Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
One of the most affordable electric vehicles
Smart battery storage affords generous cargo space in back
Packed with active driving aids and technology
Most efficient electric vehicle in the market, plus 124-mile range
Cons
Rear visibility is slightly impeded by low-cut, split rear window
Acceleration lacks some punch
Moderate amounts of road noise could get tiresome on long drives
Vehicle overview
Hyundai's all-new Ioniq is the first model in the company's line to be offered in three different forms: a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric. They all share similar sporty hatchback styling, which means the Ioniq Electric appears very much like a conventional car. The main tip-offs are the badges and the sealed-off grille.
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHC05LH2HU017393 Stock: 31278 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-15-2025
EV Tax CreditCertain EVs and PHEVs may be eligible for a federal used EV tax credit up to $4,000. Buyer and car must qualify.
The Ioniq Electric has officially been classified by the EPA as the most efficient electric vehicle on the market, with a rating of 25 kWh used per 100 miles driven. (Note that the lower the kWh number, the better. But if you more easily understand a mpg-like number, it's 136 miles per gallon equivalent.) And with 124 miles of driving range on a fully charged battery, you can drive the Ioniq on a single charge farther than most rival EVs. The big exception is the Chevrolet Bolt with its 238-mile range.
Still, the Ioniq's strength rests in its space efficiency. Its lithium-ion battery pack is mounted beneath the rear seats, which frees up space for a useful amount of cargo room and helps keep its weight low to the ground. It's also one of the more affordable EVs in the market. All of these points make the Ioniq Electric a smart pick.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
A new choice for EV shoppers, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric stands out with its highly efficient design that maximizes interior space and battery energy. It's also one of the more affordable electric models in its segment and can be had with plenty of the latest technology features. We think the Ioniq is worth a good look.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Limited.
Scorecard
Overall
Driving
3.5
Comfort
3.5
Interior
3.5
Utility
4.0
Technology
4.5
Driving
3.5
Thrilling performance isn't the story here, but the Ioniq Electric does offer decent performance for the everyday commuter. Though it doesn't seem to have quite the same punch as other EVs, we'll know for sure after some instrumented testing.
Acceleration
3.0
The Ioniq feels good right off the line, where the electric motor makes maximum torque, but doesn't have as much roll-on punch as you'd want. Highway merging requires full accelerator application, and in some situations it doesn't feel like enough. Further instrumented testing is forthcoming.
Braking
4.0
The brake pedal is easy to modulate, and there's a seamless transition from regenerative braking to traditional friction braking. We've yet to perform an emergency-stop test, but under semi-hard braking, the Ioniq is stable.
Steering
3.5
The Ioniq Electric's steering is light, easy and relatively precise. There isn't much feedback, but this isn't a vehicle that requires it. It's well-tuned for its purpose.
Handling
3.5
Though grip is modest, the Ioniq Electric maintains good composure around turns. Its center of gravity is nice and low thanks to the mounting of the lithium-ion batteries beneath the rear seats.
Drivability
4.0
As with other EVs, there's no traditional transmission gear shifting. Accelerator response is always instant. You can use the steering-wheel paddles to adjust the level of regenerative braking, but even the maximum amount isn't aggressive enough for true one-pedal driving.
Comfort
3.5
The Ioniq offers a nice level of comfort suitable for daily driving. The seats have good padding and sufficient support, with powerful seat heaters that Hyundai vehicles often come with. The ride comfort is well balanced, but the amount of cabin road noise could get tiresome on a road trip.
Seat comfort
4.0
The seats have adequate padding and are wrapped in pleasant materials, particularly the soy-based upholstery. The padding is perfectly adequate, and there's good lateral support and seat adjustment. The rear seatbacks are also comfortable, as are all armrests.
Ride comfort
3.5
Driving over big bumps causes the Ioniq to wallow around a bit, but the ride is comfortable for most road surfaces. Small bumps are dispatched without issue, and overall there's a pretty good balance of control and compliance.
Noise & vibration
3.0
There's a moderate amount of road noise that enters the cabin from underneath the rear-passenger foot area, which could get tiresome on long drives. Otherwise, wind noise is well isolated. We didn't notice any interior rattles or squeaks on our test car.
Climate control
3.0
The controls are straightforward to use. But like most EVs, the Ioniq Electric features only single-zone climate control. The seat heaters provide powerful heat, and a driver-only vent button closes the passenger side vents for when you're riding solo, which is convenient.
Interior
3.5
The Ioniq is an easy car to drive. You don't need the owner's manual to figure out the controls, and there's ample adjustability for drivers of all sizes. Rear legroom is mediocre, though, and rear visibility quirks could be a problem for those who are particular about such things.
Ease of use
4.5
Controls are straightforward; the touchscreen menus are easy to navigate. The physical buttons for driver aids provide convenient redundancy to scrolling through the settings menu. Switching on the wipers or headlights pulls up a prompt in the gauge cluster, which helps find your settings quicker.
Getting in/getting out
4.0
The front doors open wide, and step-in height is low. The openings for the rear doors are a little smaller, but it's not that much more difficult to climb in or out of the back than the front.
