2017 Hyundai Ioniq

Pros: Pleasant driving manners; user-friendly control layout; cargo versatility of hatchback body style; choice of powertrains

Cons: Ioniq Hybrid’s powertrain is not as smooth or refined as rival hybrid vehicles; Toyota-Prius-like split rear-window layout compromises rear visibility; not all testers like Ioniq Electric’s push-button shifter

CG Says: Hyundai introduces a new eco-focused compact-car line for 2017 that will offer a choice of three electrified powertrains. The Ioniq is a new compact four-door hatchback that is available as gas/electric hybrid and a pure-electric vehicle for ’17; a plug-in hybrid joins the line as a 2018 model. The hybrid combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and produces a combined 139 horsepower. The hybrid uses a 6-speed automated-manual transmission. The electric (sold only in California) has 118 hp and an estimated driving range of 124 miles. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Hyundai Ioniq lineup is aimed squarely at the Toyota Prius family, as well as the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV. Though its Chevrolet and Toyota competitors trump the Ioniq on a couple of key specs, we’re still impressed with the everyday passenger/cargo practicality of the Ioniq platform and the smooth, peppy driving character of the Ioniq Electric. However, we’re less impressed with the non-linear behavior of the Ioniq Hybrid’s gas/electric powertrain, and the disappointing fuel economy our test Ioniq Hybrid achieved compared to our 2017 Toyota Prius Eco test vehicle. We’re anxious to see how the 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid compares against the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.