Used Hyundai Ioniq PHEV Review

A nearly-new or used Hyundai Ioniq PHEV really does make more sense than a brand new one for a retail buyer. There was an update in 2019 that brought slightly jazzier styling courtesy of more chrome highlights, and most importantly that infotainment system and smartphone app, but even the earlier cars got a decent touchscreen and lots of standard equipment. 

The Ioniq tends to lose a lot of value in the first year or two – more so than equivalent pure electric cars - and there are plenty of examples out there in great condition and with under 10,000 miles on the clock, for some £10k less than the car cost when new. And with the long warranty, you’re often looking at a car that’s still got three or even four years manufacturer cover.

While for retail buyers it’s a bit hard to get enthusiastic about a new Ioniq PHEV (and most PHEVs) given the give-and-take nature of its high price versus low running costs, a used car promises much more palatable up-front costs with all the same benefits of a new one. You can even use the used Ioniq PHEV to qualify for the government grant that saves you £500 on a new home charger, which we’d highly recommend you do. 

Do check out the competition – the BMW 225xe is not much more expensive and is worth a look given that it’s much nicer to drive, but it has a much shorter warranty and you’ll rarely find one as well equipped as the Ioniq. The Mini Countryman PHEV is way cooler to look at and to drive, but is quite a bit more expensive to buy and won’t go as far on electric power as the Hyundai. And, as with the BMW, it isn’t anywhere near as generously equipped and only gets a three year warranty when new. So if image matters, performance and driver reward matter, the BMW and Mini will satisfy you much more. 

If you simply want something that offers the no-compromise benefits of plug-in hybrid, that’s as cheap as it gets to run, is comfy and easy to drive and big enough for the kids to lounge about, a used Ioniq PHEV is a fine choice.