When an automotive journalist – mainly me – drives somebody else’s cars most of the time, the price of gas doesn’t really hit their wallet. However, when said journalist decides to visit relatives, state parks, and his old hometown over the recent Memorial Day weekend, gas prices matter. At a certain age, even jaded journalists crave luxury. This one made friends with the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited.
It’s come a long way since the first Sonata I drove back in 1999, but even then it had a luxury vibe on the outside and a comfortable interior with in-dash CD player and power moonroof. The optional 2.5-liter V6 it enjoyed 170 horsepower. It glided over rough pavement on a suspension tuned for comfort.
This one does look like a middle-class relative of Hyundai’s bougie luxury models. It received a substantial refresh for 2024 that brought a wider angrier grille flanked by tucked headlamps and pencil-think driving lamps that look more IONIQ EV than Sonata hybrid. The handsome fastback roofline over muscular fenders and 17-inch wheels look even sportier with new squarer taillamps and lip spoiler that further tie design to Hyundai’s EVs.
Designers worked similar EV magic on the interior where twin 12.3-inch screens are crisp and intuitive to use. It seems more hewn from the spirt of IONIQ over a typical mid-size family sedan with economy intentions.
Connecting devices is quick via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charge phones wirelessly too. Spoiled travelers enjoy all that under the dual-pane panoramic sunroof while lounging in leather-trimmed seats and listening to the smooth 12-speaker Bose audio system. Dual-zone automatic climate control plus heated and ventilated front seats keep the peeps at their preferred temperature.
Hyundai doesn’t play with safety. Automatic emergency braking, rear cross path detection with auto brake, lane keep assist and blind spot warning protect the flanks. Blind spot cameras, rear seat monitors and safe exit assist employ innovative technology to further protect passengers. I’m also very fond of the head-up display to keep eyes ahead.
Parting ways with Indianapolis, I sweep off the freeway onto I74 towards Illinois, settling the car on its suspension. It handles with dignity, but is tuned for comfort with precise steering. There are no canyons to carve, so I don’t need a sport sedan today – just competence and comfort, which is what the Sonata delivers. It feels as solid as a Genesis with absolutely nothing squeaking, creaking nor rattling. It just absorbs whatever road I cross and seemingly hoots for more.
Hyundai starts with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but instead of mating it with a whiny CVT, engineers chose a geared 6-speed automatic transmission that feels very normal as it shifts with the hybrid system providing a torquey feel. Given 192 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, you’d think it’s not all that peppy, but I have no trouble slaying wide open interstate across Indiana.
When I arrive in EV mode, my 94-year-old grandmother barely hears the tires rolling up her gravel driveway, but she pokes her head out to say, “That’s a pretty car!” Sure is; the woman is mighty sharp. “What’s the gas mileage?” she asks. I tell her 44/51-MPG city/highway. She nods in approval.
She also liked the price. The Sonata Hybrid starts at just $29,200 with our Limited trim coming to $40,085. Value clearly continues to be a Hyundai trait. If you don’t believe me, also consider the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry that comes standard as a hybrid.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.