PHEV Review: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

Photo Credits: Hyundai Media, ClipperCreek Customers

Efficiency of Electricity with the Range of Gas

Overview

Performance: 1.6-liter, four cylinder, 139 horsepower; 88 kilowatts, 118 horsepower

Mileage estimate: Around 119 mpge

Price estimate: $26,500 to $32,950

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Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 5 years / unlimited

Corrosion Warranty: 7 years / unlimited

Hybrid Components Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid Review

Intro

Four years since its debut, the Hyundai Ioniq is still trying to carve out a niche.

The Ioniq awaits approval from U.S. car buyers. The positive is sales have gradually risen since its arrival in 2017, yet total sales for all three vehicle power styles remains low, just 19,574 in 2019. Seven months into this pandemic-plagued year, sales are meager at 7,264.

Apparently, the Ioniq brand is better received in Europe, where sales are just under 32,000 for 2018 and 2019. This is not a surprise because U.S. people love their large trucks and SUVS, while in Europe the cities are smaller, roads are narrower, and compact, fuel-efficient vehicles are more appreciated.

Anyone interested in purchasing the Ioniq should understand that there are three powertrain choices for the Ioniq. The Ioniq comes in three distinct models – hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full electric (EV) – and all three of them are appealing. The Ioniq was the first vehicle worldwide to offer three different types of electrified powertrains on the same platform. Take note that the hybrid model does not allow for a plug-in charger to add electric power, instead it relies on recharging with the gas-powered engine. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option will allow for more electric miles.

For forward-thinkers who want to travel via EV mode only, the Ioniq EV is quite tempting. But not so fast on that decision, the other two versions are intriguing as well. Regardless of which model is chosen, what car buyers will be getting is a premium compact five-passenger, four-door hatchback that has a sporty exterior, is extremely fuel efficient, and can be driven off the dealer’s lot for a reasonable price.

For 2020, Hyundai has refreshed the Ioniq, adding more range to both the EV and PHEV. Styling updates have been made inside and out across the board, seemingly giving the Ionic more buyer appeal.

This particular review will focus mostly on the 2020 Ioniq PHEV, which shares the basic hybrid powertrain and six-speed automatic transmission with the Ioniq Hybrid. The lowest-priced (starting at $26,600) PHEV among all its competitors, it comes with a larger, 8.9-kWh battery this year and has increased its range from 24 to 29 miles in electric mode.

Interior Space

The Ioniq interior is well designed and all the controls are intuitive and user-friendly. New this year is a larger (8-inch) touchscreen infotainment screen and optional 10.25-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard. A nod to green is its usage of recycled plastics, sugar cane and volcanic stone.

The Ioniq interior is fairly roomy for a compact vehicle, offering both solid head and leg room up front, where it’s capable of accommodating people of all sizes. Yet the same can’t be said for the back seat where three people is definitely a crowd. The cargo area measures 23 cubic feet and expands considerably when the back seat goes down.

Power and Speed

The PHEV has a 44.5-kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, that combine to generate 156 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. The knock on the PHEV and the other two Ioniqs is performance. If excitement is the goal, look elsewhere, it’s not happening here. The PHEV goes an estimated 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds.

Where the Ioniq PHEV shines is fuel efficiency. In pure electric mode the Ioniq PHEV gets 119 MPGe  while in electric mode and overall it averages an impressive 52 mpg. Despite a relatively small gas tank (11.4 gallons), the PHEV can travel roughly 630 miles before a refuel is required. Rapid charging time to approximately 80 percent is around 40 minutes, or about 2.5 hours with a regular Level 2 charger.

Performance

While certainly not sporty, the Ioniq handles admirably on challenging curvy roads, providing good grip to avoid any driver apprehension. It delivers a stable ride even though the shifting of the transmission isn’t always smooth. There’s also some road noise.

Conclusion

There’s nothing terribly exciting regarding the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, but one has to love its low price and its overall efficiency.

– J.W.

Media Video Review: Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid