2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Plug-In Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that competes with the Honda Clarity, Kia Niro, and Toyota...

The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that competes with the Honda Clarity, Kia Niro, and Toyota Prius Prime PHEVs. It got a major refresh for 2020, so changes are light this year.

All versions of the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), and an 8.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack. These provide 139 horsepower, 29 miles of all-electric range, and 620 miles of total range, per Hyundai. Like its competitors, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is front-wheel drive (FWD). The EPA gave the Ioniq an efficieny rating of 119 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined in electric mode, and 52 mpg combined fuel-economy rating in hybrid mode. Recharging takes about 6.6 hours with a 120-volt AC Level 1 home charger and 2.25 hours with a Level 2 240-volt home charger.

Just like last year, Hyundai offers the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid in SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The SE comes standard with 16-inch wheels, projector headlights, heated side mirrors, solar glass, LED taillights, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are new standard features for 2021.

The SEL trim tacks on a power driver’s seat, wireless device charging, turn signal indicators, exterior chrome trim, LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a garage door opener, wireless Qi device charging, and a 7-inch instrument cluster LCD.

Finally, the Limited tops the range with leather upholstery, memory settings, premium door sills, chrome door handles, a Harman Kardon audio system that includes a subwoofer, ambient lighting, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Unfortunately, with the Limited’s infotainment, you lose the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and will need a USB cord to access those functions.

Safety-wise, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring comes standard on the SE and Limited trims, while just the Limited gets adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to evaluate the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid for crash safety, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it high marks.

The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a practical ride that sips fuel like no other.