Used 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Hybrid first, EV as an afterthought
Camo, 10/06/2020
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
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!
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A change to your driving style with a PHEV
LDB, 05/28/2021
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Just purchased a used 2020 Ioniq PHEV top trim level. This car has a lot to offer for the price point. The biggest thing to consider for myself was the change in driving style. In EV with a dual clutch you need to be a little more aggressive on the acceleration pedal. Then you will get smoother gear shifts and acceleration. Granted this acceleration is not that of a Golf GTI or anything but it's adequate for getting on the highway or up hills. If you need extra power drop it into sport mode. Be in control when you need extra power with sport mode. In this mode this car flies pretty good. Again don't be afraid to push it. I think like me a lot of people think they have to back off on the pedal a lot to baby the car to get best fuel economy. I just started to drive it bit more aggressively with smooth engagement of accelerator pedal and the Ioniq behaves more like a real car. The engine gets quite loud when in sport mode but I tell you it's pretty responsive. Nice to have the this option in a car that I'm currently getting approx. 180MPG+ when I plug it in everyday with my 30mile commute. The regenerative paddle shifters are also great. It makes you pay attention to driving and if done right I always get at least 5-6 extra EV miles with my commute. Of course that is dependant on hold and stuff. The only real drawbacks I see is the engine is loud in HEV and It's also needed to heat the cabin in winter. There is no heat pump in the Ioniq like the Prius prime so interior heat is supplied by the ICE. At first when you ask for heat from climate control unit and it's cold out the engine will start and run almost full out and you will hear it and wonder what's going on. The car can still be in EV for driving if the battery permits but the engine will run until internal temp is enough to provide heat then it will shut off while still heating the cab. It will depend on the outside temp but will eventually turn off. Then you will have a nice tranquil sounding EV ride again. The good thing is while the ICE is heating up it also recharges the battery. It is not being used to propel the car unless needed. If its not that cold heated seats and steering wheel will do the trick. A/C runs off the battery so in summer your engine only starts when the car goes to HEV when battery is depleted for EV or if sport mode is engaged. I test drove the Prius Prime and ioniq for an extended over night drive and the Ioniq was a nicer normal car experience inside and out for me. Not to mention the infotainment system and sound is lightyears away from the one in the top trim Prime. It was the deal breaker for me among other things. The Prius Prime was nice but a little to radical for me and my middle age. The Ioniq is just enough of a green statement for me without looking too futuristic... especially on the inside.
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Pretty Fun Ride
BruizinCruizin, 05/30/2021
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've driven everything from a scooter to a boat (crown vic) and this is somewhere in between. I bought it at the start of the pandemic and only needed to buy gas once a month. I typically drive at night in Los Angeles. The car is responsive, has excellent safety features, and is pretty comfortable when stuck in traffic. Breaking in an engine is important when buying a new car for it to run properly down the line. I just drove from Sacramento down to LA and made great time. It hugs the turns and made it through the grapevine while the wife slept comfortably in the front seat. Great sound system, easy to use head unit (though I haven't tried to update it), excellent climate control, good amount of space, and okay headroom. Very easy to maintain with a long warranty.
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