View In-Depth Photos of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Hyundai's refreshed EV gets a larger battery, a new interior, and more range, but it still can't go as far as slightly more expensive competitors.
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric gets a smattering of updates that include a bolder front end, a more sophisticated interior, and a bigger battery that increases its EPA driving range from 124 to 170 miles.
The 2020 Ioniq Electric dons a more distinctive front end that is highlighted by a closed-off grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, and upgraded LED lighting elements.
The Ioniq Electric's battery pack grows from 28.0 to 38.3 kWh, which provides an additional 46 miles of range (170 total). Its permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor also increases from 118 horsepower to 134.
Acceleration times didn't improve much over the last, lower-horsepower model we tested back in 2017. Our top-of-the-line Limited test car needed 8.3 seconds to hit 60 mph and 4.9 ticks to close the gap between 50 and 70 mph.
One of the more engaging aspects of the Ioniq Electric is its improved regenerative-braking features. The paddles mounted on the steering wheel allow the driver to select between three different levels of deceleration and even spontaneously squeeze the left paddle to activate maximum regen.
The Ioniq Electric is all about efficiency, which is why it wears a set of low-rolling-resistance Michelin tires. Unfortunately, the rubber doesn't respond well to emergency stops from 70 mph, because they needed an inexcusable 191 feet to do so. That result is similar to some half-ton pickup trucks.
In addition to the larger battery pack and more powerful electric motor, the Ioniq EV receives an upgraded onboard charger. The new 7.2-kW unit replaces the old 6.6-kW charger, and it's intended to increase charging speed.
Despite having a shorter range than the Chevy Bolt EV and slightly more than the regular Nissan Leaf, the Ioniq Electric is more efficient than both. Its 133 MPGe combined exceeds the Chevy's 118-MPGe rating as well as the Nissan's 111-MPGe rating.
Hyundai provides every model with one of the best warranties in the industry. The same applies to its all-electric models, which come with a lifetime battery warranty. The Ioniq Electric also comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Inside, the Ioniq Electric benefits from a redesigned dashboard that looks more sophisticated than the one it replaces. Along with a new fully digital gauge cluster and touch-sensitive climate controls, it now has tablet-like touchscreen options and available blue ambient lighting.
While we think the new technology and modernized controls look great, they're definitely prettier than they are practical. When it comes to accessibility and limiting distractions, we prefer the physical buttons and knobs that were found on its predecessor.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
View Photos of the 1987 Sterling 825SL
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Interior Photos
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Exterior Photos
View Photos of the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa
