“It is a nice alternative to the Prius, with a better appearance, and the lifetime battery warranty relieves a lot of stress.”
2018 Hyundai Ioniq: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is the arrival of the Plug-in Hybrid, which gives the lineup hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. This is a lineup expansion rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq
1st generation Ioniq, second U.S. model year; Plug-in Hybrid launch year, before the 2020 refresh.
Hyundai positioned the Ioniq as an electrified hatchback for shoppers who wanted very high efficiency without the oddball look or CVT feel common in some rivals. The core pitch was choice: one familiar-looking compact hatchback offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV, all with strong fuel economy, useful cargo space, smartphone-friendly tech, and a more conventional driving feel thanks to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic in the hybrid models.
The Ioniq Blue remains the efficiency-focused Hybrid, with a 58-mpg combined EPA rating and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL adds comfort and safety features such as heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring, while Limited brings leather seating and a more upscale cabin. The new Plug-in Hybrid pairs a rechargeable battery and gasoline engine, providing 29 miles of EPA-rated electric range before operating as a hybrid.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new Plug-in Hybrid joins the Ioniq family in base and Limited forms. It uses an 8.9-kWh rechargeable battery, a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission, with 29 miles of EPA-rated electric range. Hybrid SEL and Limited trims also gain standard steering-wheel paddle shifters.
Safety
Lane Keep Assist is added through certain option packages rather than made standard across the lineup.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 55 mpg | 57 mpg | 55 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 54 mpg | 59 mpg | 54 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 26.5 cu-ft | 23 cu-ft | 26.5 cu-ft | 23–26.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 29 | 29 (Plug-In Hybrid) | ||
| MPGe Combined | 119 | 119 (Plug-In Hybrid) | ||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq?
The biggest change is the launch of the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid. It adds a rechargeable 8.9-kWh battery and provides 29 miles of EPA-rated electric range before continuing as a gasoline-electric hybrid.
Was the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq redesigned?
No, the 2018 Ioniq was not redesigned. It is the second U.S. model year of the first generation, and the main update is the addition of the Plug-in Hybrid.
How does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq differ from the 2017 model?
The 2018 lineup adds the Plug-in Hybrid in base and Limited forms. Hybrid SEL and Limited trims gain standard steering-wheel paddle shifters, and Lane Keep Assist joins certain option packages.
Which 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid trims gained paddle shifters?
The 2018 Ioniq Hybrid SEL and Limited gained standard steering-wheel paddle shifters. The efficiency-focused Blue trim did not receive this change.
Did the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq receive new safety equipment?
Yes, but the safety update was limited. Lane Keep Assist was added through certain option packages rather than becoming standard across every 2018 Ioniq.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq.
4.3
2018 Hyundai Ioniq
(114 reviews)
“I am happy with the Ioniq. It gets good gas mileage. And full range of power and braking. My concern is winter driving and the need for Mud and Snow tires. My disappointment was not being offered a Manufacturer Extended Warranty to 10 years and was sold a third party warranty.”
“It's a great car. I like the way it drives. However Not enough storage inside the car.”