For years rivals have tried to beat the Toyota Prius, look at the Honda Insight and Ford C-Max, unfortunately the Insight is gone and does anyone even know the C-Max exists? Now it’s Hyundai’s turn. The Hyundai Ioniq may look like a Prius, but Hyundai has leap frogged the Prius by offering three versions: a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version of the Ioniq. For now, lets start with the 2017 Ioniq Hybrid, which will be the cheapest of the three and the most direct rival to the popular Prius. Here are the five things you need to know:
5There’s an Ioniq for every taste
The Ioniq Hybrid is only the first of the three Ioniq models that Hyundai offers. Green car fans will be excited to hear that the Ioniq will be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version. The Ioniq Electric will be the hardest one to find, since production numbers can’t keep up with the demand. In the fourth-quarter of 2017, the Ioniq plug-in hybrid will join the team with its larger 8.9-kWh battery pack and more powerful 60 horsepower electric motor. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid has an electric driving range of 27 miles and can be fully recharged using a 240-volt charger in a short 2.25 hours.
Wrap Up: Hyundai’s marketing continues to call out the Ioniq as the most fuel efficient non-plug in car that you can buy today, which is great. Its low entry price is a plus, but Hyundai also needs to call out how the Ioniq is also more fun to drive than the typical hybrid, which means you have to make even less compromises if you decide a hybrid is in the cards. The Ioniq Hybrid was probably one of the first hybrid cars that I actually enjoyed driving. The Ioniq Hybrid: Spacious, fun and practical.
Pricing for the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid starts at $23,085 for the Ioniq Blue, the Ioniq SEL starts at $24,835 and the top Ioniq Limited starts at $28,385.
