Hyundai – Latino Traffic Report

Battle of the Hybrids: 2024 Toyota Prius Limited AWD vs. 2024 Sonata Hybrid Limited

Hyundai, Reviews, Toyota Comments Off

Dec 102024

The first gasoline-electric hybrid wasn’t made by a Japanese carmaker, but by a German one, Ferdinand Porshe in 1901 when he debuted the Lohner-Porsche Mixte. That car was a little ahead of its time but fast forward to today and hybrids have established a firm foothold in the car market, making up 20 percent of all vehicles sold in 2024, a new record in 2024.

Prius front seats.

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently got to test drive two leaders in the market, the 2024 Toyota Prius and the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. With competitive fuel economy, these hybrids differentiate themselves when it comes to technology and performance.

Sonata front seats.

Named the 2024 North American Car of the Year by a jury of auto writers, the redesigned Toyota Prius stunned when it first appeared in 2023 with its innovative and progressive exterior design. LTR recently drove the Limited All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version and it impressed with its performance and elegance.

Refreshed for 2024, the Sonata’s new look could almost be called a redesign, it’s so much cleaner and refined—those upswept LED accents on the headlamps have been replaced with a linear strip from left to right. LTR recently test drove the hybrid version, specifically, the 2024 Hybrid Limited. The top-of-the line trim didn’t hold back on bells and whistles but some technology was a little quirky.

Powertrains

A 2.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) four-cylinder engine and Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive system that produces 196 horses and 152 lb.–ft. of torque powers the Prius. It has an estimated fuel economy of 49 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 50 on the highway. It was just short of that on the test drive with an average of 43.3 mpg.

While the EV mode, one of four available, helps stretch fuel economy, the Sport mode had a lot to do with the Prius’s improved acceleration and power.

The EPA estimates that the Sonata Hybrid can achieve 44 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. It averaged 44.1 mpg on the test drive.

It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC with 150 hp and 139 lb.–ft. of torque and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to engage the Shiftronic manual shift mode which can improve performance.

Features and Technology

Hybrids and EVs sit at the top of most model line-ups, but the Limited with AWD is at the top of the Prius lineup. As such, it was packed with fancy features and technology, as well as lots of cubbies for storage. Interior details, like the configurable instrument panel, a 12.3-inch multimedia infotainment touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, and a split panoramic sunroof stood out on the inside. Nice touches include a light strip along the dash that flashes when the car in front at a stop starts to move.

Seventeen-inch alloy wheels come standard on the Prius but the Limited gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a power hatch lid, and a digital key that allows smartphones to open doors instead of a physical key. A must-have safety feature, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, is standard across the lineup.

Like the Prius, the test model Sonata hybrid was the top-of-the-line model and as such included lots of extras like a color head-up display, panoramic sunroof, cooled as well as heated front seats, smart cruise control with stop and start, remote parking assist, and a blind spot monitor with a camera view displayed in the instrument panel (IP). Adding to the camera and tonal warning, the test model also included a haptic warning that vibrated the steering wheel. A basic blind spot warning system is standard on all Sonatas.

Both the IP and infotainment touchscreen measure 12.3 inches and included striking graphics. The tan leather seating enhanced the luxury feel on the inside.

On the down side

While the Prius does include a good assortment of helpful technologies, setting the adaptive cruise control was not intuitive and struggling with became diverting. Another feature that seems unique to Toyota products is a camera view that engages at a stop light. It does provide a view of the surroundings but it’s more distracting than helpful.

The smart regeneration feature on the Sonata may help maximize battery power when coasting but it may also startle drivers at first. The effect was a bit harsh, noticeably slowing acceleration. Luckily, it can be adjusted or disengaged, if necessary. Also, while the rear seats do fold down, the pass through to the truck was partially obstructed and the smart release on the trunk was overly sensitive. It opened on its own in a grocery store parking lot once.

Pricing for the 2025 Prius starts at $29,485, including destination fees. The as-tested price came to $39,474. Pricing for the 2025 Sonata Hybrid starts at $27,995. The as-tested price came to $37,715.

