Trims and Engineering

The 2021 Ioniq PHEV is a front-wheel drive hatchback EV that’s issued in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. Its gas-electric powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline-burning engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch automatic transmission. The total system output is 139 hp. The time to full charge is less than seven hours at home with a standard 110V/120V outlet. If you want it to charge faster, though, a Level 2 (220V/240V) charger can juice it up in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Standard Amenities

All trims have the same EPA fuel efficiency rating: a combined city/highway 52 mpg, 119 MPGe (miles per-gallon of gasoline equivalent), and an overall range of 620 miles. There’s an all-electric mode, too, that lets you travel up to 29 miles without burning any gas. The ’21 Ioniq PHEV also has regenerative braking, which harnesses the energy generated from the stopping process and stores it in the battery for later use. The BlueLink mobile app includes charging indicators and a charge scheduling system so you can set and control charging time to take advantage of off-peak hours and rates.

The SE comes with heated side mirrors, door handle welcome lights, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control (dual-zone), heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a backup camera with dynamic guidelines, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, a center-console USB port, and BlueLink connected car services. The SEL gets turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors, LED headlights, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The top-end Limited adds a sunroof, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps, leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory functions, ambient interior lighting, rear AC vents, and a cargo area cover.

Technology and Safety

The SE and SEL have an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (class exclusive), Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and satellite and HD radio. The Limited upgrades to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and Clari-Fi Music Restoration technology.

All ‘21 Ioniq PHEVs come with Hyundai’s SmartSense bundle of advanced driver-assist features. In the SE, this consists of forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, driver attention warning, and high beam assist. The SEL gains blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning. The Limited gets some additional features: front and rear parking sensors and highway drive assist.