Hyundai’s 2019 Sonata sedan offers five engine options. Drivers seeking the best fuel efficiency should opt for the hybrid’s 46 mpg, or the 99 mpge (electric + gas) from the plug-in hybrid. Those looking for a peppier motor will enjoy the 245-hp 2.0L turbocharged engine better.
Key Points
- Engine options for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata range from a fuel-efficient and reasonably powerful 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas option to a higher output turbocharged 2.0L inline-four and two hybrid powertrains.
- All five powertrain options feature four-cylinder engines with DOHC D-CVVT, four valves per cylinder, and aluminum block and heads. In addition, all trims are FWD.
- The 2019 sonata hybrid and plug-in hybrid rely on the same 154-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but the hybrid has a 1.76-kilowatt-hour battery compared to the plug-in hybrid larger 9.8-kWh battery pack.
- According to EPA estimates, all 2019 Hyundai Sonata models, regardless of engine, offer 30-plus mpg ratings on the highway, with hybrid models reaching up to 46 mpg.
- Turbocharged GDI four-cylinder Sonata offers a respectable 245 horsepower, while the total system output of the hybrids peak at 202 hp (plug-in hybrid).
2019 Sonata’s 2.5L Inline Four-cylinder Engine Offers Plenty of Power and Excellent Fuel Economy, Including 35 mpg Highway
The 2.4L engine Hyundai uses in the eighth-generation Sonata is available in the SE, SEL, Sport, and Limited trims. With 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque, any trim level that features this engine gets a six-speed automatic transmission along with decent performance and reliability for a family hauler.
Although it offers decent fuel efficiency at 26 miles to the gallon in the city and 35 on the highway (29 combined), the title for the most fuel-efficient gas-only engine goes the 1.6L turbocharged inline-four available only for the Eco trim level.
Turbocharged Engine Options Make the Most Efficient Gas Sonata with 1.6L’s 37 mpg Highway and 2.0L’s 245 Horsepower
The turbocharged engine options offer the highest torque of the entire Sonata engine lineup and bring extra efficiency and more power. For example, the 178 horsepower 1.6L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine only available in the Eco trim produces 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
This engine gets the best fuel efficiency among the gasoline-only engine options, with 28 miles to the gallon in the city and 37 on the highway (31 combined). In addition, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission only available with this trim complements its powertrain.
The 245 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine reserved for the Limited trim puts out 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Since this engine has the largest displacement of the entire lineup, it’s not surprising that it has the lowest fuel economy. The 2.0L turbocharged is rated at 26 combined mpg (23 in the city/32 on the highway).
In addition, this engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission exclusive for this trim level.
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Powertrains Encompass the Most Fuel-efficient Models of Entire 2019 Sonata Lineup, Reaching 42 mpg Combined
Besides offering both naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline-only engine options, the 2019 Sonata offers the more efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Sonata hybrid is available as SE and Limited trim. This configuration includes a 2.0L GDI four-cylinder hybrid engine, a 38 kW permanent magnet high-power density motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The total output of the hybrid Sonata is 193 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque.
The plug-in hybrid Sonata is a trim of its own and is also available as the Limited trim. This powertrain encompasses a 2.0L GDI four-cylinder hybrid engine with a 50 kW permanent magnet high-power density motor and the same tranny as the hybrid to produce 202 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Sonata hybrid offers outstanding fuel economy with 42 mpg combined (40 in the city/46 on the highway). In contrast, the plug-in hybrid model boasts a 39 mpg combined using gasoline only and 99 mpge combined using gas and electricity.
Almost Half of the Registered Owner Complaints About the 2019 Sonata Relate to Exterior Lighting
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata has no registered recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but reports one investigation and 32 complaints, making its powertrain lineup mostly reliable.
The 2019 model’s one NHTSA investigation doesn’t pertain to anything under the hood but is airbag-related. The most common complaints about the lighting relate to faulty headlights.
In contrast, the newer 2020 Hyundai Sonata already has 46 registered complaints and two recalls.
2019 Sonata Four-cylinder Engine Lineup Offers Something for Every Taste and Need
2019 Hyundai Sonata shoppers can choose from a comprehensive four-cylinder engine offering with a good balance of power and efficiency across the lineup. For instance, the base naturally aspirated 2.4L offers decent power with a respectable 185 horses and proper efficiency with 29 mpg combined.
The 2.0L turbocharged engine with 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. 2.0L is the best choice for those looking for better performance.
And if you’re looking for fuel efficiency, there’s no match for hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains reaching up to 46 mpg on the highway.
Photos: Hyundai
