2018 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2018 – Hyundai today unveiled its redesigned 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models at the Chicago Auto Show, the largest in the U.S.

2018 Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Highlights

• New front/rear fascia design, grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid, headlights/taillights
• New 16-inch and 17-inch eco-spoke wheel designs
• New LED headlights with cornering Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) function
• New instrument panel center stack, steering wheel and available heated steering wheel
• New, stiffer front anti-roll bar and recalibrated steering assistance feel
• New, more rigid rear-trailing-arm design with retuned bushings for responsiveness
• Standard Blind-spot detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist
• Newly available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist
• New, upgraded audio/video navigation system with new Bird’s Eye View map perspective
• New HERE HD Traffic (Real-time Traffic Service – non-paid subscription)
• Qi wireless phone charging on navigation-equipped models
• New rear USB charging port
• New three-year complimentary Blue Link Connected Car, Remote and Guidance on Blue Link-equipped models (Guidance requires navigation)
• Repackaged standard and available content for outstanding customer value

The new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid feature a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, safety, suspension and new and improved infotainment and connectivity features. The 2018 Hybrid and Plug-in will be produced in Asan, Korea, with Hybrid availability in the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-in availability in the second quarter of 2018.

“Our new 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in models add appeal in every area, from exterior to interior design, handling, steering, ride comfort, safety and infotainment,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “When combined with Hyundai’s outstanding value and efficiency, the new Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in are sure to attract even more eco-focused buyers.”

The new Sonata exterior design conveys a new appearance from every vantage point, including new wheel designs. On the inside, a new instrument panel center stack, steering wheel, available audio/video navigation system, wireless phone charging and rear USB charge port further enhance the interior experience.

HYUNDAI INCREASES VALUE ON NEW 2018 SONATA HYBRID

• Entry level price reduction with feature enhancements
• Sonata Hybrid receives extensive exterior redesign
• Standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• New available safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist
• Improved City and Highway Fuel Economy

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 19, 2018 – The refreshed 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid adopts the distinctive design of the recently released gasoline model while delivering 42 miles per gallon (EPA-estimated combined MPG), feature enhancements and a lower starting price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is $25,500, a $500 reduction from the 2017 model, furthering the value-added benefits of Hyundai eco-friendly vehicles. The 2018 Sonata Hybrid is available now at Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Freight charges for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid are $885

MODEL YEAR CHANGES FOR 2018 SONATA HYBRID

• Feature changes:
  • Standard application of Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • New available features: Forward Collision Warning now enhanced with Automatic Emergency Braking function, Lane Departure Warning now adds Lane Keep Assist function, additional USB charge port, wireless charging for mobile devices, heated steering wheel, bi-function LED headlights (replaces HID)
• Packaging changes:
  • Entry model now adds standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Enhanced content for Limited trim
    • Panoramic sunroof, bi-function LED headlights and LED interior lights
  • Limited with Ultimate Package adds upgraded advanced safety features and more premium interior amenities
    • Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, wireless charging pad and heated steering wheel

Exterior Redesign

The advanced exterior includes a more dynamic front fascia featuring new sheet metal for the hood and front fenders, incorporating the new Hyundai signature cascading grille shape, while a new rear deck lid allows for a sleeker, coupe-like appearance. In addition, the redesigned eco-spoke alloy wheels (16-and 17-inch), distinctive blue bezel headlights and taillights with clear outer lens further highlight the refreshed design of the Hybrid model.

Interior Update

The Sonata Hybrid’s interior has also been updated with a revised center stack area and instrument cluster that provides an improved sense of dimension while the steering wheel now has a sportier leather-wrapped three-spoke design.

2018 Sonata Hybrid’s efficient 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission and 38 kW electric motor are carryover while the capacity of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion polymer battery system has been increased by nine percent (1.62 kWh to 1.76 kWh). The increased battery pack size and optimized operating efficiency improve both city and highway fuel economy by one mile per gallon.

