Hyundai announced a mid-cycle update for the 2018 Sonata in the spring of 2017, but at the time, only the gasoline-powered models were redone. Now, Hyundai has brought the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models up to speed with design changes that align them with their gas brethren.
The exterior and interior redesigns are more extensive than is typical for a mid-cycle refresh. Up front, there’s Hyundai?s new grille, which is making its way across the lineup and has already been applied to the new Accent, the Elantra GT hatchback, and the redesigned Santa Fe. The hood and front bumper are reshaped as well, while the lighting elements move higher up in the fascia.
The rear is also heavily reworked. Hyundai shifted the license plate from the trunklid to the resculpted bumper and hid the trunk release inside a large Hyundai logo. The taillights have a new design, and the Sonata name is spelled out with large capital letters. The hybrid models separate themselves from the rest of the lineup with a subtly different color scheme on the taillamps, a rear hybrid badge, and special 16- or 17-inch wheels.
The interior isn?t as changed as the exterior, but Hyundai shifted a few things around and upgraded some of the materials. Hyundai axed the CD player, redesigned the shift knob and HVAC buttons, and tweaked the vents.
As on the standard Sonatas, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid have also received a stiffer suspension and retuned power steering. In addition to those chassis changes, s...