Hyundai Ioniq PHEV Review

Electrifying.com score

8/10

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The Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid is good value, seriously efficient and surprisingly practical. A decent alternative to a Toyota Prius.


  • Battery size: 8.9 kWh
  • Company car tax: 11%
  • Emissions: 26 g/km
  • Range: 32 miles
  • Fuel economy: 256.8 MPG
  • Battery size: 8.9 kWh
  • Company car tax: 11%
  • Emissions: 26 g/km
  • Range: 32 miles
  • Fuel economy: 256.8 MPG
  • Hyundai Ioniq
  • Hyundai Ioniq
  • Hyundai Ioniq
  • Hyundai Ioniq
  • Hyundai Ioniq
  • Hyundai Ioniq

Tom Says

“No, I don’t think anyone will say that an Ioniq is exactly sexy, but they work. Some 32-miles of e-range, and you’ll get about 650 miles from a tank and a full charge. Not to be sniffed at. They’re also weirdly relaxing to drive - which isn’t a bad thing.”

Nicki Says

“I'd always go for the full electric version if possible, but if you really do need a longer range then the Ioniq makes enormous sense as it is so efficient in the way it uses fuel and electricity. Perfect if you need a no-nonsense car for your business.”

The Ioniq is usefully cheaper than most other PHEVs, especially if you bag one of Hyundai's special offers. It should cost buttons to run too. 

  • Price: £30,250 - £32,250
  • Full charge cost (at home):£1.46
  • Company car tax:10% (2020-21)
  • Vehicle warranty : 5 years / unlimited miles
  • Battery warranty:8 years / 100,000 miles
Hyundai Ioniq
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Pricing

Plug-in hybrids are a great choice for company car users since they emit very low CO2 and so qualify for cheap Benefit in Kind tax. You’ll pay around half the company car tax for a plug-in hybrid than you will for a standard diesel hatchback. 

However, they are quite expensive to buy, not surprisingly given that you’re buying both a combustion engine and a pure electric powertrain. The Hyundai is no different in that you can buy conventional petrol or diesel rivals such as the Ford Focus, or full hybrid alternatives like the Toyota Prius and Corolla, for much less money – or for usefully lower monthly payments. 

Having said that, the Hyundai undercuts most plug-in hybrid rivals by many thousands – especially when you factor in its generous equipment, which includes keyless entry, climate control, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, that excellent infotainment touchscreen system even on base Premium trim. Premium SE adds leather seats, ventilated front seats, front parking sensors and more. It’s certainly good value, but there is new competition from Hyundai’s own sibling – Kia. The Kia Ceed Sportswagon and XCeed models are new for 2020 and both are available with an updated version of the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as is used in the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV. 

Running costs

Running costs are where a plug-in hybrid makes up for the higher purchase costs. Plug it in regularly and you can enjoy remarkably low fuel costs, as well as lower tax costs. The Ioniq PHEV is free of road tax in the first year and costs £140 per year thereafter. 

Just make sure that your lifestyle suits the plug-in hybrid, as if you do high mileage and can’t plug in very often you may find that the economy isn’t what you expect. You’ll probably only see around 45 to 50mpg from the Ioniq PHEV if it hasn’t been charged, so a normal diesel or full hybrid alternative would be cheaper overall given the lower purchase costs and similar economy. PHEVs are best suited to those who do a lot of short journeys and can charge regularly. 

Insurance will be affordable on the Ioniq PHEV; it falls into insurance group 12, which is on a par with the Toyota Prius and many conventional family hatchbacks.

Depreciation can be a bit harsh on the Ioniq in the first year or two, so if you’re planning on buying outright and might sell on in a few years that is likely to be the biggest expense with the car. 

A five year, unlimited mileage warranty is standard, which is one of the best around. Kia’s warranty is longer by two years, but is restricted to 100,000 miles. 

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