Used 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq lineup consists of three eco-friendly variants, each with their own drivetrains. Inside the body of a compact hatchback is either a hybrid, a more powerful plug-in hybrid (with a greater electric-only range than the regular hybrid, thanks to a bigger battery), or a fully electric system.

The regular Ioniq Hybrid Blue is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids, averaging around 58 miles per gallon (2 mpg more than the Toyota Prius can achieve) for a total cruising range of nearly 700 miles.

Available in 13 states, the Ioniq Electric can travel up to 170 miles on a single charge and, using a fast-charging station, attain an 80-percent recharge in under an hour. This range is better than the base Nissan Leaf, but still far behind the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Leaf Plus.

The Ioniq has good marks for reliability and resale, level with the Chevrolet Bolt, Honda Insight, and Nissan Leaf. But not quite up to Toyota Prius standards.

The 2021 Ioniq Hybrid is refined and comfortable, with few indications that its complex powertrain is using both an electric motor and a gasoline-sipping internal combustion engine. 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 automated transmission. And there are paddle shifters if drivers want to get sporty and choose gears for themselves.

There’s ample muscle for daily driving, transitions between gasoline and electricity are smooth, and brake response is nicely linear. There is some tire noise, though.

Throttle response, transmission shifts, and steering response feel livelier in Sport mode, although fuel economy takes a hit. Use Sport mode frequently, and consumption in the city will dip to about 40 mpg.

The Ioniq Electric has a nice punch off the line, but otherwise assumes a similarly relaxed, easy-going nature.

Far from the Toyota Prius school of futuristic design, no one would know the Ioniq had such green leanings if it weren’t for the badges.

The 2021 Ioniq’s cabin looks conventional, but laid out nicely. The build quality is more premium than mainstream. Some interior elements consist of eco-friendly substances such as recycled plastics, wood, sugar cane, and even volcanic stone.

An 8-inch infotainment screen serves the base models; the upper trims have a 10.25-inch display. All the controls are intuitive and user-friendly. And the Ioniq offers high-tech must-haves such as Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging.

Rear passenger space is merely adequate for a compact car, and seat comfort is good in both rows.

Some people like the extreme look of the Toyota Prius, but Hyundai decided to keep the Ioniq’s styling more mainstream and even slightly upscale with the LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. Even so, the split-rear window with its trim piece running directly through the driver’s rear vision is a bit odd.

Naturally, aerodynamic efficiency is a prime factor behind the hatchback’s wedge-shaped profile. And to save some weight, Hyundai fashioned the Ioniq’s hood and tailgate from aluminum. The Ioniq Electric has a closed grille and lighter, more aerodynamic wheels.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Standard in every Ioniq, the automatic emergency braking system uses cameras mounted in the windshield and radar sensors at the front to watch for vehicles that may cause an accident. The system will alert the driver to the danger and, in certain conditions, can even bring the car to a complete stop.

PLUG-IN HYBRID
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 29 miles solely on battery power, after which it switches over to the gasoline/hybrid system. This variant costs a bit more than the Ioniq Hybrid. And its fuel economy, when running in hybrid mode, is a bit lower. But having that electric power can be useful. Short commutes may not burn any gasoline at all if the driver recharges every night. It takes two hours and 15 minutes.

Even the base Ioniq Hybrid Blue has an impressive inventory of standard equipment. Such as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, hill-start assistance, and seven airbags.

Hyundai’s SmartSense safety array is also standard, adding forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and driver-attention monitoring.

The SE brings Blue Link connected services, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard in the Hybrid and Plug-in, but not available in the Electric.

Acquiring more equipment in a new Ioniq means going up the trim level ladder. SEL trim includes adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and taillights, wireless charging, powered sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, lane-following assistance, and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection.

Limited trim adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather seating surfaces, memory settings for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, rear air vents, navigation, highway driving assistance, front/rear parking sensors, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

All three Ioniq cars use an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, but the horsepower and torque combinations are different for each car. A lithium-ion polymer battery is deployed across the range.

With a 100-kW fast-charging station, the Ioniq Electric can recharge 80 percent of battery power in about 54 minutes. Fuel economy for the Hybrid Blue model — 58 mpg city and 60 mpg highway — is the best in its class; the Electric’s fuel economy equivalent is easily the class best.

In March, Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer 250 kilowatt-hours of free charging to Ioniq Electric owners. The offer applies to new buyers as well as those who have already purchased a 2021 Ioniq Electric.

Says Hyundai: “Customers can access their complimentary charging by the easy-to-use Electrify America mobile app,” which will help them locate the more than 2,400 Electrify America DC fast chargers that exist.

That 250 kWh figure equates to about 1,000 miles of EPA-estimated driving range in the Ioniq Electric.

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: 54/56 mpg (Hybrid), 58/60 mpg (Blue)

Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
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: 156 horsepower
EPA city/highway combined fuel economy: 52 mpg (gas)/119 MPGe (gas & electric)

Ioniq Electric
88-kW interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
134 horsepower, 218 lb-ft of torque (Electric)
Total system output: 134 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy equivalent: 145/121 MPGe (133 MPGe combined)
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 170 miles