The Hyundai Ioniq receives significant updates for 2020 Tested: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited
The Ioniq was launched as a hybrid for MY 2017 before growing to include an EV for MY 2018 and finally a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for MY 2019. All three have impressive fuel economy, likable driving characteristics, and, in the case of the EV, an anticipated range of 184 miles for MY 2020. The Ioniq avoids the typical continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), opting instead for a traditional automatic transmission. But its powertrain could still use some refinement. What's more, neither the plug-in nor the EV can match the best in their segment for range, however a well-packaged interior and gimmick-free exterior design does help to ease some of my concerns.
While the Ioniq has only been on sale for three model years, it already warrants a refresh, or so Hyundai thinks so. So for 2020 the Ioniq receives some significant updates, mostly a bigger battery pack for the EV which Hyundai promises will increase driving range. The current 2019 model has only 124 miles of range, which by far is not segment leading.
The exterior receives a new grille with angular inserts in place of the old car's razor-blade-like pattern, which to us makes the Ioniq actually look less like a hybrid (the electric model, pictured below, keeps its blocked-off grille design). The optional LED head- and taillights are more angular in design, too, and Hyundai says they make the Ioniq stand out more at night, "enhancing not only aesthetics but also safety." Sure! New wheel designs, slightly redone bumper covers, and a few new colors round out the exterior changes.
The instrument panel (IP) has also been redesigned with a more horizontal theme. The HVAC controls reside on a new gloss-black panel, with the control layout looking more simplified than the outgoing car. There is now an optional tablet-style 10.3-inch infotainment screen that juts vertically out of the dash, replacing the current 8.0-inch unit that is integrated into the dash. Hyundai has yet to release photos of the new Ioniq without the new, big screen, but the rest of the updated design should remain the same.
The new Ioniq has a Green-Zone Drive Mode (GDM) function, which will automatically switch the hybrid's powertrain into full EV mode when it's used in certain areas - for example, European city centers that ban (or tax) gasoline-powered cars. The Ioniq also gets improved adjustable regenerative braking and one-pedal driving capability from the Kona Electric . The Ioniq now has active-safety features including lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking as standard, and I wouldn't be surprised to see these features made standard across the board. When it arrives later this year, I expect the 2020 Ioniq to stay close to 2019 prices. Our 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited tester had a window sticker of $ 31,760.
For 2019 the Ioniq PHEV was awarded Plug-in Hybrid of the Year at the Company Car Today CCT100 Awards. It was chosen by the judges for its combination of financial and emission savings, as well as its all-round usability. The 2020 Ioniq Electric will get a big boost in range along with more power when it goes on sale later this year in Europe.
In Europe, the 2020 Ioniq receives a significantly larger 38.3 kilowatt-hour battery pack, up from the current 28 kwh, along with a faster 7.2-kilowatt on-board charger, up from 6.6 kw. Hyundai says the bigger battery should give the 2020 Ioniq 184 miles of range on the relatively generous new WLTP driving cycle. That could translate into about 150 miles in a U.S. EPA rating, competitive with base model of the Nissan Leaf. The Ioniq EV also receives a notable bump in horsepower, from 120 to 134.
Its cloud-based voice recognition system can understand six languages. This infotainment screen, standing atop the center of the instrument panel, is the most noteworthy difference. It’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, includes its own voice-recognition software, and can receive updates remotely over the air. While it’s easy to focus in on that, a quick look elsewhere at the instrument panel underscores that it’s been given a refresh elsewhere inside.
Sitting gracefully below the high-mounted touch screen, the climate control buttons have been redesigned with capacitive touch buttons in place of physical buttons. Outside, the gains new LED headlights and a new bumper with a gray fascia. The EV sports a revised closed grille. The Ioniq will also include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification and active lane control as standard equipment, and the system now includes a Driver Attention Warning system.
The plug-in hybrid and hybrid models receive a new Integrated Coasting Guide to help drivers maximize efficiency, plus a new predictive energy management system that takes terrain into account and adjustable regenerative braking settings. The changes all sound worthy, and I’m expecting that they make it to North America soon.
Hyundai offering a $1,000 conquest for Toyota Prius owners
The Toyota Prius is undoubtedly the world's best-known hybrid car, and it's now been in production over four generations, for more than 20 years. There have been more than 6-million Priuses built so far, and the U.S. represents the vehicle's largest market. That means lots of current Prius drivers exist on U.S. roads. Now, Hyundai is targeting them as potential buyers of its new Ioniq Hybrid.
