The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco is the Korean company’s most fuel efficient, mid-sized sedan that doesn’t make use of a hybrid powertrain. It also highlights the two parallel paths that car manufacturers are currently taking with their initiatives to boost gas mileage ratings, in order to meet constantly rising corporate average fuel economy rules. The new Hyundai Sonata Eco makes use of a smaller gasoline engine, different transmission and some new modifications that ensure the highest ratings of any non-hybrid Sonata.
Compared to the conventional gasoline powered Sonata, the new Hyundai Sonata Eco has a 1.6liter engine instead of a 2.0 and it produces 178 horsepower and 195lb-ft of torque. The Eco is also the only Sonata which uses Hyundai proprietary seven speed dual clutch transmission instead of the conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
It also comes with a high final-drive ratio. The latest Hyundai Sonata Eco is EPA-Rated at 32mpg combined. It delivers 28mpg in the city and 38mpg on the highway. It can be compared to the conceptually similar 2015 Ford Fusion 1.5 Ecoboost which comes with ratings of 29mpg combined. It delivers 25mpg city and 37mpg highway while using conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
The Sonata’s transmission features a soft dual-clutch unit, better than most cars but expect occasional lurching in quick on/off power applications. In case of low-rolling resistance tires, the ride seems to be fairly soft which is a good thing but similar to many harder tires, they tend to get noisy on rough surfaces.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco’s power steering requires many minor corrections in order to stay on center at high speeds. With a relative high fuel economy, the Hyundai Sonata Eco ensures a long distance between refills and you can expect 500 miles from your first tank of gas. Meanwhile, the sedan designers have kept the rear seat high enough so that a relatively short passenger can see out the rear windows with ease. In conclusion, the Hyundai Sonata Eco has all the features and benefits of a big mid-size sedan.
Now let us take a look at a comparison between Hyundai Sonata Premium and Hyundai i40 Premium. Both of these flagship Premium variants come equipped generously for their $41,990 price tags.Both of these cars share equipment, including satellite navigation, heated leather-appointed seats, Bluetooth/USB and AUX connections, 4.2-inch TFT displays between the gauges, electric park brake with Auto Hold function, proximity key, a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, climate control, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.