2020 Hyundai Ioniq Pros vs Cons

Introduced in the 2017 model year, the Hyundai Ioniq has been in the running to outclass older and more established hybrids like the Toyota Prius. It has done well enough since then, but it might have the upper-hand in the 2020 model year. For this is the one where Hyundai introduced a revamped version of the vehicle.

With a longer travel time before a charge, the Ioniq can shift the electric car market up a level while Tesla tries to figure things out for the low-cost consumer. In addition, thanks to a design shift, Hyundai has a chance to pull consumers away from hybrid and electric vehicles made by Chevrolet and Honda.

What's New for 2020?

Besides the electric-only revamp, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has an updated exterior. Some trims have received an upgraded wheels and LED lighting plans. In addition, the safety and infotainment options have been improved to compete with similar vehicles on the market.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq – The Pros

1. It's Electric

In 2019, the Ioniq got 124 miles before its battery required a charge. In the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq, this has increased significantly. Now, drivers can travel nearly three hours, about 170 miles, before the car needs a boost. Furthermore, the amount of horsepower has increased to 134. Not only does it have stamina, but it has the power to get in front of slower electric vehicles.

2. Impressive Fuel Economy

Thanks to the company's engineers, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid has one of the highest fuel efficiency ratings in the market. For the standard Blue trim, the Ioniq gets a combined 58 mpg on the combination of gas engine and battery. Other trim versions with more powerful engines have a slight dip in the combined economy. In the end, a driver can travel quite far with the Ioniq on one tank of gas and lots of pressure on the brakes.

3. New Regenerative Braking Controls

Hybrids don't get constant power from a fully charged battery. It comes from the frequency of braking. This act of returning the energy of a stop back to the battery is called regenerative braking.

On the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq, how this is controlled and delivered is now done through paddle controls on the steering wheel. It's a more efficient way to enable the process while driving in the city or disable it during highway driving.

4. Larger Touchscreen Display

The technology and infotainment portion of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has been updated to allow drivers and passengers to get a clearer sense of what's happening. the touchscreen for the Blue, SE, and SEL hybrid trims has increased to eight-inches. The top-line Limited gets a 10.25-inch screen.

All trims come standard with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone setup. This is linked with a voice-command system that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give the driver the ability to see their smartphone’s apps on the touchscreen display.

5. Costs Less Than the Competitors

Whether it's the hybrid or electric version, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has a lower price point than the Prius or the Honda Insight. The starting MSRP for the Blue trim hovers at $23,000 while the SEL goes for $31,000.

On the electric side, the Ioniq plug-in hybrid starts at $26,000. The Ford Fusion plug-in has a starting MSRP that's nearly $10,000 more. In the end, Hyundai has some great values when it comes to the alternative-energy market.

6. Higher-end Standards at the Base Trim

There are some hybrid vehicles on the market who strip their models bare to maintain a low price. This is not the case with the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq. Even at the Blue trim, the vehicle offers standards that other companies don't provide until customers pay more.

For instance, the Blue has proximity key entry to promote safety and ease of access. The Ioniq Blue also comes with driver aids like Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist. In fact, the entire Ioniq family offers customers a large suite of driver assist tools as standards.

7. Quick Acceleration in Sports Mode

Hybrid vehicles can be environmentally friendly as well as sporty. Take the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq as a good example. When it's shifted into the manual sport mode, the sedan is able to push the acceleration.

8. Storage Space a Plus

Thanks to its hatchback design the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has two advantages when it comes to storage. First, there's an ease to add things into the trunk over a similar model with a standard trunk. Second, the fold-down rear seats increase the cubic feet of capacity. Thus, with or without the seats folded down, the Ioniq can handle several pieces of carry-on luggage.

9. Maintains Proper Stability in Most Conditions

There are some hybrids that, due to their design, don't have the ability to handle curves or straightaways like gasoline-based cars do. The good news is the aerodynamic structure of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has the chops to quickly respond on curved roads. Even in areas where turns are sharper than normal, the Ioniq has a stable and competent feel as steering remains firm.

10. Better Warranty Over Other Manufacturers

When Hyundai calls its Assurance Warranty the best in America it's not blowing smoke. It is one of the best around, and it applies to all its vehicles. Including the hybrid/electric models.

Therefore, consumers who decide to buy the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq will receive a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a powertrain warranty that lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles. In addition to these, the Ioniq’s lithium battery is maintained for the vehicle's lifetime.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq – The Cons

1. Hard Ride on Rough Road Surfaces

While its speed and agility are excellent, particularly in sport mode, the Ioniq doesn't handle rougher surfaces well. Even with MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension, it takes the bumps and potholes hard. When consumers encounter these issues during a test drive, they may wonder if the fuel efficiency and price are worth sore backsides as the vehicle jumps around.

2. Slow Response Time in ECO mode

In sport mode, the Ioniq does well hitting its acceleration and passing goals. But not every environment allows for this option. For instance, during city driving, it may be better to use ECO mode instead. Unfortunately, in this setup, acceleration and passing are downright sluggish, and there's no alternative to counteract it.

3. Loss of Efficiency in Sport Mode

While sport mode helps the Ioniq become a perky speedster, it cuts down on the vehicle's fuel efficiency. That's because the battery isn't utilized. Nor is regenerative braking part of the equation to draw more energy into the cell. Those who want better performance should consider looking at a gas-based automobile.

4. Electric Ioniq Only Sold in Select Markets

More electric cars are needed in the market. Unfortunately, the Ioniq is not going to be one of those that's distributed across the U.S. Currently, it's being released in certain markets. How much this expands over time depends on the popularity of the Ioniq EV.

5. All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) Not Available

All versions of the Ioniq operate with a front-wheel-drive. There are no options to add an AWD package to them like the Prius. Combined with a rougher ride, customers could jump over to Toyota and pay a little more for an AWD hybrid with better suspension.

How It Compares to the Competition

When stacked against its nearest distance cousin, the Toyota Prius, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq is the winner when it comes to fuel efficiency and design. However, the Prius is the champ with better handling. In addition, as mentioned above, it can be upgraded to an AWD version.

Matched up against its next nearest competitor, the Honda Insight, the Ioniq falls to second place due to lack of natural acceleration. On the other hand, it gets the trophy for better EV mileage and a quieter fuel-based engine on the hybrid.

Conclusion

Despite some minor disadvantages, there's a good chance the hybrid and electric versions of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq can breach the top of the market. With its sleeker design, updated infotainment system, and multiple driver assist aids as standards, the Ioniq matches or exceeds the features of its direct competitors, particularly the Prius.

What also helps is the maximum efficiency of both engine versions. For the Ioniq hybrid, an average of 59 mpg with regenerative braking is one of the highest in its category. Even if it's a mile or two over models like the Insight, it's still a significant bump.

On the EV side, the jump to 170 miles on a fully-charged battery can't be ignored. This means three straight hours of driving on the highway and perhaps more in the city as braking is applied.

What can drive consumers away is the Ioniq's overall performance. Unless it's in sport mode, acceleration can be somewhat ponderous. Furthermore, the lack of a quality suspension system might make the slow increase in speed more frustrating.

However, if customers don't care about these, then they'll be quite happy with what the 2020 Ioniq can do.