Hyundai Ioniq
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to electric without the premium price tag? The Hyundai Ioniq might be exactly what you’re looking for. This forward thinking electric vehicle combines practical everyday usability with impressive efficiency and surprisingly sophisticated technology. It’s the car for people who want to embrace electric driving without compromising on space, comfort, or reliability.

From the moment you see it, the Ioniq presents a clean and modern appearance that clearly signals its electric credentials. Its sleek silhouette and aerodynamic design aren’t just for show either. They contribute to an impressive real world range that puts many rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage to shame. But the real surprise comes when you step inside. The cabin feels spacious and well thought out, with intuitive controls and quality materials that belie its reasonable price point.

Driving the Ioniq is a revelation for those new to electric vehicles. The instant torque delivery makes city driving effortless, while the whisper quiet operation transforms your daily commute into a serene experience. It handles predictably and offers a comfortable ride that makes longer journeys genuinely pleasant. While charging infrastructure continues to improve across the UK, the Ioniq’s efficient battery management means you’ll spend less time worrying about range and more time enjoying the drive.

What's the Hyundai Ioniq Like to Drive?

The Hyundai Ioniq is designed around efficiency and smooth delivery rather than outright speed. The electric motor produces around 136 horsepower in the standard model, which translates to brisk acceleration around town and confident motorway cruising. The 0 to 60 mph time of approximately 9.9 seconds feels quicker in practice thanks to the immediate torque delivery that electric motors provide. This makes overtaking and merging onto dual carriageways feel more confident than the numbers might suggest.

Where the Ioniq truly excels is in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making urban manoeuvring effortless. At higher speeds, it provides enough feedback to feel connected to the road without being heavy or tiring. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It absorbs road imperfections smoothly while maintaining composure through corners. This makes it an ideal electric SUV for both city commuting and longer family trips, delivering a consistently pleasant driving experience.

Inside the Hyundai Ioniq: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Ioniq and you’re greeted by a thoughtfully designed cabin that feels more premium than its price suggests. The dashboard features a clean, uncluttered layout with an 8 inch touchscreen taking centre stage. The materials used throughout feel solid and well chosen, with soft touch surfaces where your hands naturally fall. The seats offer good support for both short trips and longer journeys, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position.

One of the Ioniq’s standout features is how quiet the cabin remains at all speeds. Without an engine to generate noise, you’ll notice just how peaceful electric driving can be. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a serene environment that makes every journey more relaxing. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus automatic climate control and a decent sound system. Higher trim levels add heated seats and a premium audio system that further enhance the comfortable, refined atmosphere.

The Hyundai Ioniq succeeds in making electric vehicle ownership accessible and appealing to mainstream buyers. It delivers a refined, quiet, and efficient driving experience that transforms daily commuting into something genuinely pleasant. The interior quality impresses for the price point, while the practical range and reasonable charging times address most buyers’ real world needs effectively.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hyundai Ioniq?

The Ioniq’s running costs are where it truly shines compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Charging at home overnight typically costs just a few pounds for a full battery, giving you nearly 200 miles of range. Even using public rapid chargers costs significantly less than filling a petrol tank. Insurance groups are reasonable for an electric vehicle, though they may be slightly higher than equivalent conventional cars due to the specialist technology involved.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which sits in the mid range for electric vehicles. However, you’ll benefit from zero road tax, potential government grants, and exemption from congestion charges in major cities. Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage provides peace of mind, with an 8 year battery guarantee that demonstrates their confidence in the technology. When you factor in car finance options and the dramatically lower fuel costs, the Ioniq makes strong financial sense for many drivers, especially those covering higher annual mileages.

Is the Hyundai Ioniq Practical for Everyday Use?

For an electric vehicle, the Ioniq offers impressive practical credentials. The 350 litre boot provides ample space for weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage, while the rear seats fold to accommodate larger items when needed. The clever packaging means the electric drivetrain doesn’t significantly compromise interior space. You’ll find useful storage compartments throughout the cabin for phones, drinks, and other everyday items that make family life easier.

Where the Ioniq particularly excels is in its ease of use as an electric vehicle. The charging port is conveniently located and the car’s systems clearly display remaining range and nearby charging points. For families or couples making the switch from petrol or diesel, the Ioniq removes many of the concerns about electric vehicle ownership. Its reliable range estimates and efficient battery management make it easy to plan longer journeys. Compared to other used Hyundai cars, the Ioniq represents the brand’s commitment to practical, user friendly electric motoring.

The Hyundai Ioniq stands out in the growing electric vehicle market by delivering practical, efficient, and refined electric motoring without intimidating complexity or premium pricing. It successfully combines Hyundai’s reputation for reliability with forward thinking electric technology in a package that works brilliantly for everyday life. While it may not be the most exciting electric car available, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving.

You choose the Ioniq because you want electric motoring that simply works without fuss or compromise. Its impressive efficiency, comfortable interior, and whisper quiet operation make every journey more pleasant. It’s perfectly suited for commuting, school runs, and weekend trips alike. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle that offers genuine everyday practicality with excellent value, the Hyundai Ioniq should be at the top of your list.