2020 has brought some pretty significant updates to the eco-friendly range of Hyundai Ioniq cars, which includes the hybrid, PHEV, and all-electric models. I tested out the 2020 Ioniq Hybrid to see how it performs and see if it lived up to the Los Angeles auto show promises when it was first revealed back in late 2019.
Surprisingly “Regular” Exterior —- And Why That’s a Good Thing:
The exterior design of any car is usually what grabs you first, and what I really loved about the 2020 Ioniq Hybrid is how normal it looks. You might be wondering why that’s a good thing, but hear me out. Where some other producers are radically altering their hybrid and electric models’ exteriors to distinguish them from the gasoline models, Hyundai seems to have taken a different approach.
The hybrid features a clean, contemporary exterior with a large redesigned mesh grille, up to 17″ alloy wheels, crisp and pleasing LED light design —- especially at the rear —- and a sporty sloping roof to create a coupe-like feel. It’s like a “stealth hybrid” bringing you a fantastic combined fuel consumption of 55 mpg with up to 59 mpg on the highway while not bleating about its green credentials. It’s an unassuming masterpiece.
Luxurious Extras:
There are four trim levels available on the 2020 Ioniq Hybrid —- Blue, SE, SEL, Limited —- which offer some pretty impressive add-ons while remaining well within the “affordable” price bracket. Even the top-level Limited model will only set you back $31,200 as a starting price. You can upgrade to leather seating, a 10.25″ touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, which for me was the crowning interior touch.
The larger touchscreen on the Limited model is simply superb. It ties the contemporary, even futuristic look of the interior. It’s rare to combine such affordability with well-crafted interior design.
Pleasing (But Slightly Noisy) Drive Performance:
The 2020 Ioniq Hybrid is powered by a 1.6L GDI DOHC 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor system delivering a total of 139hp and 109lb-ft of torque. It’s no race car, but then again, it’s not meant to be.
I should say at this point that the 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission with SHIFTRONIC is vastly superior to a CVT and helps make the Ioniq much more fun to drive than other competitors in this already fairly crowded segment. My only real complaint about the drive was the road and wind noise. It was slightly higher than I’d expect for what is otherwise a pretty cutting-edge offering from Hyundai.
Besides the need for a little extra soundproofing, the suspension could also use a little more improvement. It’s a somewhat bumpier ride than you’d want.
Having said that, it compensates for lack of smoothness with seamless and easy handling. The Ioniq handles very well, even on the tightest bends and curves. The flat-bottom steering wheel is like a perfectly tuned body extension, with the car responding nimbly and with precision.
Strong Safety Package:
Safety features increasingly help set modern cars apart from each other, and the Ioniq Hybrid is no exception. The 2020 model features an impressive array, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, high beam assist, and more.
The Highway Drive Assist package helps keep you centered in your lane and maintain a safe distance from other traffic. It’s an impressive set of standard features.
Stylish, Practical, Hard to Resist:
If you’re wanting to make the switch to a more environmentally sound car, but have been put-off by some of the stylings from other brands, then Hyundai’s 2020 Ioniq Hybrid won’t disappoint. The “regular car” look conceals some impressive green credentials, particularly in gas mileage and overall efficiency.
It’s a fun car to drive, but if only they could get the soundproofing and bumpy suspension sorted out, then it would feel much more “premium.” The Ioniq has an excellent price point, and despite only being a mid-size sedan, it comes with a pretty decent 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space and an impressive standard array of safety features.
This hybrid is a solid purchase. The perfect first foray into eco-friendly cars for those looking to pivot away gradually from pure gasoline but aren’t quite ready for the plug-in revolution.
