RideLust

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Photo: Hyundai Motors America

If you’ve been waiting for your chance to snap up a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, you’ll need to wait a little bit longer. I can’t tell you exactly when they’ll hit dealer lots, but I can tell you what the 40 MPG hybrid sedans will sell for when they do arrive. Keeping things simple, Hyundai will offer just two versions of the Sonata Hybrid: the base model will sticker at $25,795, and the Premium version will sticker at $30,795. There’s a $750 destination charge on top of those prices, so call it $26,545 for the base model and $31,545 for the Premium version.

The base model includes a 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle 4 cylinder engine, linked to a permanent magnet electric motor powered by lithium polymer batteries. The car comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with brake assist and brake force distribution, proximity entry with push button start, 4.2 inch touch screen infotainment display, dual automatic climate control, XM radio, Bluetooth phone and solar glass. Opt for the Premium model, and you also get a panoramic sunroof, 17” wheels, navigation system, rear backup camera, Infinity premium speakers with an external amp and subwoofer, HD radio, leather seats and an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink.

The Sonata Hybrid incorporates Hyundai’s “Hybrid Blue Drive” technology, which includes the first use of lithium polymer batteries in a production hybrid vehicle. The Sonata hybrids get an EPA rating of 40 mpg highway, 35 mpg city and 37 mpg combined, making them among the most fuel efficient midsize sedans on the market. Even the pricing isn’t that far off from a conventional Sonata; the gasoline-only Sonata SE sells for $22,595, or just $3,200 less than the comparable Sonata Hybrid. A gas-only Sonata Limited, optioned out to match the Hybrid Premium, would sell for $28,115, or just $2,680 less than the hybrid. Whether or not the hybrids are worth it depends on your daily commute, but one thing’s for sure: gasoline won’t get substantially less expensive any time soon.