2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Review

Name: 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Review
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $14,998 - $21,998

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

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$17,696 avg. price

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Excellent fuel economy
Lots of available tech features and driver aids
Large cargo area

Cons

Seats and ride are generally uncomfortable
Allows in a bit too much road noise
Unrefined braking feel and transmission shifting

What's new

Last year's optional SEL Tech package now standard on the SEL trim
Part of the first Ioniq generation introduced for 2017

Since it launched in 2017, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has been a key rival to the popular Toyota Prius. As far as fuel economy goes, the Ioniq is definitely a winner. With a potential of 58 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the Ioniq even outshines the Prius' maximum of 56 mpg. In addition, the Ioniq's interior has Hyundai's typically thoughtful design and high amount of tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. And for some, the Ioniq's more conventional styling compared to the Prius will be another bonus.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Columbus, OH

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2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Blue 4dr Hatchback
Not Priced
- 110,178 miles
- 3 accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automated manual
- Unlimited Auto Group (95 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in West Chester, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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:
58 Combined MPG (57 City/59 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHC65LC2KU170964
Stock: 170964
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Limited 4dr Hatchback
$16,919
fair price
$850 below market
- 44,961 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automated manual
- Elyria Hyundai (101 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Elyria, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
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:
55 Combined MPG (55 City/54 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHC05LCXKU136689
Stock: 8492
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-03-2025

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Sounds good, right? Well, there are some issues. Mostly, the way the Ioniq drives leaves us cold. The car's unrefined ride quality, grabby brake feel and awkward transmission shifting are all turnoffs. In these aspects, the Prius still has the Ioniq beat. The quality of many of the Ioniq's interior materials is also disappointing.

Certainly, the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid is worth considering if maximum fuel economy and value are your priorities. Otherwise, we'd suggest taking a look at the new Honda Insight. It shares most of the Ioniq's strengths but improves upon them with a better ride quality, more comfortable seats and a more spacious interior.

Notably, the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article and we picked the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.7 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue (1.6L inline-4 hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.7 / 10
Driving	5.5
Comfort	6.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

5.5

The Ioniq's weakest area is its everyday driving demeanor. It accelerates tepidly unless you floor it, and steering is vague yet well-weighted. It's a relatively light car whose bumpy-road handling gives the impression of a heavier, blunter car. The current Prius is significantly superior in this category.

Acceleration

6.5

The Ioniq feels reluctant and sluggish around town, requiring more pedal input than expected when in default mode. Sport mode provides much more natural acceleration but sacrifices efficiency. In our testing, the Ioniq covered 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is about a second quicker than a Prius.

Braking

5.5

Pedal effort is springy and on the light side. The way it blends regenerative and friction braking feels unnatural. And under moderately heavy to full panic braking, the nose dives pretty dramatically, which can be unsettling.

Steering

5.5

The mushy on-center steering feel adds a challenge to maintaining lane position at freeway speeds. The effort is suitable at all speeds, never too light or too heavy. But it's nearly lifeless, communicating little about the road and the state of grip to the driver.

Handling

6.0

The Ioniq's handling is benign but has low limits. Its tires howl in protest even in moderately quick turns. It turns into a corner cleanly and without much hesitation. But when it encounters bumps, it reacts like a much heavier car, with exaggerated up-and-down ride motions.

Drivability

5.5

There's a distinct lack of regenerative braking when coasting so you have to be on the brake pedal more often. Shift quality, responsiveness and acceleration smoothness are inconsistent. It seems like the transmission is easily tripped up, especially immediately after hard braking.

Comfort

6.0

The Ioniq's unsupportive seats and conflicted ride quality won't win over any hearts, though its climate control interface stands out for its simplicity and innovative driver-only mode. Decent isolation from engine vibration is overshadowed by road noise, which is noticeable at all speeds.

Seat comfort

6.0

The flat-bottom seat cushion lacks lower thigh and lateral support. The backrest portion is better and the cloth upholstery feels durable, but we felt squirmy after a couple of hours. The back seat is flat, upright and quite firmly padded. Also, the front seat adjustments are manual on this trim.

Ride comfort

5.0

The Ioniq's ride is somewhat busy, and the car moves up and down in an exaggerated manner when you're driving over lumpy road sections. It's also a little floaty at times, which means it exhibits the kind of ride movements that might make sensitive types nauseated.

Noise & vibration

6.0

Road noise is transmitted into the cabin to an undesirable degree. The engine is relatively muted by comparison, though it's still audible. Engine vibration is well-isolated, and wind noise is reasonably suppressed.

