| 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | April 10, 2010 | AUTORIVALS.NET |
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| Looking at how gas prices are
beginning to rise again, now might be a good time to get a
hybrid. One of the best examples of fuel frugality without the
sacrifice of style is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. It's been getting
consistently rave reviews and differs from its competitors by
pushing hybrid boundaries such as 47 mph in pure electric mode
(versus 25 mph for most hybrids) and a city fuel economy rating
of 41 mpg. At the same time though, the
Fusion Hybrid keeps its hybrid-ness in check by being one
of the best-driving sedans in the segment while also being
indiscernible from the handsome Fusion sedan. Newly arrived to contend for a top spot in the hybrid market is the all-new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Hyundai has upped the ante in hybrid technology by jumping from nickel-metal hydride (like in most hybrids) and lithium-ion (like in laptops and cell phones) to lithium polymer, which Hyundai says is the future. Hyundai has developed a full parallel hybrid drive system for the Sonata which allows for operation of the gas engine, electric motor, or both at the same time. It all adds up to 62 mph in pure electric mode and a highway fuel economy of 39 mpg. |
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| 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | vs | 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid |
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| Whereas the Fusion Hybrid is nearly
identical to the regular Fusion, the Sonata gets a completely
different front fascia. The indented grille on the regular
Sonata (see notes below) is replaced by a upside-down hexagonal
grille that would look more at home on
Mazdas
rather than Hyundais. A large black insert is placed awkwardly
in the grille and a chrome wing with the Hyundai logo is placed
overtop. The headlights are also different which are narrower
but feature a futuristic LED outlining within. The air dam
varies and features uniquely-shaped fog lights to complete the
Sonata Hybrid's different face, albeit for better or worse. The
non-hybrid Sonata's fluidic front fascia was actually its strong
suit and the changes done to the hybrid might be one step
forward (for aerodynamics), two steps back (for styling). The changes to the Fusion Hybrid are minimal (almost nonexistent actually) which we have no problems with. We prefer it actually as not everyone who likes to save gas and perhaps help the environment wants to make a statement about it with the vehicle they drive like with a jelly bean-shaped Prius (not that there's anything wrong with that). Some just prefer a normal-looking sedan that looks as good as it drives. The only noticeable change to the Fusion's front fascia is a slightly revised lower air intake that removes the triangle-shaped inserts placed on each side of the non-hybrid Fusion. Everything else is left untouched including the wide, chrome grille that gives the Fusion Hybrid its bold personality. |
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| The Sonata Hybrid comes available
with a hybrid-only light blue paint color shown in the photos.
If the front fascia wasn't enough to show the world that you're
driving the hybrid version, then that option would be for you.
New wide-spoke wheels and different rocker panels are also added
to help improve aerodynamics. The Fusion Hybrid gets some new wheels of its own along and a small hybrid badge with a leaf on the side (the Sonata has a "Blue Drive" badge). Not much else is changed which, like we said, can be a good thing. |
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| The Sonata Hybrid's rear also
varies from its non-hybrid counterpart but not as greatly as the
front. New taillights are the main attraction which make me feel
as if I took LSD when looking at them. They feature a futuristic
pattern like the headlights and are actually quite attractive
once you get used to them. The rear bumper changes to one that's
more aerodynamic with squared-off corners like the Prius.
Airflow gets channeled away from the rear reducing drag. That's
one change we can appreciate as its subtle, tasteful, yet still
functional. The Fusion Hybrid's rear gets a different rear bumper also that flatter at the bottom. Another hybrid badge is placed on the trunk but the taillights remain unchanged. The Fusion's rear fascia is one aspect that could use an update as it looks out-of-date next to the Sonata. |
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| Hyundai's progress in interiors is
astonishing. It wasn't too long ago they were just pitiful. Fast
forward to today and they have one of the best-looking interiors
in the segment. Everything looks modern, elegant, and
attractive. The two-tone dashboard and flowing center stack is
something I would expect to see in higher-priced vehicles. A
4.2-inch LCD screen is placed center in the instrument panel
which displays hybrid information such as driving mode, fuel
level, batter power level, and your average and instant mpg.
Other information is included such as engine and motor movement,
electric vehicle mode indicator, and what Hyundai calls "energy
flow within the vehicle." Information can also be displayed on
the optional 7-inch navigation screen in the center stack.
Hyundai also incorporates a Fusion-like eco scoring system that
changes the display between eight different colors based on
driving performance and fuel efficiency. The Fusion Hybrid was one of the first to come up with a fun way of keeping track of your fuel economy called "EcoGuide." Rather than plain numbers or colors, you get rewarded with "efficiency leaves" that display on one of two LCD screens placed in the instrument panel. Information can also be customized and displayed between four levels ranging from "inform" to "empower" that can show anything between fuel level to engine pull-up threshold. Another LCD screen is optional located in the center console for navigation with voice-activated capabilities while Ford's brilliant SYNC system comes standard. |
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PROS +New hybrid technology ups the ante +"Fluidic sculpture" is eye-catching +Interior is exquisite CONS -Oversized front grilles should be left to Mazdas |
PROS +Looks, smells, feels like a regular sedan +A hybrid for those who don't want a hybrid +Bold front fascia +Ford SYNC and EcoGuide CONS -Rear end styling could use an update -Dashboard design isn't as elegant |
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| Video Source: Cars.com via YouTube |
| Video Source: Cars.com via YouTube |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | vs | Hyundai Sonata |
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| Ford Fusion Hybrid | vs | Ford Fusion |
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