2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Photos, engines & full specs

Hyundai introduced the sixth generation of the Sonata in 2009 with ICE-only drivetrains and updated it in 2010 for the 2011 model year with a hybrid version.

With the Sonata lineup, Hyundai made its way up in the mid-size sedan segment in the American market. What started as a mundane vehicle became a sought-after one after major improvements. Moreover, the Korean carmaker didn't slow down the pace even after it introduced the Sonata's sixth generation in 2009 and enhanced it with a modern, hybrid drivetrain in 2010 for the 2011 model year.

With an exterior that showed a fluid design, as a reminiscence of the bio-design era, the sixth Sonata boasted a longer wheelbase that improved not only the interior comfort but also added the necessary space to include the hybrid system components and battery behind the rear seats. Unlike the rest of the range, the Sonata Hybrid sported not only the "Hybrid" nameplate but also the "Blue" one, which was Hyundai's way of telling that the car was green.

Inside, the 2011 Sonata features better-quality materials and a design inspired by upscale, premium sedans. A new center console and instrument panel borrowed some cues from the Hyundai Veracruz. For the infotainment system, a new touch-screen display with navigation was offered as an option, while the standard was a radio-CD-MP3 player with USB and AUX-in jack.

For the drivetrain, the automaker opted for a 2.4-liter inline-four Atkinson cycle engine that was boosted with an electric motor for a total output of 209 hp (212 PS). It was paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox that also allowed for manual gearchanges, although without paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.