Standard and Optional Features

Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid MSRP is $25,500, excluding the $885 freight charge, and includes the following standard equipment:

• 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder Engine
• Permanent magnet high-power density motor (38 kW)
• Lithium-ion polymer battery system (270V)
• Hybrid starter-generator (HSG)
• 6-speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®
• Drive mode select
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD) w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Lane Change Assist
• Rearview backup camera
• VSM/ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS
• Front, front seat side, curtain and drivers knee airbags
• 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED taillights
• Automatic headlight control
• Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators
• Heated side mirror
• Chrome exterior door handles
• Chrome surround DLO
• Solar control glass
• Proximity key w/ push button start
• Hands-free smart trunk opener
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Cloth seating surfaces
• 6-way manual front seats (height-adjustable)
• Leatherette door panel inserts
• 2-inch color LCD trip computer
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Auto up/down driver window
• Sunvisor extension
• Tire mobility kit (TMK) in lieu of temporary spare tire
• 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio
• Apple Carplay™ & Android Auto™ compatibility
• iPod®/USB and AUX input jacks
• Integrated Bluetooth® w/ phonebook transfer

Sonata Hybrid Limited

The Sonata Hybrid Limited MSRP is $30,500, excluding the $885 freight charge, and includes all of the Sonata Hybrid equipment plus the following features:

• Panoramic sunroof
• High-gloss window surround
• 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels
• Chrome side rocker moldings
• LED headlights w/ Dynamic Bending Lights
• Leather seating surfaces
• 8-way power driver seat w/ lumbar support
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) – driver seat and outside mirrors
• 6-way power passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• LED interior illumination
• Auto-dimming room mirror w/ HomeLink® and compass
• Premium door sill plates
• Floor console-mounted vents
• Auto up/down front passenger window
• Wood grain interior trim inserts
• SiriusXM® satellite radio (90 day complimentary trial)
• HD Radio™ technology
• Blue Link® Connected Car Services
• Blue Link® Connected Care Package (for 3-years, enrollment required)
• Blue Link® Remote Package (for 3-years, enrollment required)
• USB charge port (2nd row floor console)

Sonata Hybrid Limited Ultimate Package $3,850 MSRP

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
• Driver Attention Warning System
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic high beam assist
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ stop/start capability
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) w/ Auto Vehicle Hold
• Heated steering wheel
• Rear side window manual sunshades
• Navigation System w/ 8-inch Color Touchscreen Display
• Infinity® premium audio system
• SiriusXM® Travel Link®
• Blue Link® Guidance Package (for 3-years, enrollment required)
• Wireless device charging

HYBRID POWERTRAIN
The heart of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter would normally be found. Sonata Hybrid’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving characteristics Sonata owners expect while improving fuel economy through the use of a larger electric motor.

This innovative transmission uses an electric oil pump, which helps improve efficiency. It is possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain.

Sonata Hybrid’s Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. The electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Hybrid SE has preliminary internal estimates of 39 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined. The Sonata Hybrid’s total range is estimated at more than 650 miles under typical driving conditions.

The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is 1.76 kWh and the battery pack fits under the trunk floor, which allows for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Sonata Hybrid offers 13.3 cu. ft. of cargo volume, thanks to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design. Locating the battery pack beneath the trunk floor helps improve cargo volume and total interior volume with 106.1 cu. ft., the most in its segment.

PLUG-IN HYBRID POWERTRAIN
Although the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is very technologically advanced, it drives similarly to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the additional benefit of extended all-electric range. A 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, gives the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 27 miles, and it can recharge in less than three hours with a level-two charger. It offers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a hybrid gasoline engine, perfect for long trips, with the additional benefit of environmentally-friendly all-electric range for commuting. As a result, many consumers will be able to complete their daily commute without using a single drop of fuel, and total estimated range is an impressive 590 miles.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED), a 50 kW electric motor, in place of a torque converter. The 50 kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor used in Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed. A 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with the electric motor allows the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid to operate just like the Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. The Sonata Plug-in Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

SAFETY FEATURES
2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in come standard with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure display and a rearview camera are also standard. LED headlamps are optional and LED taillights and DRLs are standard.

Hyundai engineers implemented many active safety technologies for the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in to assist drivers and help prevent accidents. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies, such as Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard. Available advanced safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Automatic High Beam Assist.

The Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in advanced Blind Spot Detection system is designed to alert drivers of an approaching vehicle in the next lane if the turn signal is activated. Drivers are first alerted of a vehicle in the blind spot by warning lights in the side mirrors. When the turn signal is activated, the Lane Change Assist system determines the closing speed of any vehicle in the adjacent lane to determine if the lane change is safe. If the system determines the vehicle in the other lane is closing too quickly, it sounds an audible alarm to warn the driver that the lane change is unsafe. The Lane Keep Assist uses a forward-facing camera to recognize lane markers. If the system detects the vehicle is headed outside the lane markers, a warning on the instrument cluster illuminates and an audible sound alerts the driver.

Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCTA) is another standard feature that uses advanced technologies from the Blind Spot Detection system. RCTA scans the areas to each side of the Sonata when drivers are backing out of parking spaces. If the system detects another vehicle is approaching from the side, the Sonata driver is given an audible alert. This system is another tool that helps Sonata drivers benefit from active safety technologies.

CONVENIENCE FEATURES
The Sonata Hybrid delivers the convenience technology one would expect in a luxury vehicle in an incredibly efficient mid-size hybrid sedan. Hyundai’s Hands-free Smart Trunk is available as well as an electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, an Integrated Memory System for driver’s seat and side mirrors, segment-exclusive rear window sunshades, ventilated front seats, power front seats with adjustable driver lumbar support and Smart Cruise Control featuring stop/start capability.

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY
Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in offer an eight-inch color touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone integration, iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs, SiriusXM® satellite radio and Bluetooth® phone connectivity with phonebook transfer and voice-recognition. Available upgrades include a nine-speaker Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and external Infinity® amplifier.

The available eight-inch navigation system offers a map and music split-screen display and the ability to record SiriusXM presets one to six. For 2018, this navigation system also adds Bird’s Eye View map perspective capability. Switching to a preset station in the middle of your favorite song won’t be an annoyance any longer; simply rewind up to 22 minutes to listen to the full song or catch up on sports broadcasts. SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times.

AERODYNAMICS
Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in use the same functional design cues to improve the drag coefficient to an industry-leading 0.24 Cd.

NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM
Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Blue Link-equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice navigation services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:

• Widgets for easy access to remote features
• Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped)
• Access to Blue Link notification settings

More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.

MYHYUNDAI with BLUE LINK® APP
Owners can manage and monitor the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid remotely via the Blue Link smartphone app. With the app, owners can access real-time data from their Sonata Plug-in and perform specific commands like starting the engine and locking doors. Plus, users can search for points of interest using Google with voice or text and have the directions when they start their Sonata Plug-in.

For Sonata Plug-in owners who will charge at their residence, one of the most useful features of the app is the ability to manage their Plug-in charging schedule. Owners are given vehicle charging options that they can select while in the car, but users can also manage them remotely via their smartphone. Immediate charge is the simplest option, as charging begins as soon as the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is plugged-in.

A distinctive instrument cluster provides Sonata Plug-in Hybrid drivers with additional information about the vehicle’s functions. A charge indicator is located on top of the dashboard to make it easy to see the state of charge from outside the vehicle.

Individuals that have different electric rates at off-peak times may want to schedule the charge to reduce cost as well as reduce peak demand on the electricity grid. Users can do that with the new app based on time and date. For example, charging could be set to start at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on a weekly basis.

Connected Car Services:

• Remote Start with Climate Control and defroster
• Remote Lock/Unlock
• Vehicle Diagnostics/status
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Car Finder

Connected Plug-in Hybrid Charge Management Services:

• Start or stop charging
• Set-up charging schedule with days of the week and time
• Current battery level with real-time electric and fuel range
• Real-time fuel range
• Plug status (in/out)
• Charge status
• Time left until fully charged

SONATA PLUG-IN AVAILABILITY AND TAX CREDITS
The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid will be distributed in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont, but customers in any of the other states can custom order the vehicle at their local Hyundai dealer. Sonata Plug-in Hybrid buyers are currently eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit. These tax credits reduce the amount of federal tax the purchaser is liable for, making them much more valuable+ than tax deductions. In addition, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is eligible for HOV-lane access in certain states.