Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid to Start at $35,000

The plug-in hybrid version of Hyundai Motor Co.’s Sonata midsize sedan has a base price of $34,600, while the up-level Limited variant starts at $38,600. Both vehicles, which are being launched this week in select states, qualify for a $4,900 federal tax credit.

The conventionally powered Sonata sedan starts at $30,900.

The hybrid Sonata initially is available only in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The hybrid powertrain teams a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 9.8-kWh lithium polymer battery. The combination produces 202 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.

The car can travel 27 miles in full-electric mode, which Nissan says is best in class. It takes about nine hours to recharge the battery on a 120-volt power outlet and less than three hours to do the job with a 240-volt charger.

Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment display, GPS navigation, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other goodies include blind spot-detection with rear cross-traffic alert, a hands-free trunk lid release and 17-inch "eco-spoke" alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-line Limited edition adds forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, HID xenon headlights with automated high-beam assist and automatic engine stop-start. It also gets ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, woodgrain trim and an Infinity premium audio system.