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2019 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid SEL Review By John Heilig


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SEE ALSO: Hyundai IONIQ Content Archive

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel

REVIEWED MODEL: 2019 Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid SEL

ENGINE: 1.6-liter 4

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 139 hp combined

WHEELBASE: 106 in.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 176 x 72 x 57 in.

TIRES: P195/65R15

CARGO CAPACITY: 19.5 cu. ft.

ECONOMY: 55 mpg city/54 mpg highway/53.2 mpg test

FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 12 gal. (est.)

CURB WEIGHT: 3,070 lbs.

TOWING CAPACITY: Not recommended

COMPETITIVE CLASS: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze

STICKER: $25,960 (includes $885 delivery, $125 optional carpeted floor mats)

BOTTOM LINE: As a nominal compact hybrid sedan, the Hyundai IONIQ has proven to be a competitor in the segment.

Toyota’s Prius has had the field essentially all to itself in the compact hybrid sedan segment for several years. Now, there’s another kid on the block in the equally weirdly named Hyundai Ioniq. Ionic is available in several versions, including full electric.

Our tester is the more conventional Hybrid, with a small 1.6-liter gasoline engine for general operation augmented by a 32 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor for when you need that extra boost, all operating through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Ride quality of the Ioniq is very good for a small sedan, with essentially silent operation under normal cruising conditions. Handling is also good, but this is a small car (the EPA sticker actually labels it large) that generally offers decent handling. On rough roads you know it, but most of the time there is little or no road impact into the cabin.

The heated front seats are comfortable with good side support. In our tester, the driver’s seat was powered, but the front passenger’s wasn’t. Rear seats have good knee room plus good exterior visibility and a flat floor.

The driver faces a clear instrument panel with a centrally mounted speedometer. An eco/power/charge meter is on the left with fuel economy data on the right as part of the information screen.

The busy wheel has a full array of functions, including audio controls, cruise, phone, and an access button to tap into the information screen.

In the center of the dash is a 7-inch infotainment screen with the usual options. However, our tester didn’t have a navigation function.

Our tester had a good HVAC system that worked well in changeable autumn weather.

Interior storage consists of a large cubby at the base of the center stack with two 12-volt plus AUX and USB outlets. In the center console is a pair of cupholders, with one D-shaped rather than round. There’s a long narrow “tablet holder” on the passenger’s side of the console, and a small arm rest/console. There’s room for water bottles in all the doors.

Cargo capacity is very good. We took two bags of grass and leaves to our town’s compost center with room to spare. I did have to lower the rear seat backs to accommodate my golf clubs, however, an operation that is easy to perform.

Overall, the Hyundai Ioniq is a nice package that should make a dent in Prius sales, especially for those who may be looking for something different.

(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate