OUR 'GUILTY PLEASURE' CARS; 2021 HYUNDAI IONIQ HYBRID TEST RESULTS | TALKING CARS #319

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is presented as a competent, if unexciting, commuter car that prioritizes fuel economy. While it achieves impressive highway mileage, exceeding 600 miles on a tank and outperforming the Toyota Prius in highway efficiency, its appeal is significantly hampered by its price point (around $27,000 for the SE trim) and a perceived lack of refinement. Reviewers found the interior to be basic and somewhat cramped, lacking the spaciousness of competitors like the Prius. The driving experience did not stand out, with a traditional shifter being a notable positive for some. Despite its practicality as a hatchback for hauling items like bicycles, the Ioniq Hybrid is seen as an "afterthought" by Hyundai, especially with the brand's focus shifting towards the new Ioniq EV sub-brand. Ultimately, while it performs its basic function, it struggles to justify its cost against other Hyundai sedans and its direct competitors, making it a "guilty pleasure" for some due to its functional strengths rather than its desirability.