“Love the electric plug-in hybrid, drove over 990 miles before I added more gas to the car. I live in a rural city. My sister bought the same car a week later and she went over 1770 miles before she filled up. She lives closer to a city than I do.”
2021 Hyundai Ioniq: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is a light-update year, led by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on trims with the 8-inch touchscreen. The hatchback styling, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, and broader feature lineup otherwise carry over from 2020.
About the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq
1st generation (2017-2022), second year after the 2020 refresh
Hyundai positioned the Ioniq as an efficiency-first hatchback for shoppers who wanted Prius-style savings in a more conventional-looking, easier-to-use package. In the U.S. lineup, it served commuters who wanted strong fuel economy or short electric commuting in plug-in form without stepping into a full EV. Hatchback cargo flexibility, easy everyday driving, and Hyundai’s long warranty were central to the model’s appeal.
The 2021 Ioniq lineup ranges from the mileage-focused Blue Hybrid to better-equipped SE and SEL versions, with SEL adding features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and wireless phone charging. Limited is the upscale version of both the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, leather-trimmed seats, premium audio, and front and rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added to Blue, SE, and SEL versions fitted with the 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim’s 10.25-inch touchscreen setup carried over without this change.
2021 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic / Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic / Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic / Auto, 6-Spd EcoShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 54 mpg | 54 mpg | 58 mpg | 54 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 56 mpg | 56 mpg | 60 mpg | 56 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 | 23–26.5 cu-ft | 23–26.5 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 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 29 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 29 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| MPGe Combined | 119 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 119 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 119 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| 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 2021 Hyundai Ioniq?
The biggest change is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Ioniq trims with the 8-inch touchscreen. Most other parts of the 2021 lineup carry over from 2020.
Was the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq redesigned?
No, the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq was not redesigned. It kept the hatchback body and styling introduced with the 2020 refresh, along with the same basic Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains.
Which 2021 Hyundai Ioniq trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on Blue, SE, and SEL versions with the 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited uses a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and does not receive this wireless-phone-integration update.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq come as both a Hybrid and a Plug-in Hybrid?
Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq lineup includes both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions. Both retain a 1.6-liter electrified powertrain and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Ioniq is not meaningfully different from the refreshed 2020 model. Its main advantage is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on versions with the 8-inch touchscreen; the styling and powertrains are otherwise largely unchanged.
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq.
4.1
2021 Hyundai Ioniq
(166 reviews)
“The driver's side mirror - in particular - is too thick - I am unable to see the ground when I make a left turn.”
“It's a solid car; however, be aware of the relatively short range (170 miles) and slow "fast charging" (40 min from 20-80%) if/when you take it on longer trips.”