Sí: Both the Prius and the Sonata Hybrid are handsome, inside and out, and the fuel economy makes them strong competitors in the segment. The Prius, however, has the edge when it comes to power, while the Sonata excels with striking graphics on two 12.3-inch display screens and extra technology like a blind spot camera and color head-up display.

No: Some tech was not as engaging or helpful as intended. Setting the adaptive cruise control could be more intuitive and the smart regeneration on the Sonata has a negative impact on performance.

SUV Review: Hyundai Tucson Limited and PHEV AWD

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

May 132024

Tuscon PHEV

As one of the newest automotive brands in the United States car market, selling its first model in 1986, Hyundai has had to get creative regarding design and generous regarding features in order to compete—its five-year bumper-to-bumper, 10-year powertrain warranty is a worthy example. Redesigned in 2022, the Tucson compact SUV bears Hyundai’s new look but also its creativity, regarding technology and generosity, vis-à-vis standard and available features that help it stand out in its segment. Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has had the chance to test drive two different Tucson models, the Limited and the PHEV plug-in hybrid.

Tucson Limited

Blind spot camera view in IP.

There was a lot to like about the Tucson Limited with AWD especially the Nixie tube display option on the infotainment system, heated and cooled seats, panoramic sunroof, a blind spot camera display in the instrument panel (IP), and an average of 31.1 miles per gallon (mpg) on the test drive. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched to an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters, it was slow to accelerate but the Sport drive mode (one of three) added more power and improved the response. The as-tested MSRP came to $37,454.

Hyundai elevated its low emission vehicles further with the Tucson plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), also tested by LTR. For those concerned with the environment but are still not ready to give up the combustion engine, plug-in hybrids offer a good transition because they help stretch fuel economy by offering some miles of electric-only range. In the case of the Tucson PHEV, overnight charging produced 33 miles of range, enough for a trip to the grocery store or back and forth to work, if located nearby. Also significant is that charging was done on the standard 120-volt plug when more and more electric vehicles are requiring a Stage 2, 240-outlet plug or charger for overnight charging.

Tucson PHEV dash.

During the test drive, the PHEV achieved an average mpg of 41.9 mpg and 51 mpg with the electric mileage included in the calculation.

Unfortunately, hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs remain the top-of-the-line models in any segment, which translates into a hefty price tag, and the Tucson PHEV was no exception. The as-tested price came to $46,105.

It also translates into more bells and whistles, like a panoramic sunroof, a proximity key with push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, smart cruise control, and a 10.25-inch IP and center-stack touchscreen.

Pricing for the 2024 Tucson starts at $28,875.

Sí: Both Tucsons tested offered extra features and cool technology, plus exceptional fuel economy.

No: The Tucson PHEV is costly and the Tucson Limited’s engine was wheezy and lacked power.

Crossover Review: Hyundai Venue

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

Jun 152021

Competition may not be the mother of invention, but it’s certainly related. In the escalating crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) market, carmakers have had to get creative when trying to compete. Hyundai opted to approach the challenge from a value perspective when introducing yet another crossover, the Venue, to its lineup. Latino Traffic Report recently got to drive the thrifty little SUV, specifically, the Venue SEL, and while it may be cheapest SUV offered, Hyundai’s certainly not giving it away.

To hold their own, crossovers need to offer what car buyers want, utility combined with the performance of a sedan. Introduced in 2020, the Venue certainly checks this box offering a 60/40 split second-row seat that deploys easily to expose 31.9 cu. ft. of cargo room. Despite being Hyundai’s smallest SUV, its interior as a whole felt roomy, the seats were a striking black and white two-tone and there were creative cubbies for storage like the one pictured (right) under the dash. The ride, however, was a bit bumpy.

For added convenience, a rearview camera, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and cruise control, cruise control though not adaptive, remote keyless entry and forward collision avoidance are standard. Initially, getting more comforting technology, like a blind spot monitor, required the Convenience Package but for 2021, it’s now standard on SEL and Denim trim levels. The test model also added a sunroof and leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, as well as the Premium package ($1,750 ) that brought heated fronts seats, LED headlights and taillights, and an eight-inch navigation touchscreen, among other features.

A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 ft.-lbs. of torque powers the Venue, matched to a continuously variable transmission. Compact SUVs should also try to be fuel-efficient. The Venue has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 on the highway. It averaged 33.8 on the test drive. The test model included Snow, and Drive modes to improve performance but oddly, not an Eco mode to improve fuel efficiency.

Available in three trim levels, S, SEL, and Denim, pricing for the 2021 Venue starts at $19,870. The as-tested price came to $23,405.

Si: As advertised, the Venue offers utility and value in the compact crossover segment.

No: While adding a blind spot monitor as standard equipment on SEL and Denim was a good move, the base model is excluded. Consumers should at least have the chance to purchase this technology.

Sports Car Review: Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

Mar 312020

From coupes to convertibles, sports cars can be found in several automotive segments, but among three-door sport coupes, there’s only one option, the Hyundai Veloster. Redesigned for 2019, the more refined model bears a cleaner exterior design and improved engine choices. For 2020, the Veloster gains even more standard equipment. Latino Traffic Report recently zoomed about town in the Veloster Turbo Ultimate.

There are six available trims and each comes in unique colors, materials, and accents. The redesign smartly included a two-tone exterior paint option reserved for the Turbo Ultimate trim. The test model came in a Chalk White body with a black roof.

While a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.–ft. of torque matched to a six-speed manual powers the base model, the test model came with the turbo-charged 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horses and 195 lb.–ft. of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. A six-speed manual transmission had been available on the Turbo Ultimate, but not for 2020. That’s a shame because at the Veloster launch, where LTR drove both transmissions, the manual really ramped up the coupe’s sporty performance. The manual is also standard on the R-Spec trim.

The automatic, however, will earn the best EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. During the test drive, it averaged 33.8 mpg.

To customize the driving experience, Drive Mode Select comes standard on all Velosters and offers three driver-selectable modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart. Left in Sport for most of the weeklong test, the ride was noticeably stiff and heavy. Active Engine Sound, standard on the R-Spec trim and above, allows the driver to adjust the engine rumble for a sportier effect.

The Veloster’s appeal may be connected to its sportiness but it is a hatch and as such, it offers something other sport coupes don’t, utility, namely 19.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row seat and 44.5 cu. ft. with it folded flat.

Standard safety features on the Veloster include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with autonomous braking, Lane Keep Assist, and a rear view camera with dynamic guidelines. One away from the top-of-the line trim, the Ultimate added Forward Collision-Avoidance with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.

Features like Blind-Spot Collision and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, as well as Blue Link, Hyundai’s onboard emergency, diagnostic, guidance service, are standard on all but the base trim.

Standard creature comforts include basics like air conditioning, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a seven-inch display screen with AM/FM radio, dual USB ports, steering-wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth, and cruse control, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Audio. Stepping up to the Turbo Ultimate brings fancier features like an eight-inch display with the Infiniti Premium audio system and navigation, a proximity key, leather seating with heated front seats with an orange accent stripe, a sunroof, and a heads-up display.

Pricing for the 2020 Veloster starts at $19,755. The as-tested price came to $29,440.

Si: The three-door Veloster stands alone among sports coupes with its design and value.

No: The automatic transmission didn’t elevate the driving experience.

Car Review: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

Aug 122017

How do you redesign one of your all time best-selling models? Hyundai chose to add new features and technology to the all-new 2017 Elantra while dropping the starting price by $100. Having attended the regional launch last year, I recently drove the Limited or top-of-the-line Elantra trim level in a week-long test, for Latino Traffic Report and was reminded of the value Hyundai continues to reflect in its lineup.

As the word implies, a redesign starts on the outside. Defined by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, the new Elantra also has smoother contoured lines that enhance its aerodynamics. The redesign also includes equipment firsts like the available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights, unique vertical LED daytime running lights, the LED door handle approach lights, and LED taillights.

