2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

One of a few electro-centric compact hatchbacks from Hyundai, the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are the most readily available in the range. Perhaps not as focused as the dedicated EV - now discontinued for 2022 - the affordability of it, starting at just $23,600, and supreme gas mileage make these two the most likely to be purchased. In its most basic form, the Hybrid Blue trim gets impressive fuel economy of 59 mpg combined, even besting the popular Toyota Prius. The entry-level model in the US also comes with a fair number of safety features and a decent infotainment suite, but the best tech is reserved for the pricier Limited trim. While mileage may vary, every model is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, developing a combined 139 horsepower, while the PHEV will manage 29 miles on electricity alone. Only a front-wheel-drive drivetrain is available, and a somewhat unrefined six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission rows the gears.

Coupled with the Ioniq's unimpressive performance is a very uncommunicative steering system. Cars designed for town driving generally have pretty light steering, but the Hyundai's feels like trudging through a quagmire. This often leads to overcorrection when initially light inputs go largely ignored.

The brakes are equally unimpressive. The regenerative capabilities aren't very efficient, resulting in staggering to get the most out of the friction. On the plus side, there are level control paddles for the regenerative brakes on all models but the Blue, which doesn't have regenerative braking. The somewhat iffy brakes are only further exacerbated by the low grip of the tires.

All of this is rounded out by an overly busy ride. On anything but the smoothest of roads, the Ioniq feels every little bump. For such a light vehicle, the suspension feels ill-tuned, with mid-corner bumps jarring occupants rather violently. If the cabin were more plushly appointed, it might help negate some of this, but the Ioniq is not a luxury vehicle, and it never feels remotely like one.

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid hatchback certainly looks impressive on paper, with a low starting price, a fair number of safety features, and competitive cargo capacity. However, once you take it for a test drive, you'll quickly discover that the Ioniq is not all it seems to be.

In fact, the first signs of disappointment appear the moment you climb inside. The cabin may be well-made, but it looks and feels cheap thanks to poor choices in materials and some cost-cutting. Get moving, and the disappointment grows. Acceleration isn't lively at all, and handling is subpar, at best. Compounding this is shoddy ride quality, with all but the most velvety of roads often inducing some car sickness in even the most iron of stomachs.

It's not all bad, though. The compact hatchback gets truly impressive fuel economy, especially in its highly efficient Blue trim. And even this entry-level model gets some desirable safety features like forward-collision avoidance and high-beam assist. Add to this the reasonable trunk for a hybrid vehicle, and the Hyundai Ioniq certainly feels like an affordable and versatile daily driver for those on a budget.

Still, the Toyota Prius manages to keep the crown, in our opinion, with a higher quality interior, better ride comfort, and more standard features. So the slightly higher starting price, and slightly lower fuel economy, don't feel like much of a downside.

The most direct competition to the Hyundai Ioniq in the USA is, indisputably, the ever-popular Toyota Prius. It may be true that Hyundai managed to beat Toyota's impressive fuel economy figures, but it doesn't help that the Ioniq falls behind in just about every other area. The Prius is far more premium inside, with much better materials used in production and a little more space to go around. It's also been updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance suite. With much better handling and a far more comfortable ride, the Toyota Prius will still impress.

The Honda Insight starts at less than $2,000 more than the base Ioniq Blue and seems to be at a disadvantage with its higher price and inferior - but Prius-matching - 52-mpg combined economy. However, there is more to it than that and the Insight's superior 151-hp output ensures that it gets to 60 mph in less than eight seconds, a performance advantage probably well worth the extra gas. It also handles well and is quiter and more comfortable than the Ioniq at the same time. The brakes are far more progressive and pleasant to use with a very natural feel. To seal the deal, the Insight justifies its higher price not just with a more polished driving experience, but also a better equipment level, including LED headlights, Honda's very impressive suite of Honda Sensing driver-assistance technologies, and a fully featured infotainment system, right from the base trim. It gets our vote.