2019 Hyundai Ioniq

Available as a conventional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric car, the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq offers something for anyone looking for transportation that delivers high mileage and low emissions. It’s handsomely styled and looks more like a luxury car than an alternative-fuel vehicle. The hybrids deliver impressive fuel economy, but the electric variant’s driving range is limited by today’s standards.

Hyundai’s Ioniq is a compact hatchback that seats five. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is available in Blue, SEL and Limited trim levels, while the plug-in hybrid and electric versions are available in base and Limited trims. All models are front-wheel drive.

Hybrid variants of the Ioniq compete with models such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius Prime, Honda Insight and Kia Niro. The electric variant goes up against rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt and the Nissan Leaf.

For the 2019 model year, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are standard on SEL versions. Automatic high-beam headlamps and a drowsy-driver warning system are newly optional, and the available navigation system gets improved speech recognition.

Exterior

Hyundai’s Ioniq is far less radical looking than its closest rival, the Toyota Prius. It’s wrapped in clean and uncluttered styling for the sake of maximum aerodynamics. Hyundai’s prominent grille sits between a pair of narrow headlamps up front, and a gracefully sweeping roofline runs rearward to a tall and stubby back end.

Standard exterior features on the base hybrid include power-adjustable side mirrors, automatic projector-beam headlights, daytime running lights and a rear spoiler. The list of optional equipment includes heated side mirrors, a sunroof, chrome beltline molding, xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.

Interior

The Hyundai Ioniq’s interior is attractively cast, with ample use of high-quality materials for a classy look and feel. Large and legible analog gauges and a flat-bottomed steering wheel face the driver. A color display for the infotainment system resides at the top of the center stack between two large air vents.

Front-seat passengers enjoy spacious accommodations, though as with many cars of this size, rear legroom is a bit tight. The back seat folds flat in a 60/40 split for cargo-carrying flexibility. The Ioniq Hybrid provides 26.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the plug-in hybrid and electric versions offer 23.0 cubic feet of room for your gear.

The base Ioniq Hybrid comes standard with features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery and power windows and door locks.  Leather upholstery, heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats and a rear-seat center armrest with cupholders are optional.

Performance

The Ioniq rides and handles well, both around town and on the highway. A standard Drive Mode Select system lets drivers choose between livelier or more-efficient operation, and all models are front-wheel drive.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor and a battery pack. With both variants, this powertrain generates a net output of 139 horsepower. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission governs the proceedings.

With the electric variant, an 88kW electric motor is matched with single-speed transmission. This model can travel for 124 miles between charges. Able to travel for 238 miles on a single charge, the Chevrolet Bolt offers much better driving range.

The hybrid variant is rated at up to 57/59 mpg city/highway, which just beats the Toyota Prius’ 58/53 mpg. The electric variant is rated at 150/122 MPGe.

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid can operate for up to 29 miles solely on battery power when fully charged. With its electric motor in play, the plug-in hybrid gets 119 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. Once the gas engine kicks in, this model gets 52 mpg combined.

Technology

The Hyundai Ioniq offers a full platter of high-tech features. The standard infotainment system comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, and the entire Ioniq lineup is equipped with HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfaces and keyless entry and ignition.

Options include a wireless phone charger, navigation, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, an 8-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker premium Infinity audio system. Available active safety features include a forward collision mitigation system, a drowsy-drive warning system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.