A sonata is a piece of classical music and thus inherently enjoyable to most, but don't we all need some peace and quiet sometimes? The 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrid is quiet—in electric mode. And perhaps that's preferable to the ordinary, if unobtrusive soundtrack of its direct-injected 2.0-liter four-banger.

Beginning in the summer, Hyundai will offer the 2016 Sonata hybrid—and the 2016 Sonata plug-in hybrid, which gets a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor. These models replace the current Sonata hybrid, which has missed out on the model changeover visited upon the regular Sonatas for 2015. The plug-in version will be sold only in the California-emissions states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The regular hybrid will be offered everywhere. Both models will be imported from Korea.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

The two hybrids use the same, naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter base engine. It’s coupled to a 51-hp electric motor in the hybrid, while the plug-in hybrid gets a 68-hp motor. Total system power is 193 horsepower or 202 horsepower. Both models use a six-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in can travel up to 22 miles on electricity only; recharging its 9.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack takes five hours on a regular 120-volt outlet, a time that can be halved by plugging it into a 240-volt Level 2 charging station. The regular hybrid, which can travel at speeds up to 75 mph on battery power alone, is fitted with a 1.6-kWh battery pack, which now is packaged under the trunk floor.

While the Sonata hybrid is rated at 39/44 mpg (city/highway), the plug-in hybrid is expected to achieve 93 MPGe combined, or 38/43 mpg in a charge-sustaining mode. By comparison, the last-gen Sonata hybrid got 36/40 mpg, while the surprisingly good 2015 Sonata Eco gets 28/38 mpg from its 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo four—without electrification.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

Of course, what fun is it to save the earth if no one knows of your virtuousness? To that end, Sonata hybrid customers will be happy to learn that two colors, Graphite Blue Pearl and Seaport Mist, are exclusive to the electrified models. Blue leather seats are optional. Moreover, the hybrids come with an aero kit and a distinct front fascia, as well as specific wheels. Thanks in part to these modifications, the claimed drag coefficient is a low 0.24, a segment best.

The Hyundai Sonata is an improvement over its predecessor, and its contemporary look suggests a close family connection to the larger Genesis. With its mature styling and high-quality materials, the new Sonata is an attractive choice—even with a hybrid powertrain. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but expect Hyundai to price its newest Sonata entries with a keen eye toward competitors such as the Ford Fusion hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in, the Honda Accord hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and the Toyota Camry hybrid.

MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

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