“it is a great value for the money, it has decent range for and EV, powerful when needed and overall great car. IT IS NOT EXCITING AT ALL TO DRIVE.”
Hyundai Ioniq: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact five-seat hatchback built around efficient hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and, in earlier years, fully electric powertrains. It is known for low running costs, useful cargo space, and a familiar driving feel.
The Ioniq spent its 2017-2022 U.S. run making electrified driving feel practical and ordinary. Its hatchback shape added everyday usefulness, while its six-speed automatic gave the hybrid a more familiar feel than rivals with continuously variable transmissions. The family began with hybrid and electric versions, added a plug-in hybrid for 2018, and ended with hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for 2022.
Strengths
- The hybrid is exceptionally fuel-efficient, with 2022 ratings ranging from 54 to 58 mpg in the city depending on trim.
- The plug-in hybrid could travel 29 miles on electricity in 2022 before continuing with gasoline backup.
- The hatchback shape makes it practical for daily errands, with 26.5 cubic feet of cargo room in the 2022 hybrid.
- Its six-speed automatic feels more like a conventional car than the continuously variable transmissions used by many hybrid rivals.
- Safety and cabin technology became more widely available over time, especially after the 2020 refresh.
Who it's for
The Ioniq suits commuters and small households that want to use less fuel without moving to an SUV or an unusual-feeling eco car. The regular hybrid works well for drivers who want simple fuel savings, while the plug-in hybrid fits short daily commutes with gasoline backup for longer trips.
Hyundai Ioniq lineup
Pick the Blue trim when maximum hybrid fuel economy is the priority; in 2022, it reached the top of the hybrid’s 58-mpg city and 60-mpg highway ratings. SE is the straightforward entry point and became the starting trim for the expanded plug-in hybrid range in 2020. SEL is the middle step, with broader driver-assistance equipment becoming part of its identity by 2019. Limited sits at the top for shoppers who want the Ioniq with a fuller set of safety and technology features.
Hyundai Ioniq generations
From 2017 to 2022, the Ioniq spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2017.
1st Generation (2017–2022)
The original Ioniq is a compact hatchback built specifically for electrified powertrains. It launched with Hybrid and battery-electric versions, added a Plug-in Hybrid for 2018, and received refreshed styling, cabin technology, and safety features for 2020.
22 In Stock
2022
The battery-electric model leaves the U.S. lineup, leaving the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid for the final model year.
2021
The refreshed lineup carries over with a few technology updates on some trims.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior and cabin styling arrive with a larger standard touchscreen on lower trims and a standard safety suite across the lineup.
2019
Upper trims gain more standard driver-assistance features, but the design and electrified powertrains carry over.
2018Trim changes
The Plug-in Hybrid joins the lineup, expanding the Ioniq family to Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and battery-electric versions.
2017New generation
The all-new Ioniq launches in the U.S. as a dedicated electrified hatchback, initially centered on Hybrid and battery-electric versions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Ioniq.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Ioniq a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or an electric car?
It was sold in all three forms during its U.S. run. The regular Hybrid uses gasoline and electricity without plugging in. The Plug-in Hybrid can cover short trips on a charge before using gasoline. The battery-electric hatchback was offered earlier but left the lineup before the final model year.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq a sedan or a hatchback?
It is a compact four-door hatchback with seating for five. Its rear liftgate provides access to 26.5 cubic feet of cargo room in later Hybrid models and 23 cubic feet in later Plug-in Hybrid models.
Does the Hyundai Ioniq have all-wheel drive?
No. The original Hyundai Ioniq hatchback is front-wheel drive across the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid range. Shoppers who need all-wheel drive will need to consider a different vehicle.
How far can the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid drive on electricity?
Later Ioniq Plug-in Hybrids are rated for 29 miles of electric driving. After the charge is used, the gasoline-electric system keeps the car moving, so a longer trip does not depend on finding another charger.
Does the Hyundai Ioniq drive like a typical hybrid?
Not quite. The Ioniq uses a six-speed automatic rather than the continuously variable transmission found in many hybrids. That gives acceleration a more familiar stepped feel while keeping the car focused on efficiency.
Who is the Hyundai Ioniq a good fit for?
It suits commuters who put fuel economy and everyday usefulness ahead of sporty performance or all-wheel drive. Its hatchback cargo area helps with errands, while the Plug-in Hybrid suits drivers whose daily trip fits within its 29-mile electric range.
How many generations of the original Hyundai Ioniq hatchback were there?
There was one U.S. generation, covering the 2017 through 2022 model years. A 2020 refresh brought updated styling, a revised cabin, larger screens on lower trims, and more standard safety features. The original hatchback ended after 2022.
Hyundai Ioniq Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Ioniq.
4.2
Hyundai Ioniq
(1,851 reviews)
“It is a unique driving experience that will change your relationship with your car.”
“Fabulous gas mileage, extremely quiet, handles well. Dislike the ignition on/off function, too hard to know (at times) if it is on or off.”
“This vehicle drives and feels just like any comparable gas only vehicle, but has better mileage ratings and, using electric only around town, has superior mileage to other brands. Also, if you need to go on a long trip, it is not necessary to worry about charging.”
“Do it! You will love driving with the three different levels so you can give your car a small charge boost every time you drive. It's a fun car to drive and you will save a lot of money over time!!”
“Everything is great about this car except the charging and the range. If it charged faster and/or had more capacity, it would be perfect for long distance trips.”
Sources
- hyundainews.com — Documents / Original / 42765 2021IoniqProductGuideSpecs
- hyundaiusa.com — Conquest / Configuration / 2021 Ioniq Hybrid Vs 2021 Toyota Prius
- org-us-sweb-owners.hyundaiusa.com — 2020 / Ioniq Hybrid / 2020 Ioniq HEV Quick Reference Guide
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2019 Ioniq Plug In Hybrid / Compare Specs
- hyundainews.com — Documents / Original / 25646 2017HYUNDAIIONIQHYBRIDANDELECTRICMODELSAREPRICEDTOATTRACTENTIRELYNEWECO FOCUSEDBUYERS