2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco VIDEO REVIEW

When it comes to choosing your all-new Sonata, you’ll be faced with 3 powertrain choices. So how do you decide which one is right for you? I’ve already driven the 2.4 and 2.0T engines and now I complete the trifecta with a week in the gas sipping Sonata Eco.

Sandwiched smackdab in the middle of the new Sonata lineup sits the Eco. Now depending on which of the 6 models tickles your fancy, your combined gas mileage may be 25, 26, 28, 29, or like here, 32mpg; quite unusual to see such a trim-specific spread in a car that always has a 4-cylinder engine. The Eco makes its way with the smallest Sonata engine – a 1.6-liter turbo. It’s also the only Sonata – and only midsize sedan for that matter – to utilize a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you’re not familiar with the term dual clutch or direct shift as you’ll hear it called, it’s a type of transmission that shifts automatically without the need for a clutch pedal but that is based on manual transmission principals… a blending of the two technologies, if you will. The key benefit is improved fuel economy. The key detraction can be a transmission that feels odd to the driver.

To those in the know, these powertrain components may seem familiar as Hyundai employs the same engine in the Veloster Turbo – though tuned for more horsepower – and a 6-speed version of the DCT transmission in the non-turbo Veloster. So they both come to the Sonata with some experience but this is their first dance together. And as if often the case with initial meetings, things can be a little awkward.

The Sonata is a fantastic car – big, smooth, comfortable and loaded with intuitive tech – it’s matured into the family sedan Hyundai always knew it could be, selling over 200,000 units annually. My favorite is the Sonata Sport 2.0T though that’s not the range-topper; that title belongs to the Limited 2.0T. That 245-horsepower motor and 6-speed auto hits the sweet spot. But for the efficiency minded, the 178-horsepower Eco returns 28mpg city/38mpg highway according to the EPA so compared to the 2.0T, this car manages to consume about 20% less gas which could save you about $250 per year at the pump. It also extends the driving range to almost 600 miles on a single tank.

Here’s the thing about the Sonata Eco – unless you’re driving in Sport mode it feels completely lifeless. To those who don’t mind sedate driving, the extra 3 mpg the Eco buys you just might be worth it but if you have even a modicum of hustle in your driving style you’d better turn your attention to one of the other 2 models.

Normal and Eco modes are almost indistinguishable, but it’s Sport mode that truly delivers on normal. There are times, like merging into traffic for instance, where you press the gas and nothing happens – to the point where you seriously question your decision to go for it. And though mostly smooth shifting, the DCT sometimes behaves in ways that’ll have owners wondering if something’s wrong. In cold temps on winter blend, I averaged about 28mpg. But the sacrifice in drivability is too steep for me.

Now as it pertains to everything else, the Sonata continues to be a stand-out. The cabin is brilliantly simple with a huge backseat and, thanks to the optional tech package – the only add-on available for the Eco model – delivers comprehensive, fun and easy to use electronics. At $4,100 it’s not cheap, but it includes the complete pantry of step-up items for safety, luxury and convenience including special items like the hands-free smart trunk opener and the exceptional infotainment unit with great features like SoundHound, taking the guess work out of “who sings that?”

Priced from $24,085 and like this for $28,560, the Sonata Eco is the one Sonata I’d take a pass on.

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