So, I drive a lot (even when I am not driving Uber and Lyft on the side very often). Since I bought my Ioniq in September, I have put 7500 miles on it.
My thoughts:
It is a very comfortable car. I recently took it on a day trip (200+ mile round trip) and found that if it wasn't for the limited battery range, it would be a terrific trip/highway car. Not something you expect out of what is essentially a small econobox. However, the sound deadening and lack of much road or wind noise, the high seating, and smooth suspension on the highway and power delivery make for very little fatigue on a trip.
While it isn't geared for speed like some EVs, and is on the slow end for 0-60, it feels faster in real life use. The immediate torque characteristics of all EVs make for a very livable and pleasant power delivery in real life driving, it has the power when you need it.
It is very efficient. While I drive a lot (I've driven it more than 2000 miles a month), I'd estimate that my electric bill has only gone up about $30-40 a month since I've had it. How much driving will you get out of even the most efficient ICE and HEV cars for $30-40?
It is small. I've been driving midsized cars (and one SUV) for most of the last 20 years. This is very much a compact car, with rear seat room and overall width similar to the smaller compacts. It is a bit tight for passengers for more than 30min or so, but on the plus side, it is VERY maneuverable and easy to park. I have to park one of my cars on the street (my townhouse has parking for two cars, my roommate gets one of those spots), and this will easily parallel park in spots I can never hope to get my Sonata into. The cargo area is enough for groceries and other daily needs, but part of getting a hatchback or small SUV was for more cargo capability than a sedan. I don't think it really will be any better for that than my Sonata, and with passengers (so I can't put the seats down) it is tighter than the Sonata, though I'm not sure how it would compare to the Elantra's trunk which is a sedan that's a more comparable overall size.
With only 7500 miles I'd hope not to have any trouble yet, but, 7500mi can sometimes be enough for problems to start showing up. It has given me no problems whatsoever.
Range... At 170 EPA estimated range, it has been about what I expected. In the fall, when I used neither the heat nor AC much, I was getting 195-205mi per charge regularly. I loved it. This winter, I am getting 140-150 per charge. What I expected, but it feels a bit limited. I had to take a passenger into Frederick, MD (light mountain driving) in 28 degree weather and on a 70mph highway (for most of the trip I stayed under the speed limit), and got a bit nervous when I saw my estimated 100 mile range I had left when I picked up my passenger drop at an average rate of almost 2 miles every actual mile I drove. The range would be no problem if it is one of two (or more) cars, or if you almost never go very far, but it definitely will take some planning for me when I sell the Sonata.
Recommendations:
If you will definitely have two cars, or rarely get out of your city/town/suburbs: it is a buy. Prices are great (compared to most other BEVs). Mine is the Limited so it has a lot of equipment (sunroof, leather, all the electronic safety gadgets, Harmon Kardon sound system).
If it will be an only vehicle, the range can be a bit limiting and you will need to plan carefully. I kind of wish I went with the Kona EV or Niro EV cousins, or the new VW ID.4, but I'm also happy with my Ioniq. If you are aware of what you are getting into and don't mind the lower range (and you are willing to plan around it), get the Ioniq. Otherwise, if you have any doubts, get something with a 200+ mile EPA range.
My thoughts:
It is a very comfortable car. I recently took it on a day trip (200+ mile round trip) and found that if it wasn't for the limited battery range, it would be a terrific trip/highway car. Not something you expect out of what is essentially a small econobox. However, the sound deadening and lack of much road or wind noise, the high seating, and smooth suspension on the highway and power delivery make for very little fatigue on a trip.
While it isn't geared for speed like some EVs, and is on the slow end for 0-60, it feels faster in real life use. The immediate torque characteristics of all EVs make for a very livable and pleasant power delivery in real life driving, it has the power when you need it.
It is very efficient. While I drive a lot (I've driven it more than 2000 miles a month), I'd estimate that my electric bill has only gone up about $30-40 a month since I've had it. How much driving will you get out of even the most efficient ICE and HEV cars for $30-40?
It is small. I've been driving midsized cars (and one SUV) for most of the last 20 years. This is very much a compact car, with rear seat room and overall width similar to the smaller compacts. It is a bit tight for passengers for more than 30min or so, but on the plus side, it is VERY maneuverable and easy to park. I have to park one of my cars on the street (my townhouse has parking for two cars, my roommate gets one of those spots), and this will easily parallel park in spots I can never hope to get my Sonata into. The cargo area is enough for groceries and other daily needs, but part of getting a hatchback or small SUV was for more cargo capability than a sedan. I don't think it really will be any better for that than my Sonata, and with passengers (so I can't put the seats down) it is tighter than the Sonata, though I'm not sure how it would compare to the Elantra's trunk which is a sedan that's a more comparable overall size.
With only 7500 miles I'd hope not to have any trouble yet, but, 7500mi can sometimes be enough for problems to start showing up. It has given me no problems whatsoever.
Range... At 170 EPA estimated range, it has been about what I expected. In the fall, when I used neither the heat nor AC much, I was getting 195-205mi per charge regularly. I loved it. This winter, I am getting 140-150 per charge. What I expected, but it feels a bit limited. I had to take a passenger into Frederick, MD (light mountain driving) in 28 degree weather and on a 70mph highway (for most of the trip I stayed under the speed limit), and got a bit nervous when I saw my estimated 100 mile range I had left when I picked up my passenger drop at an average rate of almost 2 miles every actual mile I drove. The range would be no problem if it is one of two (or more) cars, or if you almost never go very far, but it definitely will take some planning for me when I sell the Sonata.
Recommendations:
If you will definitely have two cars, or rarely get out of your city/town/suburbs: it is a buy. Prices are great (compared to most other BEVs). Mine is the Limited so it has a lot of equipment (sunroof, leather, all the electronic safety gadgets, Harmon Kardon sound system).
If it will be an only vehicle, the range can be a bit limiting and you will need to plan carefully. I kind of wish I went with the Kona EV or Niro EV cousins, or the new VW ID.4, but I'm also happy with my Ioniq. If you are aware of what you are getting into and don't mind the lower range (and you are willing to plan around it), get the Ioniq. Otherwise, if you have any doubts, get something with a 200+ mile EPA range.
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