Item: 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Rating: 3.3
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

What's New

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid gains a healthy dose of feature and styling updates while simplifying the trim levels. The hatchback receives Hyundai’s latest iteration of active safety features and a new 8-inch touchscreen. The upgrades leave few reasons for it to not be a serious contender in a segment once dominated by the Toyota Prius.

Choosing Your Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

The Ioniq Hybrid is available in four trims: Blue, SE, SEL, and Limited. Pricing starts at $24,155 including destination for the Blue and climbs to $32,155 for the Limited.

Engine Choices

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a 32-kW electric motor. Combined, they produce 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the front wheels.

The Blue trim is the most efficient Ioniq Hybrid with EPA estimates of 57 miles per gallon city, 59 mpg highway, and 58 combined. The upper trims receive slightly lower ratings of 55/54/55 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Ioniq Hybrid offers seating for up to five passengers and a lot of interior room. It features 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and rear passengers enjoy 35.7 inches of legroom, which is more than the Prius and Honda Insight.

Safety Features

All Ioniq Hybrid models include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver attention warning system, and automatic high beams.

Each trim level above the base adds more driver assistance technology. The SE brings blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, the SEL adds adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection, while the Limited includes front and rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s Highway Drive Assist. The latter is an advanced version of the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Connectivity

All trims except the Limited are equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The SE and above add satellite radio and HD radio, while the SEL and higher get wireless charging. The Limited gains a 10.25-inch screen which also incorporates navigation and pumps sound through an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Blue - From $24,155

The Blue is the base trim, though it includes notable creature comforts such as proximity keyless entry, pushbuttons tart, six-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a split-folding rear seatback.

Body-colored exterior trim is a plus-tier feature, but its 15-inch steel wheels, halogen-bulb daytime running lights, and a urethane steering wheel are reminders of its entry-level position.

SE - From $26,105

The next level of Ioniq Hybrid receives a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters for easier on-demand energy recuperation, and heated front seats. The exterior mirrors are also heated and the daytime running lights are LED.

SEL - From $29,355

The SEL is distinguished by its LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a power sunroof. The interior gains a wireless charging pad and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Limited - From $32,155

Sitting at the top of the Ioniq Hybrid lineup is the Limited trim, which gains chrome-accented door handles, power-folding side mirrors, and puddle lights for added nighttime convenience. The driver's seat gains memory functionality, the seating is now leather, and rear HVAC vents are added. LED ambient lighting is also standard.

Compare Ioniq Hybrid Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The SEL trim fits the nature and mission of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid best. It packs plenty of features for the price and doesn’t bother with items that are better suited for vehicles with a more luxurious pursuit.

Matthew Pilgrim

Automotive Editor - February 20, 2020

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Expert Review

Pros

Easy-to-use controls
Phenomenal fuel economy
Generous cargo space

Cons

Cramped rear seat
Leisurely acceleration
Allows some road noise

Expert Rating

3.3

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - March 18, 2020

Roomy in front, cramped in rear. The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid's style imparts sportiness with its bold grille, sleek lines, and falling roofline. It does everything it needs to do to present an attractive canvas.

But that look comes with a price, as the roofline starts to drop where passengers sit in the rear. Not only is legroom no better than average, but rear headroom is also constrained to where tall adults won’t find the space suitable.

One important feature working for the Ioniq Hybrid is its standard cargo space, measuring 26.5 cubic feet.

Weak performance, strong efficiency. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid moves at a leisurely pace, even under full throttle. The gas engine and electric motor combine to deliver only 139 horsepower. That’s more than the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, itself based on the Toyota Prius, but it isn’t much of a difference-maker for the Hyundai.

At least this hybrid stays relatively quiet when pressing the pedal to the medal. The Ioniq Hybrid’s strength is also its top-selling feature: fuel economy. The Ioniq Hybrid Blue, the base model, earns an EPA-estimated 57 miles per gallon city, 59 mpg highway, and 58 combined, which is outstanding. Other models get 55/54/55 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

High marks for infotainment and safety tech. Every Ioniq Hybrid model comes with a long list of infotainment features. For starters, an 8-inch touchscreen is especially sharp and crisp with icons for phone, music files, and the rest. It’s a tablet-like layout that’s easy to discern and use. The range-topping Limited gets a 10.25-inch display.

On the safety front, the Ioniq Hybrid scores high as well. Beyond the requisite rearview camera, Hyundai includes automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.

All but the base model also include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Moving up the trim range further opens the door to adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and more. In effect, Hyundai offers every driver-assist feature available these days.

Warranties to love. Hyundai has long offered one of the best warranty plans in the business, and that’s a proven distinction for some shoppers. Every Ioniq Hybrid is covered by a five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, which is two years and 24,000 miles longer than the average.

The powertrain warranty, which includes the electric battery, is also strong, coming in at 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Other warranties include a seven-year, unlimited miles anti-perforation (rust) coverage, which is two years longer than most competitors. Hyundai also throws in roadside assistance for five years.

All in all, Hyundai’s warranties give consumers an extra bit of assurance for a brand that is now one of the highest in quality bar none.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid offers fantastic fuel economy, attractive styling, and strong safety and technology features. It's too bad that the rear seat is so cramped.

In terms of the competition, Toyota offers the Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, and Prius. The Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Insight are also worth cross-shopping.

Check prices for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

1.6L I-4 / 104 HP / 109 ft.lbs.

Transmission

6-spd SHIFTRONIC auto-shift man w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

57 / 59 / 58 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	1.6L I-4 / 104 HP / 109 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	57 / 59 / 58 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank	11.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$45

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume	96 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	176.0 "
Exterior Width	71.7 "
Exterior Height	56.9 "
Front Headroom	39.1 "
Rear Headroom	37.4 "
Front Legroom	42.2 "
Rear Legroom	35.7 "
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	2,996 Lbs.
Wheel Base	106 "
Turning Radius	17.4 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	15.0 " Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote, Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Metal-look
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (fca) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Keep Assist (lka) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert	Driver Attention Warning (daw) Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	High Beam Assist Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months	120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	12 Months / Unlimited Miles

Used 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid for Sale