Hyundai’s all-new electric model is a first in the automobile industry. The vehicle is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric drivetrain configurations. Even the Toyota Prius, the most popular eco-friendly vehicle, only comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. Hyundai has gone so far as to offer three engine options. The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is the first production vehicle to do so. Is a wider range of engine options enough to entice some Prius owners to switch to the new Ioniq? Is it the more affordable price that needs to do the trick? Let’s find out in this 2017 Hyundai Ioniq review.
Exterior design
To begin with, the Ioniq‘s final product is more similar to the Toyota Prius than to the Ioniq concept car. Of course, the concept car was quite aggressive and probably not very appealing to buyers. As a result, Hyundai decided to tone it down a little for the production vehicle, resulting in a competent but stylish vehicle. This vehicle is best described as a combination of Hyundai’s recent styling cues and the useful design of the eco-friendly hybrid.
It is difficult to design a car that can house three different drivetrains without resulting in something large and bulky. In that case, the Toyota Prius is a good example of a well-balanced vehicle.
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq‘s rear, shape, and size are the most reminiscent of the Prius. The nose and windshield are the most different from the Prius, as they are longer, more conventional, and do not dip and dive like the Prius’.
The side and, for the most part, rear doors are also more traditional than the Prius’. Those doors ascend in a diagonal line, whereas the doors on the Ioniq ascend in a straighter line. The back is very similar to the Prius, with a large overhang. The Ioniq rear, on the other hand, appears more sporty.
The grille distinguishes the all-electric Ioniq. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid are distinguished by a standard Hyundai grille with dark horizontal lines. The EV lacks this grille entirely and instead displays the Hyundai logo.
The Ioniq hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV are available in eight exterior colors. The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq EV is the only one with Blazing Yellow as an option, but it lacks two metallic colors.
Interior design
The interior of the Ioniq is stunning. The center stack, gear shifter, and instrument cluster are very modern, with a light blue hue and detailing. To differentiate it from the hybrid versions, the EV gets copper-colored detailing rather than blue. The overall cabin design is influenced by the Hyundai Elantra.
The infotainment screen is a five-, seven-, or eight-inch touch screen that includes a wireless inductive charging pad.
The digital instrument cluster is a high-resolution TFT-screen that displays a variety of customizable gauges as well as the speedometer. There is also data on fuel consumption, battery percentage, and charging percentage.
Another notable feature is the effective dual-zone climate control. It can be set to run in driver-only mode to save energy. It makes better use of the air inside the car when air conditioning is turned on and has an Efficient Mode to save energy.
There are no other options for the interior or seats, which will be black cloth. The EV, as well as the second and third trim levels of the hybrids, get an Infinity Sound System with seven loudspeakers and a subwoofer.
Engine specs
Hybrid and Plug-in hybrid
Both hybrid models will be powered by a 1.6-liter Kappa Gdi direct injection gasoline engine. It has a 104-horsepower engine and an additional 43-horsepower electric motor. The total HP output of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is 139 horsepower, according to Hyundai.
The same gas engine will power the PHEV Ioniq, but it will have a larger electric motor and a more powerful battery. The electric motor has a power output of 60 hp.
The hybrid and PHEV both have a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
Both hybrids can travel at speeds of up to 75 mph using only the electric motor (120 kph).
Ioniq EV
A high capacity and highly efficient li-ion battery powers the all-electric Ioniq EV. The all-electric range is 180 miles (280 kilometers), and the horsepower is 118. A fast charger can charge an EV battery to 80% in just 24 minutes.
Tech specs
The infotainment screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The hybrid has some manually selectable driving modes, including Eco and Sport. Bluetooth Phone Connectivity and Advanced Cruise Control are also included.
All 2017 Hyundai Ioniqs come standard with rear parking sensors; front parking sensors are optional. Autonomous Emergency Braking is standard, with city/urban mode and pedestrian alert. Lane Keeping Assist and Emergency Stop are also included. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are optional safety features.
Price and sale date
In Europe, the Ioniq Hybrid and PHEV are available for purchase. The Hybrid starts at €23,900 and the EV at €33,300.
In the United States, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid starts at $22,200, while the EV starts at $29,500.