Is a used Hyundai Ioniq a good buy?

When the Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid went on sale in July 2017, the Hyundai Ioniq became the first car in the world to offer three 'electrified' engine and gearbox setups within one body type. So if the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in doesn’t spark your interest, you could consider the Hyundai Ioniq Electric or Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

You could argue that the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid offers the best of both worlds. A rival to the Toyota Prius Plug-In, it offers the convenience of a 105hp 1.6-litre petrol engine for long trips, plus a 61hp electric motor for zero-emission driving around town - provided you regularly charge the batteries. A stepping stone on your way to going fully electric.

The maximum combined output of 141hp delivers a 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 110mph, which makes it relatively nippy rather than quick, but we suspect you’re more interested in its eco-credentials. Fully charged, you can expect anything up to the official 39 miles of electric range, which is likely to be closer to 30 miles on typical roads with traffic and hills to deal with.

Just as compelling is the prospect of travelling up to 660 miles using a combination of a full tank of petrol and a fully charged battery, so you’ll be spending less time at the pumps. Combined fuel economy of 256.8mpg is achievable if you remember to charge the battery regularly and mostly do short trips.

The 8.9kWh battery will recharge from flat to 100% within two hours and 15 minutes using a 7kW charger, while a domestic plug socket should complete the same charge in around six hours. Either way, keeping the battery topped up is the key to unlocking the full potential of the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid.

Like the other cars in the Hyundai range, the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is covered by an unlimited mileage five-year warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. Few manufacturers have such a solid reputation as Hyundai, so this is a second-hand plug-in hybrid you can buy with confidence.

Read our full Hyundai Ioniq review

Which used Hyundai Ioniq should you buy?

Although the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid arrived in 2017, an update in 2019 ushered in some cosmetic tweaks and tech upgrades. A new radiator grille at the front, new front and rear bumpers, and redesigned front and rear lights are the highlights of the styling makeover.

On the inside, the update introduced a new dashboard design, updated instrument cluster, ambient lighting, touch-type temperature and multimedia controls, plus an impressive 10.3-inch widescreen sat-nav system. There were no changes to the engine, although the introduction of driver-controlled regenerative braking (which adds charge back to the battery when braking) should improve the car’s overall efficiency.

What used Hyundai Ioniq trim levels are available?

Buying a used Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in makes a lot of sense. Even early examples are still covered by the remainder of the original manufacturer’s warranty, while the battery will be covered for another few years. When you consider that a 2017 car could cost half the original list price, you begin to wonder if it’s worth buying a new one.

There’s no entry-level trim as such, so you’re guaranteed a generous level of standard specification, regardless of the Hyundai Ioniq you get. 

Hyundai Ioniq Premium

Highlights of the Hyundai Ioniq Premium include 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather heated steering wheel, heated seats in the front, dual-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, a touchscreen media system (which is wider following the update), wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE

Upgrading to the Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE added £2000 to the price, but the difference will be smaller when you’re looking at used Hyundai Ioniq Plug-ins. It builds on the Premium spec, but adds electric adjustment and ventilation for the front seats, heated rear seats, automatic de-fogging for the windscreen, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, bllind spot detection and rear traffic alert.

Leather was optional on the Premium SE, but not available on the Premium, while metallic paint was a £565 option across the range. The only other option was an electric sunroof on the Premium SE (£395).