by Michael Butler
The first-generation Ioniq was introduced back in 2017, and in order to keep up with an ever-increasing lineup of competitors, Hyundai has made a large number of changes to the 2020 model. For the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, these changes include a larger 38.3 kWh battery, more power, and interior upgrades such as a larger infotainment screen. This compact five-door liftback EV is powered by a 100kW magnetic synchronous motor that pushes out 134 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. But with competitors such as theNissan Leafand the mightyTesla Model 3also in the running in the US, the Ioniq Electric might just be out of its league in a segment of the market that doesn't stop evolving for a moment. Can 2020's updates keep this electric vehicle in the race?
Hyundai applied an extensive amount of meaningful enhancements and alterations to the Ioniq Electric coming into the 2020 model year. These include significant powertrain upgrades where outputs have been increased from 118 hp to 134, a larger 38.3 kWh battery pack replaces last years 28 kWh battery pack and extends the Ioniq's all-electric range from 124 miles to 170, finally, a new, higher capacity 7.2-kW charger replaces the old 6.6-kW unit resulting in shortened charging times. The SE model now comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen and the Limited with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon sound system. Hyundai's SmartSense driver-assistance system has also been made standard across the board. Finally, Hyundai applied some exterior and interior cosmetic changes and supplied two new paint options, Stellar Silver and Electric Shadow.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric SE |
Electric |
Single Speed Automatic |
Front-Wheel Drive |
$33,045 |
| Electric Limited |
Electric |
Single Speed Automatic |
Front-Wheel Drive |
$38,615 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Hyundai has done its best to keep the 2020 Ioniq Electric hatch relevant in a class that is becoming more competitive by the day. The increase in power and range are much welcomed, but at only 170 miles, the Ioniq still lags behind many of its competitors. On the plus side, its equivalent fuel efficiency is impressive; at 145/121/133 MPGe, there are very few competitors that can compete, and this represents great cost savings for owners. Despite an improved charger being offered for 2020, owners will still have to wait 35.5 hours at level 1 charging outlets or six hours on a level 2 unit. As a car, the Ioniq nails the styling part but isn't as fun to drive as the Tesla Model 3. You do, however, get a lot of standard features and good value for money. If you don't need to travel long distances often, then this might just be the car for you, but we can't honestly review the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric without saying that rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric give you a better EV experience.
The price of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric hatchback starts at $33,045 for the SE and comes with all the basics you need in an everyday car, including remote keyless entry with push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen with a six-speaker sound system, forward collision avoidance - which bodes well for a safety rating if ever tested - driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. We would only recommend spending the $5,000 extra for the Limited if you're after premium features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient LED in-cabin lighting and leatherette upholstery.
The most popular competitors of 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
亨尼西
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo