With A $500 Lower Sticker, The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Packs In More

Hyundai has priced up its new 2018 Sonata Hybrid, and if you're in the market for both fuel efficiency and value at the dealership this might be the sedan for you. The new 2018 Sonata Hybrid borrows the styling of its gas-only sibling, but these a 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder gas engine and a 38 kW electric motor under the hood.

It's actually the same engine and motor as the old Sonata Hybrid, as is the six speed automatic transmission. However, Hyundai has increased the lithium-ion battery size this time around. That's now been bumped to 1.76 kWh, a 9-percent increase from the 1.62 kWh of the old car.

Together with tweaks to the engine, it adds up to a nudge up the efficiency charts, too. In fact, both city and highway fuel economy have been improved by one mile per gallon. Combined MPG is expected to be 42 miles per gallon on the EPA's cycle.

Despite that, you're actually saving $500 from the entry-level 2017 Sonata Hybrid. The 2018 car kicks off from $25,500, with features like blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alerts included as standard. The 2018 Sonata Hybrid Limited steps up to $30,500, while the 2018 Sonata Hybrid Limited with Ultimate Package is $34,350. All have an $885 destination charge.

The Limited trim adds a panoramic sunroof, bi-function LED headlamps, and LED interior lighting. Meanwhile, the Limited with Ultimate Package gets automatic emergency braking, lane keep-assist, and a wireless charging pad in the cabin, along with a heated steering wheel.

Available features include full LED headlamps, forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, and an extra USB port. The steering wheel is now a three-spoke design, wrapped in lather. All cars get a backup camera, drive mode select, heated side mirrors, and solar control glass. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, on the entry level car at least, but the Sonata Hybrid Limited gets leather with both heating and ventilation for the front seats.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, as is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There's also standard dual automatic climate control, hands-free trunk opener, and keyless entry. The Ultimate Package adds niceties like navigation on a larger, 8-inch touchscreen, Infinity premium audio system, and parking sensors.

Sales of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid are kicking off now, the automaker says.