2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Performance

Performance across the Ioniq range is pretty standard, with only one powertrain on offer. The four-cylinder gas engine comes paired to an electric motor, developing a combined 139 hp, although the plug-in's electric motor is slightly stronger and supplements the combustion engine a little more. However, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is geared to maximize fuel economy which adversely affects acceleration and responsiveness to throttle inputs. With the drive mode set to the higher-performance Sport mode, the Ioniq still takes close to nine seconds to get from 0-60 mph, according to independent testers. This is still quicker than the Toyota Prius, though. Front-wheel-drive is standard with no option available for AWD, which isn't surprising considering the powertrain's very limited outputs.

Every model in the Ioniq Hybrid range gets the same powertrain. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine develops 104 hp and 109 lb-ft torque on its own, but it comes paired with an electric motor that puts out 43 hp and 125 lb-ft for a combined figure of 139 hp. In the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Plug-in, a stronger 60-hp electric motor is used, but the combined output remains the same 139 hp. While this is enough power to get the lightweight hatchback around town, it's certainly not enough to do so quickly. Passing on the highway will require some patience, at the very least.

Rowing the gears for the compact vehicle is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which directs power to the front wheels only. The gearbox bears most of the blame for the Ioniq's poor performance. It shifts at the most awkward times in an attempt to maximize economy over just about every other driving factor.

Only one powertrain is available to the Ioniq range, but it performs a little differently on the entry-level Blue spec, thanks to its lower rolling-resistance tires. In this configuration, the Ioniq Hybrid hatchback beats even the acclaimed Toyota Prius, with an EPA-estimated 58/60/59 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. The Prius tops out at 52 mpg in the combined cycle. The rest of the Ioniq Hybrid line-up also beats Toyota's famed hybrid, getting 54/57/55 mpg. With an 11.9-gallon fuel tank, the Ioniq will carry you 655 miles before needing to refuel, while the penny-pinching Blue trim can go an extra 47 miles before needing to find a gas station.

The Plug-in Hybrid models get a slightly less impressive combined 52 mpg, with 119 MPGe combined running on electric power. Running purely on electric power, the plug-in can travel up to 29 miles. It also gets a slightly smaller 11.4-gallon tank, meaning that its total range is 620 miles. The larger 8.9 kWh battery in the plug-in takes two hours and 15 minutes to charge from a manual Level 2 outlet.