The Elantra comes with two available powertrains, a 1.4-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s reserved for the Eco trim level. The Limited and base model SE are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horses and 132 lbs.–ft. of torque. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic Shiftronic transmission with the Active ECO System on the Limited, which also includes Drive Mode Select that allows the driver to choose between a Sport, Eco, or Normal setting to further enhance its performance. I kept it in the Eco mode for most of the drive to conserve fuel. The Limited, with its 17-inch wheels, has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. I averaged 35 mpg during the test drive.

Stepping up to the Limited trim level brings many more advantages, particularly when it comes to safety features. Standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist. Surprisingly, some premium brands still include a blind spot monitor on an optional package so I’m always happy to find this critical safety feature included as standard equipment. Still, I would like to see it available throughout the lineup but it’s not available on the base SE with a six-speed manual transmission, it comes with a blind spot mirror on the driver’s side instead.

The Limited is the only trim with leather seating throughout, the Blue Link Connected Car system and a three-month trial of Blue Link Connected Care. The Limited trim also includes heated front seats and offers heated rear seats not found among its competitors.

Segment firsts include premium features like s a hands-free Smart Trunk (standard on the Limited)—there’s no need to swipe a foot under the bumper, just approach with keys in your pocket and in a few seconds, the trunk will open.

For added convenience, the rear seat is split 60/40, folding forward for additional cargo volume. Classified as a midsize sedan by the EPA. The Elantra already offers class-above total interior volume with 110.2 cu. ft. Cargo volume in the trunk reaches 14.4 cu. ft.

The test model also added the Tech Package ($2,500) that included navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Infinity Premium audio system, and the Ultimate Package ($1,900) with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection, Lane Keep Assist, and smart cruise control, among other features.

Pricing for the 2017 Elantra Limited starts at $23,185. The as-tested pricing came to $27,710.

Sí: The Elantra Limited offers great value with impressive standard features like the blind spot warning system.

No: Important safety technology should not be reserved for the top-of-the-line trim but should be available across the lineup.

Reviews: 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai, Reviews Comments Off

Jul 072015

On a recent test drive of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT for Latino Traffic Report, I was pleasantly reminded that cool technology and creature comforts on a vehicle aren’t reserved for luxury models.

The Elantra is just one step up from Hyundai’s most affordable model, the Accent and as a trim level, the Elantra GT five-door hatchback is one step up from the Elantra sedan. Refreshed for 2016, the Elantra GT sports a new grille and restyled 17-inch alloy wheels.

Upon entering the test model, I immediately noticed the panoramic sunroof. At this price point, that’s the kind of feature reserved for much more expensive models. It comes as part of the Tech Package ($3,950) that also includes leather seats, navigation, a rearview camera, dual-zone air conditioning that includes a CleanAir Ionizer, and the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system, among other features.

While heated seats are standard, the test model also had ventilated (cooled) seats, another unexpected feature, constituting a segment first. Not without gadgets, the Elantra GT also included a cooled glove compartment.

Offering the versatility of a hatchback with 51 cubic feet of cargo room once the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat, the GT is powered by the 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine. Producing 173 horsepower and 154 lb.–ft. of torque, it has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. I averaged 29.1 mpg. There’s also an Active Eco button to enhance fuel economy but once engaged, it does produce a noticeable engine lag.

While a six-speed manual is available, the test model came with a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic simulated manual shifting.

Standard technology includes the Driver Selectable Steering Mode that allows drivers to choose among Sport, Comfort, and Normal modes to improve driving performance. Bluetooth, an AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks, and remote keyless entry, are also standard.

SoundHound app IDs that tune, the artist, and CD, in seconds.

One of my favorite new tech discoveries was the SoundHound app. Some audio systems can ID songs on the radio, but not for all stations, especially local independent ones, of which Austin has many. SoundHound can name any tune, even classical music! It’s a free app that you can also download onto your phone.

Stepping up to the GT also brings a blind spot mirror (instead of a monitor) on the driver’s side and steering wheel mounted stereo and cruise controls.

Some may put a premium on a car’s performance, but for the Latino car buyer, it’s all about bang for the buck. Hyundai’s made a habit of packaging vehicles with standard features that other brands consider optional.