2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
What’s new
- The 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid gets a styling refresh
- EV range extended to 28 miles
- Advanced safety features now include automatic braking and lane keeping assist
- New features include adaptive LED headlights, a driver inattention monitor and a wireless charging pad
- Part of the first Sonata Plug-in Hybrid generation introduced for 2016
Pros
- Spacious interior with comfortable front seats
- User-friendly infotainment interface
Cons
- Grabby brake-pedal feel can make it hard to stop smoothly
- Not as much cargo space as hatchback competitors
- Low fuel-efficiency figures for the class
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Sonata Plug-in Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
When it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel efficiency and electric-only range are vitally important. Unfortunately for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, those are some of its weak points. With an electric-only range of 28 miles and EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined rating, it's well below what alternatives such as the Honda Clarity Plug-in, Toyota Prius Prime and Chevrolet Volt deliver.
The Sonata may gain favor with shoppers seeking a more traditional-looking sedan, though, and we like its easy-to-use tech. This year the styling gets a refresh to match the rest of the Sonata lineup and gains more advanced safety features and interior conveniences. Combined with Hyundai's generous warranty, it certainly has its appeal, but those probably aren't enough to overcome its efficiency shortcomings.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is a midsize family sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Limited. Under the hood is 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 50-kilowatt (67-horsepower) electric motor. Total system output is 202 horsepower, delivered to the front wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. It has an EPA-estimated EV range of 28 miles on a full charge.
Standard base model features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a hands-free trunklid, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, a manual height-adjustable passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Hyundai's Blue Link emergency communications, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration, a 7-inch touchscreen and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio, and two USB ports (one front, one charge-only in the rear).
If you are looking for more, though, step up to the Limited. You'll get adaptive LED headlights, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and an upgraded nine-speaker Infinity sound system. The Limited also comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a drowsy driver warning system, and automatic high beams.
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sonata Plug-in Hybrid safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Provides an audible warning if a collision with a vehicle ahead of you is imminent and will apply the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Monitors blind spots and provides a warning if you start to change lanes with another car present.
- Lane Keep Assist
- Provides an audible and visual warning if you drift outside of your lane and will nudge you back if you don't respond in time.
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vs. the competition
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
2018 Honda Clarity
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vs. Honda Clarity
The Sonata looks more like a traditional sedan than its primary competitors, with their futuristic and sometimes awkward style. That factor may sway you one way or the other. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, however, holds a clear advantage with its 48-mile electric-only range estimate, compared to the Sonata's 28-mile range. The Honda also features a much larger 15.5-cubic-foot trunk, giving it better everyday usability.
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vs. Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime comes up just a bit short when it comes to electric only range, with an EPA-estimated 25 miles, but it's a clear winner for fuel economy. The Prius is rated at 54 mpg combined, trouncing the Sonata's 39 mpg estimate. Among these primary competitors, the Prius also has the largest cargo capacity, measuring 19.8 cubic feet, which is double the Sonata's. Holding it back, quite literally, is its slow acceleration.
Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vs. Chevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt gets high marks for its 53-mile electric-only range estimate, which was a big factor in us naming it as one of Edmunds' Best Hybrid Cars. Compared to the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, the Volt has a similarly comprehensive list of advanced safety features, but both have equally restrictive cargo capacities and rear-seat space. The Hyundai gets a slight edge, though, in regard to interior materials quality. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Chevrolet Volt.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid sets itself apart from other cars in its class with its conventional sedan styling, but it doesn't distinguish itself when it comes to fuel economy or electric-only range. For 2018, it receives some notable upgrades that include refreshed styling, more advanced safety features and a few added interior conveniences.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is offered in base and Limited trim levels, both powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor for a total output of 202 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. The EPA estimates its EV range at 28 miles on a full charge, which is on the low side among primary competitors. The fuel economy estimate of 39 mpg combined is also significantly lower than rivals.
Feature highlights for the base model include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a hands-free trunklid, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a rearview camera, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems, Hyundai's Blue Link emergency communications, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, and two USB ports.
The Limited trim adds LED headlights, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and an upgraded Infinity sound system. You also get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a drowsy driver warning system, and automatic high beams.
Pricing is comparable to the Honda Clarity Plug-in, Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Prime. While it isn't as efficient as those alternatives and suffers from a very small trunk, it does have better acceleration and comes with the industry's most generous warranty coverage. Whether the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid works for you or not will depend on your priorities. Use all of Edmunds' tools and information to see which one is a better fit for you.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Overview
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Sedan. Available styles include Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), Limited w/Blue Pearl Interior 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A), and 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Information
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