Sonata Hybrid to be arriving in U.S. showrooms any time now

How much did you pay for HSH? Do keep us updated with your real-world MPG.

 

Anyone noticed the HSH and the KOH has different MPG numbers?

 

I'm happy for the choice. I'm glad for the competition. But ultimately? Speaking only for myself personally, I'm disappointed in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The decision to make it more efficient as a highway vehicle is underwhelming. The gas mileage numbers are pretty close to the numbers on their own Non-Hybrid Elantra.

Honda, Hyundai, Ford...I'm still waiting for the product that comes close to The Prius in MPG and Function. Seems like the competition takes aim at every target except that one....and given Prius's success, I find that strange. Nobody it seems is learning from Toyota.

 

I'd like to see that Elantra in a hybrid. Seen another one on the road a few minutes ago and it sure looks about the same size as the Prius. The coefficient of drag is at .28 so it would be a darn good car to add in a well engineered hybrid system. Might be a good competitor for the Prius then

Mike

 

Why fight over a niche when there are plenty of market segments that are hybrid free or more popular with the buying public?

The Prius is a great all around car, and I have always had a fondness for the hatchback. But in the largest car market, people prefer sedans or SUVs. The Prius is tough to beat. Even Lexus falls short in the mpg area. So, strategicly, it makes more sense for the other guys to compete against the Camry hybrid. A market with more potential customers to start, and an opponent with a better shot at besting.

That said, I don't it will be long before we see more direct Prius competitors. I believe a Focus hybrid could give it a challenge, and one is planned. Ford has just focused their hybrid resources into the C-max in order to get a foot hold in that segment while the Prius v is still new.

 

+1

Is it possible that the reason that no one else has approached the MPG of the Prius is that it is so heavily patented that others have to find other, less efficient ways to design hybrid vehicles?

 

I think they made the correct decision. Larger vehicles make more sense for highway warriors, where comfort and space matter more. Compact mileage in a large mid-size will be much appreciated. (And better than compact in the city as a bonus).

 

Fusion/MKZ are the top selling mid-size hybrids. The HSH just adds to the TCH's problems.

 

It's possible, but to be honest, I think it's a combination of a winner-takes-all market and starting behind. I fully expect the competition to keep improving but until they've caught up they're not going to go head on against the Prius. At the moment they're in other niches.

Honda has the same development time and are the closest with the Insight, which is better than its EPA ratings. However, Toyota is going to release the c (for crush-the-Insight) and demonstrate that part of it is being smaller and lighter.

 

Post pics of your ride!

 

lol, can someone write more about Sonata Hybrid from personal experience?

You should be happy to talk about your brand new car!

 

Well personally? I know some people dislike hatchbacks, but I love em. I think hatchback design allows for great versatility with a surburban vehicle. That's just me.

And why fight over a niche? Because Toyota has sold a million+ of these "niche" vehicles.

I have nothing against a diversity of "hybrid" or alternative products. But I'm still waiting for "anything" from "anybody" that matches the full hybrid capabilities of Prius.