Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 2021 Review

Hyundai offers three versions of the 2021 Ioniq. There's the Ioniq Electric that's a pure electric vehicle, the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid that uses a gas engine when it's needed, and the Ioniq Hybrid — no outlet required. The Hybrid admirably serves its mission of being the baseline and most affordable Ioniq. The EPA estimates it will get up to 59 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is excellent for a hybrid. It also boasts a roomy cargo area and a pleasing number of standard features.

The most obvious comparison facing the Ioniq Hybrid is the Toyota Prius. Both use a hatchback design to maximize both aerodynamics and utility. But there are plenty of other small hybrid options at your disposal too, including the Honda Insight, Kia Niro and Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Among this group, the Ioniq Hybrid holds its own and is worth checking out if you're shopping for a fuel-sipping hybrid. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of its performance, comfort and more.

Which Ioniq Hybrid does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a four-door hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, available in four trim levels: Blue, SE, SEL and Limited. All models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a gasoline-electric hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 139 horsepower. Standout features include:

Blue Starts you out with:

• 15-inch wheels
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• Six-way adjustable front seats

Standard driver aids on all Ioniq Hybrids include the following:

• Lane keeping assist (steers the Ioniq Hybrid back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
• Automatic high-beam headlights (automatically operates the high beams depending on whether approaching vehicles are detected)
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

SE Extra niceties are added to the Ioniq Hybrid in this trim, such as:

• LED daytime running lights
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Upgraded driver information display
• Paddle shifters with regenerative braking controls
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Additional USB port in center console
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic collision warning (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

SEL With this trim level you get an upgraded exterior look plus helpful technology:

• LED headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED cabin lights
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Sunroof
• Upgraded forward collision avoidance system
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ioniq Hybrid and the car in front)

Limited The top-line Ioniq Hybrid adds upscale touches to the hatchback:

• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• 10.25-inch touchscreen (deletes the wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Integrated navigation system
• Leather seats
• Cargo cover
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist (combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist to help keep the Ioniq Hybrid in its lane)