Hybrid cars and SUVs are becoming more popular with drivers in America as people get more comfortable with hybrid technology and look to save on fuel costs. Most of the hybrid cars are smaller vehicles like the Prius, but there are also a selection of mid-size hybrids and even larger hybrids for those needing more space.

One of the newest mid-size hybrid cars is the Ford Fusion Hybrid that is EPA rated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, though some have reported even better fuel economy for the vehicle. Toyota also has a hybrid version of its best-selling Camry. Another big name in the auto industry is set to enter the hybrid mid-size market: Hyundai.

Hyundai is set to debut its new 2011 Sonata Hybrid at the New York Auto Show. A hybrid version of the Sonata should be very impressive considering that the standard version of the car with the 198 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder is rated 35 mpg on the highway, putting it very near the Fusion Hybrids mpg rating.

The powertrain for the hybrid Sonata is said to be much like the one used in the Nuvis concept seen at the 2009 New York Auto Show with a 2.4-liter engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission coupled with a 30kW electric motor and a 1.4kWh battery pack. The battery pack will use lithium-polymer batteries rather than the NiMH batteries other hybrids in its class use.

Pricing and availability for the hybrid Sonata have not been announced. The base Sonata starts at $19,195 with a six-speed manual and the high-end Sonata Limited goes for $25,295.