Climate control

8.0

We like the simple layout with large buttons and two easy-to-use knobs for temperature. The clever driver-only setting saves energy. The Ioniq has no trouble battling summer temps and keeping the cabin cool with a minimum of fan noise. We like that dual-zone automatic climate control is standard.

Interior

7.5

Functionally, the Ioniq's interior succeeds. Its controls are laid out well, and its height-adjustable and long-travel driver's seat should accommodate people of all sizes. There's also ample head- and legroom up front. Backseat passengers don't fare nearly as well.

Ease of use

8.0

The Ioniq's placement of controls is clear and logical with lots of large buttons. The infotainment screen is high-resolution and doesn't wash out, and the menu flow is simple (no navigation). The redundant hard keys are a nice touch, too.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The front doors are long and open wide, and the wide but low sills and minimal seat bolsters help with access. Access to the rear seat is more narrow. The narrowness, combined with the gently sloping roofline and high seat, hampers entry to a degree.

Driving position

8.0

It's easy to find a suitable driving position thanks to a wide range of adjustment in both the seat and the tilt-and-telescoping steering column. As a bonus, the steering wheel feels terrific in your hands.

Roominess

7.5

There's ample legroom and, with no sunroof, there's plenty of headroom for tall drivers. Inside the car feels airy, and the pedal box for the driver's feet is sufficiently wide. Six-footers in the back seat are somewhat cramped with limited headroom and toe room.

Visibility

7.0

The front windshield pillar bases and rearmost pillars are a bit chunky and can obstruct the view. But there's decent visibility to the back thanks to a rear window that splits above and below the hatch edge. (The bisected rear lights are an unfortunate byproduct.) The backup camera display is smallish and not especially sharp, but it's adequate.

Quality

6.0

Many of the Ioniq's drab, gray plastics and cloth surfaces look and feel low-rent, though their assembly is tight. The console bin lid and door panel creak readily when touched.

Utility

7.0

Its cargo hold is relatively basic but sizable enough to hold most everyday items you'd want to transport. Front passengers will find plenty of cabin nooks, but backseat occupants don't have nearly as many options.

Small-item storage

7.5

A tall, narrow console bin and open, narrow slot are surprisingly useful; so is the well forward of the shift selector. The door pockets are useful for water bottles only, and the glovebox is basic. The back seat has only two tiny door pockets and a net on the back of the passenger front seat.

Cargo space

7.0

The back seat is split 60/40 and folds nearly flat. The hatch opens high so tall people won't hit their heads on it, but the liftover height is on the tall side. The cargo hold measures 26.5 cubic feet and is wide, but not that tall.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

The outboard seat LATCH anchors are buried deep between the cushions and somewhat hard to reach. The top tether points are obscured by a retractable cargo shade.

Technology

7.5

The touchscreen is well-lit and responds well to touch inputs. Device integration and phone pairing are simple and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice controls function well but are limited in what they can control.

Audio & navigation

7.0

The infotainment screen supports swiping gestures and responds reasonably quick, making the most of its size. The audio system has a brassy sound quality, with minimal bass. Navigation is optional, but you can navigate using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Smartphone integration

8.0

Bluetooth pairing is simple and fast, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. There are USB and auxiliary ports and two 12-volt accessory outlets.

Voice control

7.0

Native voice recognition supports only basic commands (phone calls, switching audio source), but it responds well. In any case, that's where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come in. You can access Siri or Google Assistant by holding the Ioniq's voice button for a few seconds.

Compare 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid models

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid comes in three trim levels. The base Blue trim is the most fuel-efficient of the group, with an EPA rating of 58 mpg combined compared to the other models' 55 mpg estimate. The SEL doesn't cost much more and includes several advanced safety features among its upgrades. Topping the Ioniq range is the loaded-up Limited.

Every Ioniq Hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. They're augmented by an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 139 horsepower.

Standard features on the base Blue trim include 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable driving modes, a driver information display, height-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, a USB port, and satellite and HD radio.

Stepping up to the SEL adds LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated side mirrors, an upgraded driver information display, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a charge-only USB port, a rear center armrest, and chrome interior and exterior accents. Many driving aids — including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a lane departure and mitigation system — are also included.

On top of the SEL's features, the Limited trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED cabin lighting and Hyundai's Blue Link telematics.

