Rented a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for a trip this weekend
Posted By RichC on May 18, 2014
The last year or so I’ve been renting Ford Focuses (or Foci?) when I’m traveling out of town or trying to keep the miles off my Honda Pilot which is nearing 200,000 miles. Often the fuel economy (high 35+ vs 20mpg) offsets the rental cost, but this time for the fun of it I wanted to try the comfortable Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. I’ve rented a non-hybrid Sonata before and enjoyed the quiet and smooth ride … and this 2013 (??) model was no exception. Very nice.
Fuel efficiently could have been a little better than the 38mpg combine number, since the “other guys” are well into the 40mpg mark … especially since much of my driving was highway. I did my best to use the hypermiling pulse and glide technique without upsetting traffic flow, and was able to gain a couple miles per gallon, but still not able to hit 40mpg. I’m guessing, but maybe because Hyundai still using a transmission with gears instead of the “rubber band” or CVT transmission that they are unable to match their competitors? It also doesn’t look like they go overboard to lighten the vehicle when it comes to the sheet metal and interior … both were exceptionally nice for a fleet rental vehicle. With an outstanding warranty, the Hyundai would make for a great “appliance” car.
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