2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,200 to $27,550

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.0

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(5 reviews)
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Preview summaryImage

Described as an "important milestone" by Hyundai when it debuted in 2017, the Ioniq Hybrid compact hatchback represented a number of firsts for the automaker. It sat on an all-new dedicated hybrid platform, and it was touted as the world's first fuel-efficient vehicle to offer buyers three distinct powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions. With its stylish yet conservative exterior design, stellar mileage numbers, and affordable pricing, it gave buyers an alternative to futuristic-looking hybrids like the Toyota Prius. Despite the limited availability of battery packs in its first year, resulting in a slow rollout in the U.S., it achieved the automaker's goal of establishing a foothold in a market segment expected to experience continued growth as more buyers shift from gas to hybrid and electric vehicles in the coming years.

For 2018, Hyundai makes only a few minor updates to the Ioniq Hybrid as it focuses its efforts on the new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, which arrives a year after the Hybrid and Electric versions, completing the trio. (Both the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and the Ioniq Electric are covered in separate reviews.) The automaker again offers the Ioniq Hybrid in base Blue, mid-level SEL, and top-level Limited trims for 2018. The SEL and Limited trims get new optional paddle shifters, and Hyundai adds a new lane-keep assist safety function to the optional Tech Package for the SEL and the Ultimate Package for the Limited. In addition, a new red exterior color joins existing color choices like Electric Blue Metallic and Symphony Air Silver.

At first glance, you'll have a difficult time telling the Ioniq Hybrid apart from a typical compact sedan, and that's sort of the point. Its sleek, aerodynamic exterior design is not as distinct as the Pruis's nor as sculpted as some competitive compacts and hatchbacks. Instead, it's fluid and functional, resulting in a class-leading drag coefficient of just 0.24. The use of aluminum in the hood and tailgate keeps the weight down, and the sloping hatchback roofline creates an attractive profile, although it also reduces headroom for rear-seat passengers.

Up front, the deep hexagonal grille includes active grille shutters as a standard feature to help improve aerodynamics. Narrow automatic headlights and daytime running lights, as well as an integrated spoiler in the rear, also come standard. The SEL and Limited trims add LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, upgraded windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, while the Limited also receives HID headlights. The base Blue and SEL trims continue to ride on 15-inch wheels, while the Limited gets 17-inch wheels.

The Ioniq's light weight and aerodynamic shape, along with its hybrid powerplant, help it achieve up to 59 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powerplant consists of a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gas engine and a 32kW electric motor, as well as 1.6kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack located under the rear seat. The gas engine produces 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor generates 43 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, for a combined output of 139 hp. Rather than the typical continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in most hybrid vehicles, the Ioniq gets a 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission with Shiftonic. Fuel economy numbers for the Ioniq Hybrid depend on the trim, with the Blue achieving 57 mpg city/59 highway/58 combined. The SEL and Limited trims check in at 55/54/55. Those numbers are slightly better than the Prius One's 54/50/52, though the Prius Two Eco gets up to 58 mpg.

The Ioniq Hybrid can travel up to 27 miles at speeds of up to 75 mph on electric power alone, so it's possible for owners to run errands or drop off the kids at school without using a single drop of gas. The gas engine kicks in under heavy acceleration, when climbing hills, or in other driving situations requiring additional power. With both the gas engine and electric motor working together, the Ioniq has a total range of 650 miles on a tank of gas. Like most hybrids, the Ioniq delivers moderate acceleration and performance in electric Eco mode, but a Sport driving mode makes adjustments to the steering and transmission for improved handling and performance.

The hybrid powerplant sends power to the front wheels. Power-assisted steering comes standard, along with regenerative brakes designed for quiet operation. Reviewers give the Ioniq good marks for its ride and handling, and say it's an easy car to drive around town and on the highway. Hyundai notes that positioning the battery pack beneath the rear seats helps ensure a low center of gravity, resulting in good balance and stability.

Like the exterior, the Iconiq's five-passenger cabin emphasizes function over flash, with an uncluttered design and intuitive controls and technology. Eco-friendly and lightweight materials provide a clean feel inside, and all trims come well-equipped with a number of high-end features. Even the base Blue trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a rearview camera. The SEL adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the Limited trim comes equipped with leather upholstery and an upgraded sound system. Tech features include USB ports and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, which the Prius does not offer. Owners can add optional features like navigation and wireless charging to the Limited trim.

To get advanced safety features like blind spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert, you'll have to opt for the SEL or Limited trims. Other safety features, like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and smart cruise control, are available as options on the SEL and Limited. Electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, and hill start assist are standard on all Iconiq trims. Given its recent introduction, the Ioniq has not yet been safety-rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

Hyundai points out that the Ioniq is not intended as a Prius slayer, but it is a solid foundation to expand its future in hybrid and electric vehicles. The automaker believes that the Ioniq's stellar mileage numbers, aerodynamic exterior design, well-equipped interior, and affordable pricing will draw current owners of gas-fueled vehicles to this sleek, functional, economical alternative.

Published May 31, 2022 by Rob Feeman

User reviews for 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2021
I looked at the Ioniq and Prius and preferred the Ioniq. The build quality is great and the car is comfortable and well-equipped. Im getting 58.1mpg without even trying!Dec 13, 2021
by Debbie W
Apr 19, 2021
Im in love. I bought this car for the mileage it has not disappointed me. The features are amazing. Love the cruise control and lights that dim when cars approach. The only thing the car is missing is it is low to the ground can be difficult when getting out Apr 19, 2021
by Oscar V
Jan 18, 2021
It is a good value. The mpg in winter season are not as good as they should be. It is in a competitive segment. There are better options.Jan 18, 2021

2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,200 to $27,550
Price range
$12,324 to $12,888
Average price on CG
$12,324
YoY price change
$12,467 to $12,324

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 43 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 32 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 43 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 32 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium polymer · Electric Motor HP: 43 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 32 · Electric Motor Torque: 125 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 104 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 109 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (3)