To start, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid slightly revised its estimated fuel economy numbers for the Sonata Hybrid to 36/40 city/highway mpg -- down 1 city and up 1 highway. Against the likes of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, the highway number is right at the top of the class. Then there's range. Given the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 17.2-gallon tank, you could theoretically roll more than 680 highway miles between fill-ups. Vacationing families and business road warriors will enjoy blowing past all those gas pumps.Improved fuel economy obviously doesn't materialize out of thin air. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system earns its keep as a full parallel setup with an actual step-ratio automatic transmission, a departure from the continuously variable transmissions common in most hybrids. But the Sonata Hybrid's six-speed automatic is missing one key ingredient: a torque converter. In its place is the keystone of this hybrid's operation: an electric traction motor rated at 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
