Hyundai IONIQ cars

About the Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai IONIQ first came out in 2017 to take on the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf– and it had a lot to live up to.  

From launch, the IONIQ was only available as a hybrid, but from 2010 it became available as a fully electric model, so there are plenty of options.  

Now it offers an all-electric option, the IONIQ’s main rivals are the Kia e-Niro, Mini Electric, Volkswagen e-Golf, BMW i3 and Renault Zoe.   

The IONIQ is ideal for anyone trying to cut down on car running costs and drive more efficiently, as even hybrid options take the edge off.  

The standard model is a self-charging hybrid, which means you don’t need to plug it in to charge because the engine does all the work for you.

The next step up is the plug-in hybrid, and the model sitting at the top is the all-electric IONIQ EV. 

What features does the Hyundai Ioniq have?

Inside, the IONIQ is much like every other Hyundai – it's simple, functional and sleek.  

In addition to this, standard equipment levels are impressive and as you’d expect from a hybrid electric vehicle. The entry-level SE model gets touches like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.

Range-topping Premium SE models get all the usual standard features you’d find in the SE model but with the addition of heated and ventilated leather seats, adaptive cruise control and automatic wipers.  

The centre infotainment screen in the dashboard received a big revamp in 2019 and now measures in at 10.25 inches, and is used to control many of the vehicle’s features. Alternatively, you can just connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.   

While interior tech is cool, what we really care about is its fuel economy – because that’s what a hybrid electric car is for, right? Well, thanks to its slippery shape and impressive electric motors, the Ioniq will certainly save you money on your fuel bill. 

What’s the Hyundai Ioniq like to drive?

Kicking off the Hyundai IONIQ range is the self-charging hybrid variant, which features a 45hp electric motor and can return up to 74.3mpg. It’s a great first step into the world of hybrid cars.  

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is powered by the same 1.6-litre engine as the self-charging model, but instead is powered by a larger 60hp electric motor that offers a claimed combined range of up to 77mpg.  

Sitting at the top of the range is the all-electric model that's powered by a 28kWh battery mated to a motor that produces 120hp and can return up to 183 miles on one charge. This will be a top choice for anyone looking to make their daily commute more efficient.  

All the hybrid models run a clever system when driving that automatically switches between electric and petrol power to get the maximum efficiency.   

Most of the time, it will set off in electric mode until the petrol engine kicks in at a higher speed. It’s all very clever and faff-free because the car does all the complicated stuff for you!