2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review + Video

Midsize sedans might not be what they once were in terms of market share, but the few left to fight it out are doing so from outstandingly strong positions.

The segment stalwart Toyota Camry is hybrid-only now, while the Honda Accord has an impressive gas-electric powertrain of its own. So too does the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which is back in Canada after a two-year hiatus. And as before, it takes a slightly different approach than its rivals. The result is a more conventional driving feel than both of them, and all without hampering what matters most in a car like this.

Fuel Economy 8 / 10

Of course, that would be how much gas it burns, which is a combined 5.0 L/100 km, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). That’s a little better than the Accord Hybrid (5.3), and the same as the lone front-wheel-drive Camry trim. Meanwhile, this early winter test, which was spread across city streets and major and secondary highways finished with an indicated average of 5.5 L/100 km across 400 km — not bad considering the cold and snowy conditions.

Power 8 / 10

Under the hood is a 2.0L four-cylinder gas engine that works alongside an electric motor to make 192 net hp — less than both the Accord Hybrid (204) and the Camry (225), but not detrimentally so. (For what it’s worth, opting for all-wheel drive bumps the Camry’s output to 232 net hp.) More importantly, the traditionally geared transmission helps this Hyundai feel less strained than its rivals, both of which rely on continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

Driving Feel 8 / 10

That six-speed is the secret to making the Sonata Hybrid feel like a conventionally powered car instead of a gas-electric one, with the process of shifting through mechanical gears also making it more naturally responsive to throttle inputs. Likewise, the steering system isn’t nearly as lifeless as the Camry’s, with at least some semblance of feedback in response to driver inputs.

The Sonata Hybrid also features adjustable regenerative braking, which can be cycled through three levels using the paddles on the steering wheel. While the strongest setting grabs rather aggressively — even then, it can’t bring the car to a complete stop and cuts out around 14 km/h — the ability to change the system almost gamifies the experience and serves to enhance driver engagement. Don’t like it? Simply leave it off (and let that kinetic energy go to waste instead).

Comfort 9 / 10

Ride quality is impressive, aided at least a little by this tester’s squishy winter tires. While low-speed suspension damping isn’t spectacular — and to be fair, it rarely is with a setup of conventional shocks and springs like this — impacts aren’t particularly jarring, and they become even less so beyond city limits. Meanwhile the seats front and rear are the kind that are easy to settle into, with a deceptive amount of sculpting that wraps occupants in a comfortable embrace.

Features 9 / 10

The Sonata Hybrid is offered in a single trim in Canada, although it isn’t entry-level — at least not in the traditional sense. The upholstery is proper leather, the front seats are heated and ventilated, the steering wheel is heated, there’s dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and subscription-based satellite radio.

Safety 9 / 10

The advanced safety and driver-assist suite is robust, too. Basically, all that’s missing from Hyundai’s bag of tricks is so-called highway driving assistance and camera-based blind-spot monitoring, although there’s a sensor-based system in its place. It also has safe exit assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turn assist, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and keeping help, and adaptive cruise control.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

The facelift from a few years ago brought with it a revised user experience, not all of which is an improvement from before. While the button-based gear selector is graciously gone, replaced by a column-mounted unit that’s easier to operate and cleans up console clutter, Hyundai also sent the Sonata’s physical climate controls to the scrap heap. In their place is a panel of touch sensors that’s all but impossible to use without a glance, which has obvious safety implications.

But then the touch sensors that used to flank the touchscreen have been replaced by a row of proper buttons below, while the display is responsive to inputs and the infotainment system itself straightforward. Among those buttons is a programmable favourite; marked with a star, it can be used for quick access to a phone connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, for example.

Styling 9 / 10

Beyond the screen surfaces, as well as the climate control panel, there are far fewer glossy surfaces inside the Sonata than there once were. Not only are the plastics used in their place easier to keep clean, but they look better, too. No, the cabin isn’t quite as stylish as the Accord’s, but it isn’t a bad place to spend time, either — especially thanks to those comfy seats.

The outside is where Hyundai’s designers really worked their magic, with the facelift that was introduced a few years ago bestowing a new kind of beauty upon the Sonata. That’s not just because the last version was so polarizing, but the light bars front and back make this sedan actually look like it’s related to other models in the automaker’s lineup, including the retro-inspired Ioniq 5 or even the Santa Fe sport utility that’s available with a hybrid powertrain.

Practicality 7 / 10

While the Sonata is undoubtedly sleek and stylish, it comes at the cost of interior space. Neither of its rivals are exactly brimming with headroom, but that will be cold comfort to anyone taller than about 6-foot-2, with the oversized sunroof’s frame causing particular problems up front. It’s among the few ways a crossover like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid might make more sense.

Value 8 / 10

The case for that crossover isn’t as strong when it comes to the dollars and cents of it all, with its pre-tax starting price of $45,849 far exceeding the Sonata’s $38,174. Yes, the Tucson Hybrid has all-wheel drive, which isn’t offered here; and it’s more spacious and versatile while offering impressive efficiency of its own (6.7 L/100 km combined). But that’s a significant enough price hike to give pause for thoughts. (Besides, all-wheel drive isn’t as important as the right tires.)

The Toyota Camry’s lone front-wheel-drive trim starts at $36,435 before tax, while the most expensive version rings in at $47,190. Then there’s the Honda Accord Hybrid that’s front-wheel drive-only, just like the Sonata; while 2026 pricing wasn’t available at the time of this writing, the 2025 starts at $44,830, and the most expensive trim is $47,330. (All figures include freight.)

The Verdict

Sedan sales may be declining, but the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a refreshing reminder of all that this automotive archetype does so well. Not only is it sleek and stylish, but it sips fuel, too — and all without feeling very much like a hybrid at all. While the lack of all-wheel drive might be seen as a detriment, its absence helps keep the asking price in check. Given the cost of living as of late, that’s surely something any discerning sedan shopper can appreciate.