Hybrids achieve their eye-opening fuel economy through their advanced drivetrains and their ability to match an electric motor with a conventional gasoline engine. The Ioniq starts with a fuel efficient 1.6L 4-cylinder engine mated to a 43 horsepower electric motor. Combined, they make 139 horsepower which is then sent to the front wheels. While most other hybrids use a continuously variable transmission for maximum efficiency, Hyundai deemed the odd "rubber band" feeling produced by acceleration with a CVT unacceptable from a driving dynamics standpoint. Besides, they reasoned they could hit their mileage target without using one anyway. Instead, a sports-car style dual-clutch automated manual was utilized in the Ioniq, producing quick, precise gear changes, and reduces much of the sluggishness and numbness common in many hybrid vehicles.
Hyundai also utilizes the same gearbox in their plug-in Ioniq, which again uses a 1.6L gasoline engine, but supplements it with a more powerful electric motor. Range on the plug-in hybrid will be around 27 miles, after which the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the batteries automatically and the car begins to function more or less like the standard hybrid.
Lastly, select markets get a fully electric version of the Ioniq. It uses a 118 horsepower electric motor exclusively. Maximum range on the Ioniq electric is 124 miles, which should be fine for most commutes.
The standard Ioniq Hybrid is available in three different trim levels: Blue, SEL and Limited. Standard features across the Ioniq Hybrid lineup include a 7-inch color display touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and bluetooth built in, a rearview camera, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control, automatic projector beam headlights, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument display, dual-zone automatic temperature control, SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio.
The midlevel SEL adds several safety and convenience features. SEL versions get a Blind Spot Detection system, along with a rear cross-traffic alert system, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, heated side mirrors with turn signals built in, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a nicer rear armrest with built in cup holders and some additional chrome work around the windows and interior door handles.
The top of the line Limited gets nicer 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt and slide sunroof, leather seating surfaces, HID headlights, an electronic auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built in garage door opener, LED lights on the interior and automatic windows.
Hybrid Or Electric Drivetrain
Exceptional Mileage
Innovative Use Of Space
Hyundai Reliability
More Fun To Drive Than Other Hybrids
Plug-in Option Available
The Hyundai Ioniq is a brand new model from Hyundai, designed to show off their green-car technology. Forward thinking and environmentally friendly, the Ioniq is Hyundai's first attempt at a dedicated hybrid and electric vehicle. In order to assure its success, Hyundai have packed the car full of technology and gone all out in the quest for fuel economy. Using exotic materials for lightness, an advanced powertrain and an incredibly aerodynamically efficient body, Hyundai claims the Ioniq hybrid will get 58 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
The Hyundai Ioniq is aimed straight at the Toyota Prius. For years, Toyota has been nearly unopposed in its domination of the hybrid car market, swatting away opposition from Honda and Chevrolet. The Ioniq looks to end that domination with their sleek looking Ioniq. Available as a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric vehicle, Hyundai is looking to cover all their bases. Offering a lot of car and more importantly, a lot of technology for relatively little money has been a strategy that's worked for the rest of the Hyundai lineup. Hyundai is betting it will work for the Ioniq as well. Prices start at just over $22,000.
