2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review
- Excellent fuel economy and decent all-electric range
- Long warranty coverage
- Plenty of features for the money
- Feels a bit slow unless going full throttle
- Road noise can be annoying
- Stiff, somewhat uncomfortable ride
- Transmission's shifting isn't always smooth
- Refreshed styling inside and out
- More standard safety features and available driver aids
- Improved features, more of them standard
- Part of the first Ioniq generation introduced for 2017
As its name suggests, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a plug-in variant of the standard Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. It comes with a bigger battery pack that you can plug into a charging station or wall outlet to recharge. Doing so provides an EPA-estimated 29 miles of electric range. After that the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid switches over to being a regular gasoline hybrid and gets an impressive 52 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
The more frequently you can recharge the less dependent on gas you'll be. In that sense, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid provides a nice stepping stone between the gas-only Ioniq Hybrid and the electric-only Ioniq Electric.
The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a small hatchback that is primarily concerned with delivering high fuel economy. Like its primary competitor, the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in, the Ioniq isn't very exciting to drive. It is, however, adequately comfortable, and it offers more cargo space than other plug-ins. We also think the Ioniq makes a strong value statement because of its compelling price and more standard and optional features than its direct rivals.
Edmunds' Expert Rating for the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Due to significant updates for 2020, we're revising our rating for the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid. In the meantime, check out our full rating of last year's Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid for a comprehensive evaluation. Certain scores may change for 2020, but our vehicle testing team's overall assessment from last year still applies.
Which Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid models
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a five-passenger, four-door compact hatchback. It shares its basic hybrid powertrain and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with the regular Ioniq Hybrid, but the Plug-In Hybrid comes with a larger 8.9-kWh battery, which allows it to drive an EPA-estimated 29 miles in electric mode. The Ioniq Plug-In uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor to produce a total of 156 horsepower. Three trim levels are available: SE, SEL and Limited.
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Consumer reviews
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Here's my impression of the 2020 Ioniq after a few weeks of driving: Pros: -The touch points are nice. Interior feels premium. -Seats are comfortable. -Intuitive infotainment and controls. -Heated seats are standard. -Great center of gravity, hugs the road while driving. -Looks like a small car on the outside but has SUV feel on inside. -Charging port is illuminated. -Pleasant chime sound when you backup. Cons: -Driving in EV mode is like driving a golf cart, people constantly pass me, and there is no torque for getting onto the highway or passing people. -EV mode is kindof a joke after I drove a Bolt for two years. While the Bolt was responsive and nimble the Ioniq is sluggish and clunky. I was disappointed that it felt so much like a regular ICE vehicle. -The only way to get up hills/ mountains is in Sport mode. -Dual clutch makes this a stressful and distracting drive. Every time I slow down the transmission lunges, seemingly because it cant shift to a lower gear fast enough. In EV mode, it lunges while accelerating. Maybe this will improve the more I drive? -Doors are loud when closing. -Again, no torque in EV mode. -When petrol engine kicks in, it's loud. -Backup camera needs improvement as it doesn't beep to warn you when you're too close to something. Tip: don't use the paddle regen unless you know what you're doing! Using it can be tricky. And it may seem like one pedal braking (especially if you've driven a full EV before) but it's only for recharging. Overall, I have to say for the value, it's a decent hybrid... if you can just forget everything you know about EVs!
Features & Specs
| SE 4dr Hatchback 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,500 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Limited 4dr Hatchback 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,950 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| SEL 4dr Hatchback 1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,500 |
| MPG | N/A city / N/A hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid safety features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Applies the brakes automatically to avoid or lessen an impact if the onboard camera and radar sensor predict an imminent collision.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Helps prevent side collisions by providing visual and audible alerts when a vehicle is in the Ioniq's blind spot.
- Smart Cruise Control
- Pairs with the cruise control system and maintains a driver-set distance between the Ioniq and the car in front.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vs. the competition
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vs. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
As its name suggests, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is similar to the Plug-In, with one crucial difference: The Ioniq Hybrid does not have a plug-in component. That means it solely runs on gasoline. The Ioniq Hybrid is less expensive than the Plug-In Hybrid, and it gets slightly higher fuel economy (up to 58 mpg combined). But if you can recharge a lot at home, the Plug-In makes a lot of sense.
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vs. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric goes all-in on electrification. It is solely driven by an electric motor powered by a 38.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It is far more expensive than an Ioniq Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid, but federal and state tax incentives help balance out the price hike. We think the Ioniq Electric is the best of the bunch, primarily because it doesn't use the clunky automatic transmission present in other Hyundai Ioniq models.
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vs. Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is essentially a plug-in version of the ultra-popular Toyota Prius. It offers slightly less EV range than the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, though the Prius' EPA-estimated fuel economy in gas-only operation is marginally higher. The two vehicles offer similar strengths and weaknesses, though the Hyundai Ioniq has more cargo space and a more intuitive infotainment system.
FAQ
Is the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid:
- Refreshed styling inside and out
- More standard safety features and available driver aids
- Improved features, more of them standard
- Part of the first Ioniq generation introduced for 2017
Is the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid reliable?
Is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $26,500.
Other versions include:
- SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $26,500
- Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $32,950
- SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,500
What are the different models of Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
More about the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback. Available styles include SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM).
What do people think of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
Which 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrids are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid.
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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