WASHINGTON — The Hyundai Sonata Eco is thrifty at the gas pump and doesn’t cost much to buy either.
We have looked at several Hyundai Sonata models since the redesign last year ranging from the base engine to the Hybrid model which was very economical to operate. But if you want better gas mileage and you don’t want to spend more than $25,000, the Sonata Eco might just fit the bill.
The Sonata Eco is a midsize sedan and to help get better fuel economy, a small 1.6L turbo engine is hanging out under the hood. I know a little engine in a big car doesn’t sound right but this little engine packs a punch. I prefer it over the larger four-cylinder engine in the more expensive limited trim level. The 178hp provides nice pep and the nearly 200lb-ft torque makes this seem like a bigger engine is under the hood.
The transmission is a bit different. A seven-speed dual clutch unit that is basically like a faster shifting automatic. It has a little slip or feeling of a manual transmission from stops. I like the fast shifts it provides. I had no problem keeping up with traffic and even accelerating. It didn’t sound strange or rough either. This is a fine commuter car that’s pretty quiet on the highway and bumps are mostly kept in check and not bothersome.
The handling isn’t its strong suit. Chalk it up to tires geared for economy and not sporty aggressive driving. You choose an Eco model for fuel economy and it delivers. I managed 34.1 mpg in 440 miles of mixed driving — better than the 32 mpg the sticker says.
Inside the Sonata there’s a good amount of space with room for five people. I had two car seats and booster in the back with just enough space. The as-tested price is $24,685. For that price, don’t expect leather or a NAV system but the cloth seats are a nice quality and the seats prove comfortable for the three hours at a time I drove.
The dash and higher elevations of the interior have a softer look and feel mixed with some harder plastics lower in the interior. It’s all very nice if not very exciting for the price. There is a larger seven-inch screen for the radio and even Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for some phones for added capability. The controls are easy and straightforward to use. Somehow I still seem to either change the station or change the volume with the steering wheel controls when I don’t want to.
The Sonata Eco looks like all other Sonata sedans with one difference: smaller 16-inch wheels which look out of place on this sedan. The rest of the car looks a bit more conservative than the previous generation of the Sonata. There’s a little spoiler on the rear trunk to add a bit more appeal. The chrome front grill adds a bit of flash and LED daytime running lights look pretty cool also.
Overall, the Sonata looks a bit more upscale if not flashy, which will probably help out with more sales as the midsize sedan class isn’t known for the most stand out car on the road.
The Hyundai Sonata Eco is an interesting car I like over the more expensive model. With a peppy little turbo engine, solid gas mileage and range, the Sonata Eco is a formidable highway cruiser that doesn’t break the bank. Hyundai has a 10-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty too, so go ahead and drive.
Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.