Overview
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is perfect for folks who want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid hatchback that doesn’t call attention to itself and drives like a regular car. The hybrid’s combined EPA rating peaks at 59 mpg, and the plug-in version offers 29 miles of all-electric range. Unlike the Toyota Prius the Hyundai Ioniq looks dead conventional, and the hybrid model is more efficient than the thriftiest version of the standard Prius hybrid. However, Prius Prime plug-in hybrid delivers better fuel efficiency than the Ioniq plug-in—though the Prius offers only 25 miles of all-electric range to the Ioniq’s 29. When it comes to driving behavior, both Ioniqs are a bore and suffer from some refinement issues, but they’re comfortable and conventional enough to be confused for a non-hybrid. With an interior made from sustainable materials and a roster of desirable standard features, the 2022 Ioniq is eco-friendly and user-friendly. It’s also unpretentious, albeit unexciting.
What’s New for 2022?
The Ioniq hybrid lineup enters the 2022 model year without any changes whatsoever. However, Hyundai no longer offers an all-electric version, which we previously reviewed separately. The company says its decision to drop the EV is primarily due to the introduction of standalone Ioniq EV models, such as the upcoming Ioniq 5.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
To avoid the added cost and underpowered behavior of the plug-in-hybrid Ioniq, we’d go with the hybrid version. While the base Blue model is the most efficient, according to the EPA, we prefer the additional features that are found on the SEL model. It comes standard with 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, LED running lights, heated front seats, rear cross-traffic alert, and a sunroof. Apart from that, there are a handful of dealer-installed accessories to choose from.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Ioniq hybrid we tested wasn’t quick, requiring 8.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. Shift timing isn’t perfect in Eco mode; the transmission pauses too long to downshift when you want to accelerate. The plug-in hybrid Ioniq’s combination of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be familiar to fans of the Ioniq and its cousin, the Kia Niro. The Ioniq holds its own on curvy roads, responding obediently to steering inputs and maintaining a firm grip on the road. If pushed hard in corners, the body leans, but overall the car feels stable and competent in most every situation. Pleasantly surprising are its composed ride and relaxed highway manners. All Ioniqs have steering-wheel paddles that you can use to modulate the level of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to approximate the one-pedal driving style that Tesla has popularized among EV cognoscenti.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The base Ioniq Blue model is the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market. The Ioniq Limited we tested fell 2 mpg short of its EPA estimate during our test, but it’s still one of just a few cars we’ve tested that have topped 50 mpg. In our real-world testing, the plug-in did about as well as its closest competitors in our set of highway tests, but it failed to live up to the promise of its EPA ratings. For more information about the Ioniq’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Ioniq’s cabin is comfortable and attractive even in base trim, and it can be well-appointed in more expensive versions. Adding to its green cred, Hyundai sourced sustainable materials for its interior, using composites made of sugar cane and volcanic rock. While the rear seats won’t inspire outrage on the part of your passengers, several competitors offer more room to spread out. The Ioniq fits about as much luggage as other members of its class and more than some larger competitors. Interior cubby storage lags behind competitors, but Hyundai has employed some clever tricks to maximize what space is available. The plug-in version gives up four cubic feet of cargo space compared with the hybrid model. You can blame the larger battery pack for the deficit, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Even base models come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and auxiliary and USB ports—swank accommodations for an entry-level model. Top trims use a 10.3-inch screen that includes navigation. Hyundai’s touchscreen interface is easy to use and performed well in our tests.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Ioniq comes standard with a bevy of driver-assistance features, while upper trim levels include even more active-safety equipment such as an ability to detect pedestrians in the car’s path. For more information about the Ioniq’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai’s excellent warranty is one of the best in the industry. The Ioniq bolsters it with a lifetime battery warranty for the original owner, which aims to curb concerns about expensive battery repairs. The company also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 mile
