- Highs: Affordable pricing, generous standard equipment, excellent efficiency.
- Lows: EV only sold in select states, plug-in hybrid needs a stronger electric motor, refinement could be better.
- Verdict: Easy on your wallet and the environment.
Overview
If
you're looking for an efficient alternative to a conventional
gas-burning car, the Hyundai Ioniq likely has something to pique your
interest with its three available powertrains. The Ioniq hybrid is more
efficient than the Toyota Prius
with an EPA city/highway combined rating of up to 58 mpg. While the
different powertrains give each Ioniq model unique characteristics,
every version is packed with features that make it a great value,
including a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and
Apple CarPlay compatibility. Refinement isn't the Ioniq's strong suit,
though, and there are several compelling alternatives. The Honda Insight is more pleasant to drive, the Toyota Prius can be equipped with all-wheel drive, and the Corolla hybrid costs less. All of these competitors deliver similar efficiency as the Ioniq Hybrid.
What's New for 2020?
The Hyundai
Ioniq Electric receives significant powertrain updates for 2020.
Horsepower increases from 118 to 134 hp, a larger battery pack improves
range from 124 to 170 miles, and a more powerful 7.2-kW charger shortens
recharge times. The hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models also
receive a refreshed exterior and interior design for 2020, with the
standard infotainment screen growing from 7.0 to 8.0 inches. Hyundai's
SmartSense driver-assistance system is also new to the Ioniq range. It
is standard on all Ioniqs and includes forward-collision avoidance,
driver-attention warning, automatic high-beams, and lane-keeping assist.
Pricing and Suggestion
- Hybrid: $23,930
- Plug-in hybrid: $27,230
- Electric: $31,000 (est.)
We'd
skip the Ioniq plug-in hybrid, as its weak 60-hp electric motor means
the gas engine often fires up to keep pace with city traffic, even when
the battery is fully charged. The longer range of the 2020 Ioniq
Electric makes that model a much more compelling purchase than in the
past, but it's only sold in fourteen states. Our pick is the Ioniq
hybrid, which is as affordable as it is thrifty. While the base trim,
called Blue, is nicely equipped with dual-zone automatic climate
control, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a proximity key, we'd spring for
the mid-level $25,880 Ioniq SE hybrid. It adds luxuries such as heated
front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a
leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Ioniq hybrid
isn't quick, requiring 8.9 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
Shift timing isn't perfect in Eco mode; the transmission pauses too long
to downshift when you want to accelerate. The Ioniq Electric doesn't feel as zippy as the Chevy Bolt from standstill, forcing the driver to dip deeper into the throttle to achieve the instant zoom that makes EVs so appealing. The plug-in hybrid Ioniq's
combination of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and
six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be familiar to fans of
the Ioniq and its cousin, the Kia Niro.
The Ioniq holds its own on curvy roads, responding obediently to
steering inputs and maintaining a firm grip on the road. If pushed hard
in corners, the body leans, but overall the car feels stable and
competent in most every situation. Pleasantly surprising are its
composed ride and relaxed highway manners. All Ioniqs have
steering-wheel paddles that you can use to modulate the level of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to approximate the one-pedal driving style that Tesla has popularized among EV cognoscenti.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV Having 170 Miles of Range
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Lineup
2019 Hyundai Ioniq
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The
good news is that the plug-in Ioniq charges quickly at a 240-volt
outlet, requiring a bit more than two hours to restore full charge. If a
120-volt outlet is all that's available, a full charge will take
slightly less than nine hours. The Ioniq Electric is rated at 170 miles
of EV range, with an EPA-estimated 145 MPGe in the city and 121 MPGe on
the highway, making it more efficient than many EV competitors. The
plug-in variant is rated by the EPA to provide up to 29 miles of
combined electric driving range.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The
base Ioniq Blue model is the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market.
The Ioniq Limited we tested fell 2 mpg short of its EPA estimate during
our test, but it's still one of just a few cars we've tested that have
topped 50 mpg. In our real-world testing, the plug-in did about as well
as its closest competitors in our set of highway tests, but it failed to
live up to the promise of its EPA ratings.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The
Ioniq's cabin is comfortable and attractive even in base trim, and it
can be well-appointed in more expensive versions. Adding to its green
cred, Hyundai sourced sustainable materials for the Ioniq's interior,
using composites made of sugar cane and volcanic rock. While the rear
seats won't inspire outrage on the part of your passengers, several
competitors offer more room to spread out. The Ioniq fits about as much
luggage as other members of its class and more than some larger
competitors. Interior cubby storage lags behind competitors, but Hyundai
has employed some clever tricks to maximize what space is available.
The plug-in version gives up four cubic feet of cargo space compared
with the hybrid model. You can blame the larger battery pack for the
deficit, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Even
base models come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system,
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and auxiliary and USB ports—swank
accommodations for an entry-level model. Top trims use a 10.3-inch
screen that includes navigation. Hyundai's touchscreen interface is easy
to use and performed well in our tests.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ioniq hybrid and plug-in hybrid
were named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety (IIHS), but none have been tested by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA). Every Ioniq comes standard with a bevy
of driver-assistance features,
while upper trim levels include even more active-safety equipment such
as an ability to detect pedestrians in the car's path. Key safety
features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai's
excellent warranty is one of the best in the industry. The Ioniq
bolsters it with a lifetime battery warranty for the original owner,
which aims to curb concerns about expensive battery repairs.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance