The shrinking number of sedans for sale only serves to call attention to the really good examples that remain, in particular, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid. With impressive exterior styling and a near-luxury cabin, the other-worldly fuel economy puts it at the top of must-drive vehicles if you’re in the market for a midsize sedan.
With the light bar across the front and massive grille below it, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid features a contemporary design.
Hyundai made its mark in the U.S. by offering cheap (yes, unfortunately in all ways) sedans aimed at young buyers. It’s evolved to producing sedans (and SUVs) with leading-edge design, impressive quality, and must-have technology.
The 2025 Sonata Limited Hybrid may be the best example. The exterior styling really sets it apart from more staid competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our test model came in Aero Silver, which is more of a milky-looking silver than a stainless steel or charcoal so common vehicles today.
Our test model came with 17-inch alloy spoke wheels that only lend to that upscale look and feel. The horizon lamp bar that stretches across the front of the car — and matched at the rear — gives the Sonata a modern, contemporary style that isn’t overdone or “too much.”
Premium cabin
That look gives it a luxury feel that carries over to the interior of the car. The massive dual display screen mirrors what you find in many premium and luxury vehicles. The right “half” of the display is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that gives you a clear look at everything you need, whether that’s a map for navigation, the radio stations or wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screens, which come standard on the Limited.
Our test model came with 17-inch alloy spoke wheels that give it an upscale look and feel.
The Limited trim features a 12-speaker Bose audio system that delivers clear, crisp sound and decibel levels anyone can appreciate — especially live music fans of any and all styles of music.
Below that touchscreen are the touch-activated climate controls, featuring dual-zone temperature functions as well as heated and ventilated seats in the Limited trim. They work as expected, although they’re not quite as satisfying as actual buttons. Those heated and ventilated seats are also covered in leather in the top trim. They’re comfortable and supportive, but nothing to write home about. They do their job and they do it well.
If you’re seated in the second row, it’s not a bad place. Again, the seats are comfortable, although leg room is a bit wanting, but not uncomfortable. The 60/40 split seat offers a fold-down armrest complete with cupholders.
Safety first
The massive dual display screen mirrors what you find in many premium and luxury vehicles.
One thing Hyundai never skimps on is technology. Some of its simple and low-key, such as a hands-free opening trunk or a proximity key with push-button start that makes life simple. Or more involved options like a digital key that allows you or others to use a smartphone like a key.
Often, the most convenient forms of technology double safety measures, including my favorite bit of tech, the Blind-Spot View Monitor. It’s a small window that pops up on the instrument cluster when you use your turn signal. It shows you what’s in the lane you intend to enter and warns you if there’s already something there.
Hyundai offers a slew of advanced driver assistance technology under its Drive Sense suite. Those features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, and more.
Performance
When you see the word “hybrid” in the name of a vehicle, it does inject a level of uncertainty into the equation. Are you getting a performance boost? Are you getting outrageous fuel economy? In this case, you get a little bit of both.
Below that touchscreen are the touch-activated climate controls, featuring dual-zone temperature functions.
The Sonata Limited Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The fact that it’s a 6-speed and not a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is already good news. The addition bit of news? It’s more powerful than Hyundai’s non-hybrid Sonata: 192 horsepower to 191 hp.
Ok, it’s not much but when you see that you get 44 mpg city, 51 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined, getting an additional pony seems a little more … impressive. Not only that, it’s got some guts. I mean, you’re not going to blow away any EVs or sports cars, but if you need to make a quick move on the highway or shoot into a gap on a surface street, you’ve got something under that right foot to help you.
Like, love or loathe
Well, it seems pretty clear that I don’t loathe the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid. In fact, I was really looking forward to driving the new Sonata because my personal vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not a hybrid, but still, it’s a decade older, and I wanted to compare them.
My personal vehicle is also a step up from the base model so we’re talking cloth seats that are heated only by the warmth generated by my behind. More importantly, I expect to replace my Sonata sometime in the next 12 months so every drive is a test drive for me.
I had been committed to buying an SUV or crossover for my next vehicle. But after spending a week in the Sonata Limited Hybrid, I’m rethinking that — especially after seeing that you can get a loaded, near luxury sedan for just under $39,000 including the destination fee. I think I’m I love.
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