Driving position
4.5
The tilt-and-telescoping steering column has a lot of adjustment, as does the optional power driver seat. It's pretty easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the copious amounts of head- and legroom. The Ioniq should suit a wide range of drivers.
Roominess
3.5
There's ample space up front. We also like the abundance of rear seat headroom available despite the sloping rear roofline. Three adults in the back would probably be a squeeze width-wise, but two would be comfortable. Rear kneeroom is adequate, but not excessive. Underseat foot space is a bit tight.
Visibility
2.0
Although rear visibility isn't dramatically hindered by the horizontally split rear window, the bisected view out the back is nonetheless a bit of an annoyance. The sloping rear roofline and chunky rear roof pillars only compound the issue.
Quality
4.0
Hyundai has strategically placed the Ioniq's premium soft-touch material, which makes this EV feel a little more upscale than rivals. The soft leather and nice shape of the steering wheel and adequate armrest padding really elevate the rest of the cabin. Decent for the price.
Utility
4.0
Hatchbacks are wonderfully space-efficient vehicles, and the Ioniq Electric is a prime example. With 23.8 cubic feet, the Ioniq has the most voluminous trunk in the EV segment. Interior storage is better in the Electric than in the Hybrid, too.
Small-item storage
4.0
The Ioniq Electric has more interior storage space than the Ioniq Hybrid thanks to the push-button shifter. A bin up front is large enough for a small bag, and there's a spot for your phone with built-in wireless charging. The door pockets can hold a 16-ounce water bottle and a few smaller items.
Cargo space
4.5
With 23.8 cubic feet of cargo storage with all seats in place, the Ioniq is one of the better models in the EV class to haul your stuff. The cargo floor doesn't sit as high as in others, and the 60/40-split folding rear seats create a flat load floor.
Child safety seat accommodation
3.0
LATCH anchors are tucked away between cushions where the rear seatbacks fold down, which makes access kind of difficult. There is a pair of anchors per outboard rear seat and an easy access top tether on the back of each seat.
Technology
4.5
Hyundai is bullish when it comes to technology. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in all Ioniq models. Plus, a slew of advanced driver aids are available, and Blue Link is one of the more comprehensive telematics systems available.
Audio & navigation
3.0
The main touchscreen is easy to use but is beginning to look dated compared to other systems on the market. The optional Infinity audio system delivers clear and crisp sound; it should appease discerning audio fans. We didn't have a chance to test the base sound system.
Smartphone integration
5.0
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard in all models, you likely won't need to spring for the optional navigation system. There is a wireless smartphone charging option, and Hyundai's Blue Link system allows you access to some car functions through a mobile app.
Driver aids
4.0
A good number of driver aids are available, including adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a rearview camera with cross-traffic alert. The EV's cruise control system slows to a full stop.
Voice control
4.0
The native system is a little laggy, but the screen prompts are clear and the system operates quite well. It's easy to find and load an address on the go, and there are commands for phone and audio functions as well. You also have access to Siri through Apple CarPlay and Google through Android Auto.
Which Ioniq Electric does Edmunds recommend?
Based on MSRP, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is one of the more affordable electric vehicles in its class. And after factoring in possible rebates and federal tax credits, the Ioniq Electric's bottom line drops even more, which should place it well within striking distance for many buyers who might not have considered an EV before. We would, however, recommend the Limited trim, primarily for the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert features. One of the few shortcomings of the Ioniq is rear visibility, and these items will help monitor the presence of nearby vehicles.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric models
The Ioniq Electric is available in just two trims: base, which comes pretty well equipped, and the more generously optioned Limited. Both trims are propelled by the same 88-kW electric motor (118 hp, 215 lb-ft) with a 28-kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing the energy for 124 miles of range.
If you can live without the latest high-tech driving aids, then the Electric trim should suit you well. Standard features include 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a rearview camera, heated side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated six-way manually adjustable front seats and a 60/40-split folding rear seatback. You also get a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, and an audio system with satellite radio and HD radio, and USB and auxiliary input jacks. An SAE combo DC fast charger is also included and can operate at up to 100 kilowatts.
The Limited trim comes with everything above but swaps in LED headlights and adds blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, power-folding side mirrors, leather upholstery, a power driver seat with memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and rear air vents.
Unfortunately, only Limited model buyers can specify the Limited Ultimate Package, which bundles together a sunroof, automatic emergency braking, traffic-adapting cruise control with stop-start, lane departure warning, xenon headlights with dynamic bending (swiveling), interior ambient lighting, wireless device charging, a larger 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.
Also worth noting is Hyundai's new subscription-based Ioniq Unlimited program. You can think of this like a lease, only there's no negotiating, no down payment and no mileage limit. Customers pay a fixed monthly fee for their Ioniq Electric over a 24- or 36-month term, which also covers electric charging costs, scheduled maintenance and registration. You'll still be responsible for your own vehicle insurance.
10 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 2 years.Exceeded original -12,000 mileage warranty.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,100
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.
For the vehicle to qualify:
Price cannot exceed $25,000.
Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet) This typically means a 240V home installation, or other places your car is parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice.
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in This is an estimate for your area. Using your address and the answers you provide, Treehouse can provide a more accurate price.
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn moreEdmunds customers receive a 10% installation discount and 4% smart charger discount. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
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Scorecard
