2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Second Drive

Hyundai has garnered quite a bit of praise with its all-new 2011 Sonata sedan, with its most recent accolade being named to the finalists of the North American Car of the Year. In addition to the naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, the Korean automaker is offering up the eco-friendly Sonata Hybrid with tweaked styling and the ability to achieve up to 35/40 miles per gallon, city/highway. The first Sonata Hybrids will go on sale this January, and the automaker has just announced that the car will carry a base price of $25,795 (*not including $750 in destination charges).

In addition to the more efficient powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid comes standard with things like LED headlight accents, LED taillamps, fog lights, iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and automatic headlamp control. Adding the $5,000 premium package adds things like a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a rear backup camera, HD radio, leather seats and an Infinity premium sound system.

Compared to its American rival, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Sonata undercuts the Ford's price by just over $3,000, though the Blue Oval's claim to fame is its 41-mpg city fuel economy number. Still, we're big fans of the Sonata Hybrid's styling and refinement and we suspect it will make a big splash within the mid-size hybrid sedan segment. Follow the jump for Hyundai's official release.