2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

With the Fed mandating higher fuel economy, automakers are finding creative ways to save fuel. One of Hyundai's solutions is the new Sonata 2.0T, which replaces the V6 engine so beloved by American drivers with a turbocharged four-cylinder. On paper, the Sonata 2.0T's power output of 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque is better than nearly all of its six-cylinder competitors. But can four cylinders really do the job of six? Read on.

Larger photos: Exterior - interior - turbo engine

"Does what it says on the label" is a hackneyed auto-review cliché, but I can't think of a better way to sum up the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. The idea behind the 2.0T is that a small-displacement (2-liter) four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger* and direct fuel injection* can deliver the same performance as a V6, but with significantly better fuel economy. Does it work? In a nutshell, yes.

(* Quick definitions: A turbocharger is an exhaust-driven turbine that packs more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel, make more power, and essentially do the job of a bigger engine. Direct fuel injection allows more precise metering of fuel, which makes for a more efficient fuel burn (more power, less pollution). More info: Turbocharging, direct fuel injection.)

To be fair, the 2.0T doesn't feel exactly like a V6; power is concentrated at higher RPMs, whereas V6s tend to give you a lot of grunt right off idle and then a strong, even pull to the redline. Floor the Sonata 2.0T from a stop, and there's a distinct lack of urge until the turbo spools up and the engine really starts to cook. It's when you're stuck behind a slow-moving truck and you pull out to pass that you'll really feel the difference; at higher RPMs, the Sonata 2.0T runs like a frightened deer. Stop-light drag racers may find the Sonata 2.0T a bit wanting, but for the rest of us who need power to merge onto fast-moving freeways, the 2.0T does the trick -- and with the benefit of much better fuel economy. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2.0T are 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. Last year's Sonata V6 scored 19 MPG city/29 MPG highway, so the 2.0T delivers an improvement of around 15%. And you can bank all of that, because unlike most small turbo engines, the 2.0T does not require premium fuel.

The turbo engine is available in sporty SE and cushy Limited trim levels, priced at $24,865 and $27,765 respectively -- $1,550 and $1,750 more than the non-turbo versions of both trims, and around 2 grand cheaper than comparable V6-powered Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys. Is the 2.0T worth the extra dough? To be honest, I was pretty happy with the non-turbo Sonata 2.4; its acceleration won't set your heart afire, but it hustles along well enough and gets even better fuel economy than the turbo. Drivers who don't need extra passing power will probably be perfectly satisfied with the non-turbo engine.

Would I take the Sonata 2.0T over a V6-powered car? I have to admit, I missed the strong off-the-line urge and the racy snarl of a V6 -- the 2.0T's four-banger buzz isn't as pleasing to the ears. At the end of the day, though, I like high-tech solutions and I love saving fuel -- so yes, I'd take the Sonata 2.0T. -- Aaron Gold

Disclosure: This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-sponsored press event. Accomodations, meals, vehicles and fuel were provided by Hyundai. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.