2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

After a few years on the market, the Hyundai Ioniq is no longer a new name. The automaker first debuted a Ioniq hybrid and electric model and expanded the lineup shortly thereafter to include a plug-in hybrid variant. Now the Korean automaker is shifting the Ioniq name into its own electric-only sub-brand. But in the meantime, the trio of Ioniq compact hatchbacks continue. While the plug-in model does face an uncertain future as Hyundai builds out its electrified lineup, it remains for at least the current model year and carries over into 2021 unchanged.

The Ioniq Plug-In faces strong competition in its segment. It goes head-to-head with heavy hitters such as Toyota’s Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime. Though sales in this slice of the market are low, consumers also cross shop it against the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the PHEV version of the Ford Escape.

Hyundai offers the Ioniq PHEV in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. All three models combine a 104-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and an electric motor. A 60-horsepower electric motor and an 8.9 kWh battery pack help the Ioniq PHEV delivers 156 horsepower.

The Ioniq PHEV is rated to achieve 52 mpg combined. It also can travel an estimated 29 miles on battery alone. Though that falls shorts of the average 40-mile commute, its gas engine provides a safety net for consumers that don’t want to worry about range anxiety, but want the enhanced range and fuel efficiency that comes with the stepping-stone technology.