leading warranty coverage. Further bolstering its reputation as a practical family vehicle are top-notch safety scores. On top of all of that, the Sonata Hybrid delivers a comfortable and high-tech interior, and, arguably, the most stylish design in its class. The non-hybrid version of the Sonata is reviewed separately.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of hybrid cars, including the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduces an affordable new base trim called Blue. The Sonata Hybrid Blue is also the most efficient in the lineup, netting up to 51 combined mpg. Another update this year is a standard panoramic sunroof on the midrange SEL trim.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is priced about the same as the Toyota Camry, which comes only as a hybrid. The Honda Accord Hybrid’s starting price is a little higher.

Before buying a Sonata Hybrid, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Hyundai Sonata resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 192-horsepower hybrid 4-cylinder engine matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Its performance is comparable to the Honda Accord Hybrid, while the Toyota Camry has a little extra muscle with 225 hp.

The Sonata Hybrid’s output translates to a sufficient amount of muscle for most driving situations. This midsize sedan is about comfort and fuel economy, which is an approach we can get behind without a qualm. The only qualm we might have is that the drivetrain itself isn’t as refined as the one in the ultra-smooth Honda Accord Hybrid. And we’ve found that brake feel — often a tricky thing to get right because of the energy regeneration system — doesn’t seem quite as natural as the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.

Upgrading to the top Limited trim unlocks one of our favorite features of the Sonata Hybrid: Highway Driving Assist. It doesn’t allow for hands-free driving, but it’s one of our favorite semi-autonomous highway driving systems of its kind. It keeps you a safe distance from the car in front of you and keeps you centered in your lane, all while feeling very natural.

Fuel Economy

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid returns up to 47 city/56 highway/51 combined mpg in the base Blue trim. The SEL and Limited models are rated at 44 city/51 highway/47 combined mpg. These ratings make the Sonata Hybrid tied with the Camry as the most efficient hybrid in its class (an impressive feat), and it’s slightly more efficient than the Accord Hybrid. For reference, the non-hybrid version of the Sonata returns up to 32 combined mpg.

We’ve been impressed with the technology in Hyundai models in recent years, and the Sonata is no exception. Dual 12.3-inch displays span the dash; one a digital gauge cluster and the other the central infotainment display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the board.

The front seats are all-day comfortable, and the top Limited trim gets leather seats that are heated and ventilated in front. Other niceties that come with the Limited model include a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and Bose audio.

Rear seat space is below average at 34.8 inches, but it’s certainly roomy enough for kids. If you’ll have adults in the back seats regularly, they’ll appreciate the extra space in the Camry or Accord Hybrid. We noticed the trunk has a nice, wide opening that makes it easy to load and unload. It measures 15.6 cubic feet, which is more trunk space than the Camry and less than the Accord.

With its refresh in 2024, the Sonata adopted what Hyundai calls the Seamless Horizon Lamp, which spans across the front end and is echoed by a bar of red across the tail. It makes this midsize sedan look stylish and high-tech without sacrificing its value and practicality.

Panoramic curved display
This feature houses a digital gauge cluster and an infotainment screen in one sleek display, giving the Sonata’s cockpit a high-tech, driver-centric theme.

Wireless smartphone connectivity
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on every 2026 Sonata. This makes it effortless to bring your maps, music, and more to the screen in the car without taking your phone out of your purse or pocket.

Wireless charging
In addition to wireless smartphone connectivity, the SEL and Limited trims of the Sonata Hybrid have a handy wireless charging pad to keep your device topped up.

Highway Driving Assist
This semi-autonomous driving system uses features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring to make highway driving safer and more relaxed. It only comes in the Limited trim.

Hyundai Digital Key 2.0
This feature enables access for multiple drivers, using a phone app or a key card. It’s standard in the Limited trim.

Remote Smart Parking Assist
This is another terrific tech feature that’s exclusive to the Limited trim. It enables the driver to nose the Sonata into or out of a parking space while standing outside and pressing buttons on the key fob.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine works in combination with an electric motor to create an adequate 192 hp. This drives the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s no option for all-wheel drive — if that’s a desirable aspect when choosing a new hybrid sedan, check out the Toyota Camry.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

There are no warranties in the mainstream milieu better than those offered by Hyundai. The new-car warranty is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain and hybrid battery are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The Sonata currently holds the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Granted, so do the Camry and Accord, but it’s still an impressive award. The Sonata also took the maximum 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).