2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

Name: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review
Brand: Hyundai
Rating: 4.1 (17 reviews)

Price Range: $16,999 - $21,998

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited 4dr Hatchback Exterior

+83

Read full review See all features & specs

Price & Payment

31 cars

$19,555 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise This Car

For sale nearby

31 listings

Sort by:

See all for sale

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid model years

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid for Sale

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Excellent fuel economy and decent all-electric range
Long warranty coverage
Plenty of features for the money

Cons

Feels a bit slow unless going full throttle
Road noise can be annoying
Stiff, somewhat uncomfortable ride
Transmission's shifting isn't always smooth

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded and $0.15 per kWh for electricity in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$60/mo

$152/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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?

The Ioniq's rear sightlines are impacted by wide pillars, so we'd start with the SEL, which counts a blind-spot monitor among its many added features. That said, we think the top-trim Limited is the sweet spot in the lineup. It doesn't cost significantly more than the SEL, and it comes with a ton of extra convenience and luxury features.

Compare 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 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.

SE
Standard features on the base SE model include:

16-inch alloy wheels
Heated mirrors
Keyless entry and ignition
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Height-adjustable and heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
8-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid SE also includes several advanced driving aids, such as:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and the car in front)

SEL
Stepping up to the SEL adds:

LED headlights
Chrome exterior and cabin trim
Digital instrument panel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Wireless charging pad
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

Limited
The top-trim Limited includes everything above, plus:

Sunroof
Power-folding mirrors
Driver-seat memory settings
Rear air vents
Leather upholstery
10.25-inch touchscreen
Navigation
Eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Cargo cover
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
A more capable version of the lane keeping system

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

17 reviews

5(41%)

4(41%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(8%)

Write a vehicle review See all 17 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Don't overlook the Ioniq! Completely underrated..

Funktional, 06/02/2019

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

My short list for vehicles included the Volt, the Prius Prime and the Clarity PHEV. I wasn't even considering the Ioniq only because it doesn't seem to get the same press that the others do. The Volt was out as soon as I drove it, it felt cheap, didn't have seating for 5 and when I calculated my commuting costs, the fact that it advertised over 50 miles of EV driving didn't make up for … its dismal hybrid fuel economy. The Clarity was the overall nicest of the bunch but also by far the most expensive so it came down to the Prius Prime for me. I hate the looks of the Prime, it's pretty ugly outside, the interior is weird and not very attractive to me and it only seats 4. I didn't even know Hyundai made a PHEV until the Toyota salesman mentioned it to me while giving me the usual marketing competitive stats. I decided to go drive one and from the start I was super impressed. I liked the fact that it was a more traditional looking car, the interior was very comfortable and again, not as weird/quirky as the Toyota. The Ioniq rides like a dream, I drive 100 miles round trip every day so a comfortable ride is very important to me. In comparison, the Prius Prime rode and felt more like a basic economy car. After the test drive I was completely sold on the Ioniq. After the federal rebate the Ioniq PHEV will come to about $20,000 which is an absolute bargain. Now for ownership. So far I've put 1,000 miles on my Ioniq PHEV. I sold a highly modified 2016 Subaru WRX with almost 400 wheel horsepower after deciding to get something more grown up and sensible. I will say that I have wayyyyy more fun driving the Ioniq than I ever did the WRX. No, it doesn't have the power or handling of my WRX but it does handle a lot better than it should and when you need it, that 195 foot pounds of torque goes a long way when merging into traffic. What's even more fun is seeing what kind of fuel economy I can squeeze out of it. Until I was able to install a charging point at my house I drove purely in Hybrid mode and no matter how I drove I couldn't get anything less than 50mpg (Keeping up with 75mph traffic on the Turnpike). Using a level 2 EVSE I can fully charge the battery in just over 2 hours and despite being rated for 29 miles of EV driving I am actually getting closer to 40 miles of EV range which is fantastic. Add in the excellent Hyundai warranty to include the lifetime warranty on the battery and it's a no brainer. If you're considering a Prius Prime or even just a regular Prius I urge you to go test drive an Ioniq.

Favorite Car Ever so Far - I Want 2 of them

Rob Bozwell, 11/28/2019

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

1) It is a great car for the money. 2) I went 1200 miles on my first tank of gas. I had no idea how nice it is to not look for a gas station. 3) Visibility, It is a great car for short people to drive. 4) It is much better looking than a Prius, it is a good looking car. 5) If feels so smooth on city and suburb roads. 6) The car is bigger than it looks. I fit a long pool pole in it with …

It is a great Plug-in car

Kevin T., 01/17/2019

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

I purchased 2019 Ioniq Plug-In. At full charge, it starts with 29 mi in EV electric mode, then it automatically shifts to hybrid mode ( about 52 mph). I rarely used hybrid mode since I use 25 miles for my typical daily commute. A full charge at 110V for 29 miles takes about 7 hrs. For EVcharger 240 V (level 2), it takes 2.5 hrs - 3 hrs for a full charge 29 miles. I like the car very …

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)

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.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid since its last redesign.

See all 17 reviews of the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Write a vehicle review

2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,500
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,125 Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	29 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	119 MPGe^{MPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.}
Cost to Drive	$60/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	2.3 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid models:

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.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
4.6 average Rating out of 5 reviews.
Starting at $23,600

See Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Inventory

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
3.8 average Rating out of 18 reviews.
Starting at $35,455

See Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Inventory

Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
3.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews.
Starting at $42,410

See Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid Inventory

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price & Payment

For sale nearby

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds' Expert Rating for the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Which Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid models

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Don't overlook the Ioniq! Completely underrated..

Favorite Car Ever so Far - I Want 2 of them

It is a great Plug-in car

A change to your driving style with a PHEV

2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Hyundai

Other models

Join Edmunds

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price & Payment

For sale nearby

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In HybridSEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In HybridSEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In HybridSEL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds' Expert Rating for the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Which Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid models

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Don't overlook the Ioniq! Completely underrated..

Favorite Car Ever so Far - I Want 2 of them

It is a great Plug-in car

A change to your driving style with a PHEV

2020 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Hyundai

Other models

Join Edmunds

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
SEL 4dr Hatchback