Topic: Sonata Hybrid vs Camry Hybrid

[serenaray]

Soliciting some advice and opinions. Two major requirements from the wife are blutooth and backup camera

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Premium - $36k out the door
    Likes:
    - drives more like a "normal" car
    Concerns:
    - steering problem with '11 Sonatas
    - first generation hybrid tech

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Leather/Nav - $38k out the door
    Likes:
    - proven hybrid tech
    Concerns:
    - upcoming 2012 better packaging?

thoughts?

[Shnak]

From what I've read, the Sonata Hybrid delivers quite a bit better fuel economy than the Camry Hybrid, but that's something hard to substantiate without direct comparisons between the two.

Don't forget the Optima Hybrid too... same powertrain as the Sonata, slightly different features/packaging, vastly different style and maybe differences in price too. I personally prefer the look of the Optima, but it's very subjective!

[CanuckS2K]

Doesn't the Fusion Hybrid get the best fuel economy of the bunch?  The Altima Hybrid could be added to your list as well.

[Frontier1]

Doesn't the Fusion Hybrid get the best fuel economy of the bunch?  The Altima Hybrid could be added to your list as well.

Altima Hybrid, nah, not a good bet as it will be discontinued in favor of their own system for the next Altima.

[serenaray]

As far as fuel economy is concerned, I've searched forums for some real-world stats for mixed driving.

Sonata: 6.5L
Camry: 6.9L

Hyundai does have the better warranty coverage yet it's still early to tell whether it'll need work after a year or so.

[johngenx]

I'd wait for the 2012 Camry Hybrid.  Power is up a bit, and fuel economy is substantially better.

[Frontier1]

As far as fuel economy is concerned, I've searched forums for some real-world stats for mixed driving.

Sonata: 6.5L
Camry: 6.9L

Hyundai does have the better warranty coverage yet it's still early to tell whether it'll need work after a year or so.

Better fuel economy and good looks to boot, Hyundai wins.

[alpineskier]

I think you should look into the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
I bought a Ford Fusion SEL V6 AWD this April for 36,000$ out the door and it's a beautiful car, much better than what I would have expected.
I assume this would apply to the hybrid as well since it's very similar to the normal car and there aren't much changes.
I think it gets slightly better fuel economy than the Sonata Hybrid.
It's slightly down vs. the Camry Hybrid, but what you lose in fuel economy you gain back in purchase price and the fact that you're driving a "normal" car vs. the boring version of a boring car.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Here are the numbers from the EPA.

[johngenx]

2012 Camry is supposed to have ~30% increase in fuel economy with a new braking system and other tweaks.  I'd wait for it if I were in the market for a Camry Hybrid.  Also, a bump from 187 to 200hp.  Much nicer interior materials too.

[Ice]

It seems like the new Camry is back in the runnings.

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-first-drive-review/

Not bad... Fusion and Sonata territory and apparently it drives quite normally too (except for the breaks).

[serenaray]

Just a quick update -- ended up with the Sonata Hybrid and thus far, quite impressed. Toyota ended up calling after I had taken delivery to let me know the cash rebates were now $5000 (from $3000) but it was too late.

First tank of gas:
59.070 Litres
817.1 km
Trip computer avg: 6.6L/100km
Avg speed: 33kph

All city except for 1 hwy trip of 62km.

[whaddaiknow]

Just a quick update -- ended up with the Sonata Hybrid and thus far, quite impressed. Toyota ended up calling after I had taken delivery to let me know the cash rebates were now $5000 (from $3000) but it was too late.

First tank of gas:
59.070 Litres
817.1 km
Trip computer avg: 6.6L/100km
Avg speed: 33kph

All city except for 1 hwy trip of 62km.

That's pretty darn impressive, especially for the first tank, and bang on with the EPA numbers.
Looks like you made the right choice. Happy motoring!

[5 Wheel Drive]

That's impressive.  And, oh yeah.....
 

[safristi]

Here are the numbers from the EPA.

  thats a FOONY LOOKING Sonata in BLUE in the PICS.....

[Hammy]

The Sonata non-hybrid has super fuel economy for a much lower price, did you consider non-hybrid? The Sonata is at least 3000 X better looking than the camry either way.