The Sonata launched with the original Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.3:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are “dished” to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This powerplant delivers best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower and best-in-class torque.

Sonata delivers an impressive segment leading 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway/28 combined fuel economy rating with both the six-speed manual and automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The horsepower and torque ratings for the Theta II GDI are 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. In the SE trim, which includes a standard dual exhaust, the engine delivers 200 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

With the 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, the 2012 Sonata offers an unprecedented combination of segment-leading fuel efficiency and power – with a 34 mpg highway rating, 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 - 4,500 rpm with regular fuel. The Sonata 2.0T delivers an outstanding 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Hyundai’s turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system results in instantaneous power delivery. The 2.0T engine is available on the SE and Limited trim levels, with the 2.0T SE adding an upgraded fully automatic temperature control system, and the Limited adding the SE’s 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The heart of Sonata Hybrid’s breakthrough Hybrid Blue Drive technology is its remarkable lithium polymer battery pack. The simple Hybrid Blue Drive powertrain with engine decoupling, significantly reduces the amount of energy required to maintain highway speeds, resulting in a remarkable estimated 40 mpg highway fuel rating, the best of any mid-size hybrid sedan in the market.