There are more hybrid vehicles available on the lineup today than ever before, but they’re still at a smaller number than traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. For instance, the Nissan lineup doesn’t have a single hybrid sedan option. They have the Nissan LEAF, but that’s an electric car, not a hybrid. So, without anything to compare our 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to, we thought we’d see how it measures up to one of their finest vehicles, the 2019 Nissan Maxima.
The Sonata Hybrid was initially unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show as the Hyundai Blue Drive powertrain option for the Sonata’s sixth generation. It then joined the lineup officially for the 2011 model year when the Sonata officially entered its sixth generation. The Nissan Maxima, on the other hand, has been around since 1980!
It becomes clear pretty quickly where each sedan’s advantages lie, perhaps even being obvious to you before looking at the table. The Sonata Hybrid’s strength is going to be fuel economy, while the Maxima’s will be power. The table certainly confirms it if those were your suspicions beforehand, but let’s go through row by row to get a better idea of how they differ.
When driving through the city, the Sonata Hybrid is the CLEAR victor, doubling the Maxima’s fuel efficiency rating of 20 miles per gallon. That advantage extends to the highway without doubt, its simply not as large of a gap at only 16 mpg. Still, you’re clearly going to be saving a ton of money at the pump by driving a Sonata Hybrid over a Maxima. Of course, the Maxima might be a little more fun to drive with 107 horsepower more than the Sonata Hybrid.
Although, that advantage could’ve been much worse. The Sonata Hybrid is quite impressive with its near-200 horsepower. Unfortunately, the Maxima does also have a larger trunk, though, as well. It’s only 0.9 cubic feet larger, but that’s extra space nonetheless. If you can overlook the slight space disadvantage and the lack of power in exchange for far superior fuel economy, give us a call!
