Hyundai Unveils a More Affordable and Efficient Sonata Hybrid | Carscoops

Hyundai Unveils a More Affordable and Efficient Sonata Hybrid | Carscoops

      The company has unveiled the new Sonata Sport, but it seems they forgot to incorporate the actual sportiness into the model.

      On October 10, 2025, at 20:19, Michael Gauthier reported that Hyundai has quietly launched the 2026 Sonata with an updated lineup.

      The SEL and SEL Convenience have been combined into the new SEL Sport, priced at $29,000.

      A new entry-level Sonata Hybrid trim has also been introduced, starting at $29,050.

      While family sedans are becoming less popular, the Hyundai Sonata continues to withstand the SUV trend, receiving additional support for 2026 with new Sport and Hybrid trims.

      At the forefront is the Sonata SEL Sport, starting at $29,000, which seems to replace the previous SEL at $28,000 and the SEL Convenience at $31,050.

      Furthermore, Hyundai is significantly reducing the offerings for the Kona Electric model.

      Although the SEL Sport comes with a higher price tag than its predecessor, it includes several features from the SEL Convenience, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

      Additionally, buyers will enjoy LED lighting, heated side mirrors, and laminated front side glass. Other features include heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The model is also equipped with paddle shifters, a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

      The Sonata SEL Sport is equipped with a range of driver assistance features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist that can detect pedestrians and cyclists. Other safety features include High Beam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.

      Despite being marketed as a Sport variant, it features a familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

      Introducing the New Blue Hybrid

      While the gasoline-powered lineup has been streamlined, the Sonata Hybrid now features a new entry-level Blue trim, starting at $29,050, which is significantly less expensive than last year's base model that started at $31,250.

      This trim essentially serves as a Sonata SE equipped with a hybrid powertrain, along with additional features like paddle shifters and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The standout aspect is the hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined output of 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS).

      This configuration allows for impressive fuel economy ratings of 47 mpg in the city, 56 mpg on the highway, and 51 mpg combined, representing a slight uptick compared to the SEL and Limited Hybrid variants, which reach 44 mpg city, 51 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined.

      Alongside the introduction of these two new trims, the SEL Hybrid now comes standard with a panoramic sunroof. Prices for the SEL Hybrid have also increased, now starting at $32,300, which reflects a $400 rise.

      2026 Hyundai Sonata Pricing

Hyundai Unveils a More Affordable and Efficient Sonata Hybrid | Carscoops

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Hyundai Unveils a More Affordable and Efficient Sonata Hybrid | Carscoops

The company unveiled the new Sonata Sport, but they seemed to have overlooked the actual sporty features.