Used 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes in three variations. The Ioniq Hybrid features a gasoline-engine/electric-motor setup, while the nearly identical Plug-in Hybrid can be charged at home and run solely on electric power for short distances. Finally, there’s the California-only Electric that can’t quite match the range of the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, but doesn’t cost as much either. In its most efficient form, the Ioniq Hybrid Blue earns 57-mpg city/59-mpg highway, with a total cruising distance of nearly 700 miles. That’s right up there with the best-selling Toyota Prius. The entire Ioniq lineup offers traditional Hyundai value, with loads of features for not a lot of cash, and one of the best standard hybrid warranties in the business.

From behind the wheel, the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid is refined and comfortable with few indications that its complex powertrain is using both an electric motor and a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine to get you down the road. Basically, it feels like a regular compact car, and that’s a good thing. The Hybrid even uses a normal-looking shifter for the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and there are paddle shifters if you want to get sporty and choose gears for yourself. There’s ample power for daily driving, engine-to-motor transitions are smooth, and brake response is nicely linear, but there is some tire noise. Throttle response, transmission shifts and steering response feel livelier in Sport mode, although fuel economy takes a hit. Use Sport mode habitually and mileage in the city will dip to about 40 mpg. The Ioniq Electric has a nice punch off the line, but overall it too has a relaxed, easygoing nature. 

If you didn’t see the hybrid badges, you would never know the Ioniq was a hybrid/electric vehicle. Far from the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius school of futuristic design, the Ioniq’s interior is conventional but nicely laid out with the materials and build quality of a premium compact car. All controls are intuitive and user-friendly, with such high-tech must-haves as Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging. Interior bits are composed of eco-friendly substances, including recycled plastics, wood, sugar cane and even volcanic stone. Rear-seat space is generous for this class, and seat comfort both front and rear is good.

Thankfully Hyundai decided to make the Ioniq attractive and not freakishly fantastic like some cars in this class. Some aspects of the Ioniq’s design have been defined by aerodynamics, such as the smooth roofline that ends in a flat rear, which pays off in the best aerodynamics of any car in the U.S. Rear visibility comes through two rear windows. Unfortunately, where those windows split can fall right in the center of view, depending on seating position. The Ioniq uses LED accents and LED taillights, and the hood and liftgate are made of aluminum to reduce weight. Want to quickly tell the Hybrid from the Electric? The Electric has a closed front grille and different wheels.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Standard on the SEL, the Ioniq’s automatic emergency braking employs a windshield-mounted camera combined with radar sensors in the front bumper to seek out vehicles and pedestrians in the car’s path. The system can warn the driver of a possible collision, and even bring the car to a complete stop.

PLUG-IN HYBRID
Our favorite of the three Ioniq offerings, the Plug-in Hybrid costs a bit more than the standard Hybrid but is nowhere near as expensive as the Electric. With the Plug-in, you can travel up to 27 miles solely on electric power, after which the system reverts to full hybrid mode.

Even the most basic Blue trim offers an impressive roster of standard equipment. Topping the list is a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, hill-start assist plus seven airbags. Moving up to the SEL brings automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, Smart cruise control, a power driver seat and more. The Limited trim includes a power sunroof, high-beam assist and Blue Link connected car services. Dual-zone climate control is standard on the Hybrid and Plug-in, but not available in the Electric.

Heated front seats are standard in the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in and Electric, optional in the Hybrid. Leather seating is available on Limited trims. You can get a power driver’s seat, but a power seat isn’t available for the front passenger. A rear center armrest with cup holders is standard in the Electric and the Plug-in hybrid, but optional in the Hybrid. Limited models can be upgraded with an Infinity audio system, adaptive front headlights, Qi wireless-device charging, navigation, driver’s memory seat and rear-seat vents.

While all three members of the new Ioniq family use an interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor, the horsepower and torque combination is different for each car. All three also use a lithium-ion polymer battery. You can recharge 80 percent of the Electric’s battery in only 23 minutes. Fuel economy for the Hybrid Blue model — 57-mpg city and 59 highway — is best in its class, and the fuel-economy equivalent for the Electric is the best in the country.

Ioniq Hybrid
1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4
104 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
109 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
32-kW Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
43 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque
Total system output: 139 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 55/54 mpg (Hybrid), 57/59 mpg (Blue)

Ioniq Electric
88-kW Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
118 horsepower, 215 lb-ft of torque (Electric)
Total system output: 118 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent: 150/122 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 124 miles

Ioniq Plug-in
1.6-liter Atkinson cycle inline-4
104 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
109 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
44.5-kW Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
60 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque
Total system output: 139 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 52 mpg (city/highway combined)