Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid: 29 EV Miles/630 Total Miles! No Range Anxiety!

Aug 16, 2019

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback Plug-In Hybrid comes in 2 models: the standard but well-equipped Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid (starting MSRP is $24,950), and the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid Limited (starting MSRP is $28,300), which includes more luxury and technology features. These prices are before a Federal Tax credit is applied and a California rebate takes place. (Both of which dramatically lower these prices.) Talk to a Current EV representative about how to obtain these incentives. 

By John Coulter, Current EV CMO 

Ben Stewart, AutoWeek reviewer: “Hyundai wants to keep that price tag in the basement, but the Ioniq still comes very well equipped. Even the base model includes paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch infotainment screen and heated seats. The Limited trim adds blind-spot detection, LED headlamps, leather seats (with power driver seat memory function) and an LCD instrument cluster. The top Limited with the Ultimate Package includes an 8-inch navigation screen, upgraded Infinity audio, wireless phone charging, a sunroof and safety tech like auto emergency braking, lane keep assist and smart cruise control. 

The Ioniq PHEV is a solid competitor to the Prius Prime. And we certainly like the tasteful exterior design as well as the sportier vibe.” Both the Plug-In Hybrid trim and Plug-In Hybrid Luxury trim get up to 29 pure-electric miles, 119 MPGe on a full charge in electric mode, and 52 MPG Combined when operating in hybrid mode with both gas and electric. Total range for gas and electric is a staggering 630 miles! 

The EPA calculates that Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid drivers will save $4,500 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to driving an average new fossil fuel car. Ioniq PHEV’s 8.9kWh Lithium-ion battery provides 60 horsepower and improves the powertrain’s initial torque response and recharges with Level 2 hardware in 2.5 hours. 

Its engine is a DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter inline-4, providing 104 horsepower. Both trims also offer lots of cargo space with 60/40 split folding rear seats. 23 cubic feet are available with the seats up. Ioniq comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offers a very cool optional wireless Qi charging pad in front of the gear shifter. 

A larger 8-inch touchscreen is also optional. Environmentally-conscious customers will be happy to know that many sustainable materials are used in Ioniq’s construction. 

Says Hyundai: “From the bio-fabrics to the recycled plastics used to create the headliner, carpeting and door trim, Ioniq shows an eco-conscious side. These pleasing surfaces and textures are the result of the inventive use of eco-friendly materials. Sugar cane accounts for 25% of the raw materials used in the interior’s soft-touch door trim panels. While recycled plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone reduces the weight of some interior plastics up to 20%.” 

An available Blue Link Connected car Services program is complimentary for 3 years. Via the Blue Link smartphone or smartwatch app and Amazon Echo you can securely and remotely start your car, set the climate control, defrost the windows, and in the event of an accident, send an automatic collision notification and request emergency assistance. 

Edmunds editor Calvin Kim says: “The Ioniq Plug-In delivers excellent fuel economy at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a vehicle that can give you some electric mobility but aren't ready to commit to a pure electric, the Ioniq Plug-In could work out well. With one of the lowest prices for plug-in hybrid, we recommend the standard Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid.” 

Kelly Blue Book editors say: “Clearly, the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid appeals to the buyer looking for exceptional practicality, and it does so seductively. In fact, after this test, one of our editors added the Ioniq plug-in hybrid to his shopping list. In the real world, higher praise is hard to find.” 

The PHEV is the 2017 Women’s World Green Car of The Year and has what Hyundai calls “America’s Best Warranty”: 

• A 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 

• A 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty 

• A 5-Year Unlimited Miles 24-hr Roadside Assistance Plan which constitutes an additional 5 years and 40,000 miles more of coverage on the Powertrain Limited Warranty than Toyota and Honda.