2018 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: The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq adds a new plug-in hybrid version. Also, lane–keep assist is newly available. Hyundai introduced a new eco-focused compact-car line for 2017. The Ioniq is a compact four-door hatchback that offers a choice of three electrified powertrains: gas/electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid combine a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. The hybrid produces a combined 139 horsepower and the plug-in hybrid, even though it has a larger electric motor, is also rated at 139 hp. The plug-in hybrid can be driven an estimated 29 miles solely on electric power. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid use a 6-speed automated-manual transmission. The electric is currently available only in California and has 118 hp with 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.