Flash Drive: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

Newest Ioniq Family Member Makes Its Debut

Members of the media were invited to Hyundai’s USA headquarters in early December to drive the all-new 2018 Ioniq PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). This makes the third iteration of the Ioniq, joining the 2017 hybrid and battery electric models, both of which have been reviewed earlier on Clean Fleet Report.

The Ioniq PHEV is essentially the same car as its hybrid sibling, but with one very important differentiator: you can drive 29 miles on pure electricity alone . This, along with the very efficient gasoline hybrid engine makes for outstanding fuel economy.

The parallel hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (104 horsepower (hp)/109 pounds-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque and an AC synchronous permanent magnet motor (60 hp/125 lb.-ft.), mated to Hyundai’s EcoShift six-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The result is 139 total system horsepower.

So what does this all mean? The overall fuel economy is an excellent 119 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent; MPGe is an Environmental Protection Agency measurement of how far a car can travel, electrically, on the same amount of energy as is contained in one gallon of gasoline). With a gas-only average of 52 mpg and the 11.4 gallon fuel tank, plus 29 pure electric miles, the Ioniq PHEV has an estimated 630 miles total range.

On a 30-mile test drive, the Ioniq PHEV drove much like the Ioniq hybrid and EV versions. The interior was straight-forward in its design, providing comfortable seats and easy to read and reach gauges. The ride was smooth with few of the abrupt jolts that small cars can suffer from. With the batteries placed under the seats, the resulting low center of gravity makes for a stable ride and predictable cornering.

Pricing

Pricing has not been finalized, but the Ioniq PHEV is due to be in dealers starting in late December. Please visit your local dealer for a test drive.

Observations: 2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV

Hyundai is making the most of the Ioniq brand, which will soon be known as the go-to cars for fuel efficiency. You can get an Ioniq that uses no gasoline or the option of two that use a combination of gasoline and electricity. They are affordable, with performance, handling and ride comfort above the pack.

Clean Fleet Report will have a full review on the 2018 Ioniq PHEV in the coming months.

Road Test: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

Road Test: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Comparison Test: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq EV & Hybrid

News: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Becomes Fuel Economy Leader

News: Hyundai-Kia’s Future Is Electric Powertrains

News: Will Hyundai Bring Its New EV To the US?

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.