Used 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid compact hatchback achieves the equivalent of 119 mpg and runs for 29 miles solely on battery power. For short trips, like commutes and general suburban duties, the Ioniq PHEV could operate as mainly an electric car if its owner recharged it every night.

What’s the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a regular hybrid? They both have gasoline engines and electric motors. The plug-in hybrid has a stronger battery that doesn’t just receive and store electricity from what the car generates (with the engine and recouped braking energy). It can also be charged from an outside source and provides a useful range running solely in electric vehicle (EV) mode.

That’s why a plug-in hybrid is often referred to as a PHEV — plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It has some of the benefits of an electric car, like low emissions and tax credits, but still has the reassurance of an engine on board. So no one is stuck without power if the battery’s juice goes below an operational level.

For even more reassurance, the lithium-ion polymer battery has a lifetime warranty for the original owner. And the drivetrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The regular 2022 Ioniq hybrid is reviewed separately. The all-electric Ioniq has been discontinued since Hyundai has released the completely new Ioniq 5 EV.

When driven as a regular hybrid, the 2022 Ioniq PHEV does a great job of just being there and not bringing undue attention to itself. Changeovers from electric to gasoline propulsion are smooth enough to be barely perceptible. Click it into EV mode and there’s merely some wind and tire noise.

Maximum output of 139 horsepower isn’t going to take anyone’s breath away, not even in a compact car. But it’s adequate for everyday duties.

The same could be said for the chassis. It copes with most situations in a competent manner, without really providing any inspiration to take a corner a little quicker or accelerate through the curve of a freeway onramp. That’s probably fine with most potential buyers.

Hyundai has taken sustainability seriously with its Ioniq cars, leading to some interesting choices of cabin materials. Volcanic stone in the door panels, for example, and materials derived from sugar cane. Recycled plastics and wood are also used.

Yet there’s nothing overly odd about the interior design as a whole. It’s completely functional and ready to provide years of service. If anything, the cabin seems more suitable for a luxury car than a mainstream model.

Occupant space is relatively generous for a compact car, even for rear passengers. Ultimately, the Ioniq PHEV has four fewer cubic feet of cargo space than its regular hybrid stablemate, but behind the rear seats (which split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner) is a perfectly usable 23 cubic feet.

It’s OK for hybrid vehicles to look unusual and unlike anything else on the road. And it’s equally OK for something like the 2022 Ioniq PHEV to come across like a conventional compact hatchback with four doors.

Albeit a hatchback shaped with a particular focus on aerodynamic efficiency. And with an eye on weight. Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum. Upscale details come in the form of standard LED exterior lighting. Our only gripe is the way the tail end separates the rear window into two sections, hindering rearward vision.

WIRELESS SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION
Even the entry level SE trim has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. It saves cluttering up the center console with a cable and makes things a little more convenient. This only applies to models with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, though. The 10.25-inch setup in the top Limited trim requires that USB cable.

BLUE LINK CONNECTED SERVICES
By using a smartphone app, owners can lock/unlock the car, set the cabin temperature, control charging schedules, summon emergency services and roadside assistance, plus several other features. Hyundai provides a free 3-year subscription with the 2022 Ioniq PHEV.

Starting with SE trim, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid has 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights, aerodynamic wipers, keyless entry/start, cloth upholstery, heated/manually adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is also standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, Bluetooth, voice control, and two USB ports.

Standard driver assistance features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-following/lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.

Yes, the SE trim has plenty of equipment, but it’s still worth considering at least the SEL model to gain blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, wireless charging, self-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opener, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Limited trim adds a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, leather seating surfaces, Harman Kardon 8-speaker audio system, Highway Driving Assist (see the Safety Technology section below), front/rear parking sensors, puddle lamps in the side mirrors, ambient cabin lighting, and a powered tilt/slide sunroof.

Actual options are few — things like wheel locks and cargo covers. It isn’t possible to add extras to a lower trim that are standard in a higher model.

A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine provides the combustion component of the 2022 Ioniq PHEV’s drivetrain. This is joined by an electric motor running off a lithium-ion polymer battery. Together, they drive the front wheels with a total of 139 horsepower, using a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Environmental Protection Agency has its own method of calculating miles-per-gallon equivalent (MGPe) figures for all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Factoring in the 29 miles that the 2022 Ioniq PHEV can cover solely on battery power, the EPA’s combined figure (a mix of city and highway driving) is 119 MPGe. When operating as a regular hybrid, it averages about 52 mpg.

How long does it take to charge the 2022 Ioniq PHEV at home? About two hours and 15 minutes with a 240-volt supply.

1.6-liter inline-4
104 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
109 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
45-kW interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
60 horsepower/125 lb-ft of torque
Total system output: 139 horsepower
EPA city/highway combined fuel economy: 52 mpg/119 MPGe