2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Review
- Excellent fuel economy
- Lots of available tech features and driver aids
- Large cargo area
- Slow acceleration
- Seats can get uncomfortable on long drives
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Electronic parking brake now standard
- Part of the first Ioniq generation introduced for 2017
Hyundai offers three versions of the 2021 Ioniq. There's the Ioniq Electric that's a pure electric vehicle, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid that uses a gas engine when it's needed, and the Ioniq Hybrid — no outlet required. The Hybrid admirably serves its mission of being the baseline and most affordable Ioniq. The EPA estimates it will get up to 59 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is excellent for a hybrid. It also boasts a roomy cargo area and a pleasing number of standard features.
The most obvious comparison facing the Ioniq Hybrid is the Toyota Prius. Both use a hatchback design to maximize both aerodynamics and utility. But there are plenty of other small hybrid options at your disposal too, including the Honda Insight, Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Among this group, the Ioniq Hybrid holds its own and is worth checking out if you're shopping for a fuel-sipping hybrid. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of its performance, comfort and more.
Our verdict | |
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient commuter and errand runner, you should take a look at the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. It offers the practicality of a hatchback plus great fuel economy of more than 50 mpg. Hyundai's strong warranty is an added bonus. But we're less enamored with the Ioniq's tepid performance and somewhat drab interior. | |
How does the Ioniq Hybrid drive? | |
Hyundai's Ioniq Hybrid is adequate across the board. Acceleration is slightly slower than average for this class. In our testing, the Ioniq Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, which is below average. The Ioniq feels lethargic even with your foot on the floor. Emergency braking performance is similarly subpar. However, the brakes work smoothly in everyday situations, and the handling and steering contribute to a somewhat lively feel when going around turns. In general, you'll have no issues with daily commuting, running errands or taking an occasional cruise. | |
How comfortable is the Ioniq Hybrid? | |
The Ioniq Hybrid is average in terms of overall comfort. The front seats provide decent cushioning and upper body support, but some drivers will wish for more lumbar support and more thigh support. The rear seats aren't particularly comfortable because of their upright backrests and firm padding. We do like the Ioniq's ride quality, which is pleasantly smooth over most surfaces. The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds. Unfortunately, that means you'll hear the engine working pretty hard when climbing grades. The simple single-zone climate control system works effectively. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Ioniq Hybrid's interior is functional, and passenger space is decent given its compact size. The driver's seat has enough adjustability to allow most drivers to find a comfortable driving position. Taller rear passengers will find the quarters a bit tight and will have to duck their heads to get in because of the Ioniq's sloping rear roofline. Most controls are clearly labeled and arranged logically. But many of them are touch-sensitive buttons, which can be trickier to press than traditional buttons because it's harder to know whether your button press actually worked. Visibility is hampered somewhat by the car's front and rear pillars, but the available blind-spot monitoring system helps with the over-the-shoulder issues when switching lanes. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The Ioniq Hybrid's technology features are straightforward to use. The available 10.25-inch touchscreen has bright and crisp-looking graphics but is a little slow in responding to your touch. Bluetooth pairing is quick, and smartphones can be connected with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice controls work well but are basic in what they can adjust. The premium sound system in the Limited trim produces good clarity, and the navigation system is reminiscent of today's smartphones in look and feel. We like that a number of advanced safety and driver aids come standard. Only the lane keeping system was a little overly sensitive in our testing. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Hatchbacks offer more utility than comparably sized sedans, so the Ioniq Hybrid naturally holds an advantage in this area. There's 26.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which is a lot more than you can fit in the Honda Insight's trunk. The Toyota Prius, at 27.4 cubic feet, has slightly more cargo space. The Ioniq Hybrid also offers plenty of storage space for small items. The door pockets are somewhat narrow, but combine them with the deep center bin and center console nooks and you've got a good amount of space for your stuff. Our Limited test car had the wireless charging pad in the front cubby, which can hold larger phones. Car seat accommodation is just OK; anchor points are clearly marked but access to them is tight. | |
How economical is the Ioniq Hybrid? | |
In its least expensive Blue configuration, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 59 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles around. The top-of-the-line Limited trim is slightly lower at 55 mpg combined. During Edmunds' testing, we were able to get an excellent combined average of 56 mpg. The onboard mpg meter was pretty close and indicated 55.3 mpg. | |
Is the Ioniq Hybrid a good value? | |
The Ioniq Hybrid offers solid value in this hybrid market. It may not be the cheapest model out there, but you get a lot for your money. And despite some cheap-looking interior surface plastics, the Ioniq Hybrid feels fundamentally well built. Hyundai's warranty is best in class. It includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. The hybrid battery carries a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and complimentary maintenance is provided for three years/36,000 miles. Roadside assistance is provided for five years with no mileage limit. | |
Wildcard | |
The Ioniq Hybrid doesn't have blazing speed, brisk off-the-line acceleration or even edgy styling. But it is easy to drive and friendly to operate, and the mildly refreshed design is enough to attract a second look. On top of that, you get all the value that Hyundai typically brings to the table with more standard features than before. | |
Which Ioniq Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid models
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a four-door hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, available in four trim levels: Blue, SE, SEL and Limited. All models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a gasoline-electric hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 139 horsepower. Standout features include:
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid pricing
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Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $23,400
- MPG & Fuel
- 57 City / 59 Hwy / 58 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 139 hp @ N/A rpm
- Torque: N/A
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 176.0 in. / Height: 56.9 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 2996 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 26.5 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Ioniq Hybrid safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Applies the brakes automatically to avoid or lessen an impact if the onboard camera and radar sensor predict an imminent collision.
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Helps prevent side collisions by prompting a visual (driver's side mirror) and audible alert when a vehicle is driving alongside.
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Adjusts the car's speed to maintain a gap in traffic. Can slow to a stop and resume moving in traffic.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vs. the competition
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
2021 Honda Insight
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vs. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is an excellent pick for a hybrid, in large part because it doesn't look or act much like a hybrid. We especially like its strong acceleration and upscale interior. In fact, the biggest giveaway that it's a hybrid is its impressive fuel economy figures. The Ioniq Hybrid is drab by comparison, though it has slightly better fuel economy and cargo space.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vs. Kia Niro
The Ioniq Hybrid and the Kia Niro both stand out with their long list of standard features. Here's where they differ: The Niro has more athletic handling and more comfortable seats. The Niro is also SUV-like, so it's spacious inside and it sits a little higher up. But for maximum mpg, the Ioniq is still the way to go.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Like its Prius sibling, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid uses the same gasoline-electric powertrain to achieve strong fuel economy figures. We like it a bit better than the Prius, though, because it retains slightly sporty styling and is also priced lower. The downside is the Corolla Hybrid has half the cargo space of the Ioniq Hybrid and still trails in EPA estimates.
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FAQ
Is the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid:
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Electronic parking brake now standard
- Part of the first Ioniq generation introduced for 2017
Is the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?
Is the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,400.
Other versions include:
- Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $31,400
- Blue 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $23,400
- SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $25,350
- SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $28,600