An optional Ultimate package for the Limited includes adaptive headlights, rear parking sensors, driver-seat memory settings, rear air vents, a cargo cover, wireless device charging, an Infinity eight-speaker sound system, navigation and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$68/mo

$163/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 6 among Alternative Fuel Vehicles

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid from 2008-2022.}

$370/yr

vs. $377/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.4x/yr

vs. 0.52x/yr
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

6.8%

vs. 8.3%
for Average Alternative Fuel Vehicle

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

50 reviews

5(54%)

4(24%)

3(14%)

2(0%)

1(8%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

High value, High Tech, Low-medium Price

Mike, 03/28/2019

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

Has a smooth but by-design hybrid acceleration (which is spongy and sluggish unless you really get aggressive with the pedal). This is somewhat mitigated by the sport mode, which is an on-the-fly shift on/off while in "D" (drive gear). The cockpit is low to the ground, so you must lift yourself out of it, but not too low. Folks with back injuries might have difficulty. The tech …

Ioniq is unique ION Tech

chuck eder, 06/13/2018

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

The visual feedback from the mileage and what is driving the car - the electric battery or the engine or both, encourages you to drive efficiently to get the 51 or 52 miles per gallon. The power and acceleration with that double clutch electric/gas engine gives you all you need to get on the freeway and around a popup target. Don't listen to those that say it has wind and road noise. …

Very Enjoyable Vehicle

Gorj, 05/24/2019

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

I have been wanting a more economical vehicle for several years, but did not care for the style and ride of what was offered. Then I read about the Hyundai line of Ioniq vehicles and was impressed. I did much research and talking with several Hyundai dealers and finally made a deal for a white Ioniq Limited with the Ultimate package. I have had the Ioniq for almost a month now and have …

Not in Toyota's Pocket

Ryou, 07/21/2018

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid SEL 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)

I own an Ioniq SEL. I could not be happier. I have driven a Prius a few times and found it just too anemic entering a highway or passing. I found the Ioniq far superior in this regard. I love the way this car drives it is comfortable and quiet; I could not be happier. As to steering, the reviewer is spitting hairs. If you want sports car handling buy a sports car like my spider 124. As … to mileage, it really depends on where and how you drive. I live in the hills in Tennessee and there I average around 46 miles per gal. But when I am in FL or some place flat I average just over 50. Do not underestimate the value of the life time warranty on the battery. This insures your lower cost of ownership will not evaporate with a battery replacement. How a car looks to you is subjective but really I have to believe with most people the nod has to go to the Ioniq---by a long shot. Cargo space is very good. I traded my 2018 CRV in on the Ioniq. Before I did, I measured the the actual floor space with the seats down, in it and the Ioniq. Both the floor space, and the hatch opening width, were within an inch. Obviously because of height and body shape, the Civic beat the Ioniq in overall cubic feet (around 10 cubic feet greater). But the point is in most type of loads the Ioniq fares pretty well in cargo space. Unless I would need to pack a load to the ceiling I can carry pretty much what I did with my 2018 CRV (also a great vehicle). Bottom line: more bang for your buck with a Ioniq compared to Prius. The above was written as a comment on the Car Gurus review. I did not agree with the assessment in total but they did give the nod to Ioniq over the Prius. I thought the Edmunds' review was further off the mark. The Edmunds' reviewer mentioned the Ioniq as having tepid acceleration. All hybrids in this class have tepid acceleration. But the Ioniq has much better pickup than many and certainly the Prius. Do yourself a favor and drive both the Prius and Ioniq for a true assessment. Make sure you get on and off a major highway a few times and judge which car would be safer entering a busy highway. The Ioniq has a dual clutch automatic transmission as opposed to the Prius which has a CVT. A note on Continuously Variable Transmissons: Reviewers love them, but they do not mention their effect on pickup which they generally impact negatively. I have driven many, I am a Honda Guy. But there are tradeoffs. I also believe the Edmunds reviewer exaggerated the harshness of the shifting. As a matter of fact I thought it has performed very well for a vehicle of this type. Is the transmission as smooth as a Luxury Hybrid like a Lexus? No. But do you have 60,000 to blow on a car? --Then by all means....

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ioniq Hybrid since its last redesign.

See all 50 reviews of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

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2019 Ioniq Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

Blue

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,400
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	58 MPG
Cost to Drive	$68/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Ioniq Hybrid models:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies the brakes automatically to avoid or lessen an impact if the onboard camera and radar sensor predict an imminent collision.
Blind-Spot Detection: Helps prevent side collisions by prompting a visual (driver-side mirror) and audible alert when a vehicle is driving alongside.
Lane Change Assist: Determines the speed of an approaching vehicle in an adjacent lane and warns if a lane change isn't safe.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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