2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

It looked promising in its debut 2011 year, but reviews say the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (Base MSRP: $25,850) can't match the Best Reviewed midsize hybrid, the redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid (Base MSRP: $25,990 to $27,500) for fuel economy, comfort or drivability.

Testers' main complaints are the Sonata Hybrid's powertrain -- which shudders and lurches at times when switching between electric and gas mode -- and its odd-feeling, unpredictable regenerative brakes. Experts say Hyundai just doesn't have hybrids down pat like Toyota, which has spent a decade refining its popular 2012 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $24,000 to $29,805).

For 2012, the Sonata Hybrid gets a lifetime battery warranty (for the original owner only), plus BlueLink, Hyundai's system that includes emergency communications, points-of-interest search, traffic info, voice text messaging and more. There's also a new optional Leather package with heated leather seats (front and rear) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

• City: 35 mpg

• Highway: 40 mpg

• Combined: 37 mpg

NHTSA Safety Ratings

• Front Impact: 4 stars

• Side Impact: 5 stars

• Rollover Resistance: 5 stars

• Overall: 5 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

• Front Offset Impact: Good

• Side Impact: Good

• Rear Impact: Good

• Roof Strength: Good

• Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

For additional details, see our review of the 2011 model

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets some feature changes and a beefed-up hybrid warranty for 2012, but otherwise it hasn't changed since it debuted in 2011. For a complete analysis of this hybrid sedan, please see our report on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.