Hyundai prices Sonata hybrid below Toyota, Ford

Hyundai Sonata hybrid during the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center on March 31, 2010.

CAPTIONBy Todd Plitt, USA TODAYAs Hyundai finishes preparations for its first hybrid, the automaker has released the model's pricing rundown. No surprise here: It's going to underprice the competition.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid has only one trim, and it will start at $25,795, excluding a $750 destination charge. By contrast, the 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid starts at $26,575, and the Ford Fusion hybrid starts at $28,240. The Toyota Prius technically is a midsize vehicle, according to the EPA — and it's cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Sonata hybrid at 50 mpg combined and $21,650 — but that vehicle is smaller nonetheless.

The Sonata hybrid gets an EPA rating of 35 miles per gallon city, 40 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined. The base trim comes standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlight accents, LED taillights, front fog lights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, remote keyless entry, dual automatic climate control and a 4.2-inch LCD screen in the gauge cluster. For $30,795, you can add the Premium Package:

It includes a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch wheels, navigation system, backup camera, premium stereo, leather seats and auto-dimming mirrors.

Hyundai has confirmed that the hybrid will go on sale in January instead of December. This means Hyundai's previously stated $1,300 federal tax credit no longer applies as the credit program expires Dec 31.