Hyundai IONIQ Electric Review - Is It Superior to the Nissan LEAF?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A HYUNDAI IONIQ ELECTRIC FROM OSV: bit.ly/34hJUsP
Ten Second Review
Hyundai believes that the market-leading Nissan LEAF has had its own way for far too long in the affordable part of the slowly growing full-electric car segment. They've aimed this full-Electric IONIQ model directly at that car, as well as at other more recently introduced key segment models like the Volkswagen ID.3. On paper at least, this car certainly seems to offer a package that eco-minded buyers in this class will want to consider. Especially in this revised form, where a larger 38.3 kWh battery features to extend the WLTP-rated driving range to 182 miles.
Background
Once upon a time, Hyundai built simple, cheap, budget brand cars. Now, it makes models like this one, the IONIQ, which was the world's first vehicle to offer the choice of three electrified powertrains. We're looking here at the IONIQ Electric. It's the full-battery-powered version of a design also available in our market with Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid power - and it's very advanced indeed, especially in this improved form.
But then, maybe we should have expected that. Back in 2015, Hyundai was the very first automotive maker to launch and sell a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell, and in the same year, its brand partner Kia introduced an all-electric EV version of its Soul small Crossover model, showing that the Korean conglomerate had mastered battery power too. How has it done here? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
Hyundai's first ever stab at this market was originally launched with a 28kWh battery but now it gets a gutsier 38.3kWh battery; that's important because the driving range of this car in its original form wasn't especially competitive against some rivals. Now, WLTP-rated at 182 miles, it's bettered in the class only by the BMW i3.
Inevitably, the need for a battery three times the size of the one in the IONIQ Plug-in model mated to a much larger 120PS electric motor means extra weight, the kerbside figure rising by 50kgs. In fact though, because all the bulk is mounted so low down in the car, that has a positive, rather than a negative effect on driveability, reducing the bodyroll that troubles the Hybrid models at speed through tight bends. Hyundai proudly points out that an Electric IONIQ model has a lower centre of gravity than a Volkswagen Golf GTI - which is appropriate because the frantic acceleration you initially get from rest in this variant is very hot hatch-like: the 62mph point still flashes by in a fraction under 10s. Switchable drive modes give you the choice of 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' settings.
There isn't a gear lever in the full-Electric variant - of course the single-speed transmission doesn't really need one. Instead, small 'Park', 'Neutral', 'Drive' and 'Reverse' buttons are provided, along with what will initially appear to be gearchange paddles behind the steering wheel, which are actually there to allow you to vary the level of regenerative braking.
Design and Build
This Hyundai challenges the eco-motoring status quo in lots of ways and exterior design is another of them. On the battery-powered full-Electric variant, a front grille isn't of course needed - not for cooling anyway. We'd argue that it is required for stylistic reasons, the battery-powered version being saddled with a rather ugly blanking panel that can be ordered in a choice of grey shades or in polar white.
Inside, the IONIQ Electric does without the conventional auto gearlever you'd find on the hybrid variants, instead featuring a single-speed transmission system offering small buttons for 'Park', 'Neutral', 'Drive' or 'Reverse'. This frees up space for an electronic handbrake switch - on the petrol/electric model, you're stuck with one of those clunky floor pedals.
The cabin of this revised model feels of higher quality than the original version we tried back in 2017 - it's certainly a little smarter than what you get in a Prius or a Nissan LEAF. The big change here lies with the addition of this big 10.25-inch Widescreen Navigation screen, part of a media package which includes a very decent Infinity sound system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone-mirroring and a suite of the brand's latest Bluelink connected telematics car services, these operating via a connected app.
In the rear, once inside, as in, say, a Toyota Prius, headroom is at something of a premium for taller folk. Normally, these seats would have been positioned a little lower to compensate for the swept-back ceiling, but that's not possible here since they sit right on top of the powertrain's battery pack.
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[@jimrandall1739]

Ive been driving my new Ioniq ev since July. In any mode ive never got less than 4 miles per Kwh, with not much effort I have achieved 6 miles per Kwh. I have only driven in eco+ mode for about a mile once, its like you've sent the throttle a post card asking "if its possible to increase the acceleration" and your waiting for a reply. I can't fault this car, it drives great, its comfortable and sooooo cheap to run. Thanks for a really comprehensive review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching, Jim!

[@kinross24]

Bought a new 2020 Leaf Tekna in July and was very disappointed with range, comfort, rear boot floor design which is terrible if you have dogs or large flat items to move. It was quick off the mark but felt cheap. Took it back and bought a new 2020 Ioniq Premium SE and really delighted with the move. Way more range than the similar sized battery, lots more room and great knee space fir driver and passenger compared to Leaf. Long flat boot when seats down. Very much better built, self driving tech/software etc and way better infotainment and software. Don’t waste time even thinking about a Leaf, buy or lease an Ioniq and you won’t be disappointed!

[@TakeItFromMe.]

Similarly I rid myself of my new leaf tekna last year. It kept slamming the brakes on for no reason despite going back twice to the dealership and as expected no problems found. Got sick of the centre console hurting my left leg and after nine months got myself a new ioniq having lost a ton of money on the hideous leaf.

[@MauricioAThomas]

Also the Leaf battery is only air cooled and not liquid cool as the 2020 Ioniq. That makes a huge difference for charging and battery longevity.

[@hd-rider1359]

@@MauricioAThomas actually, the Leaf do not have any sort of active cooling of battery at all. Not air, nor liquid.

[@mohammedkhan5344]

Thanks for the comparison

[@scottmccall6105]

I love my 2021 Nissan leaf tekna. I looked at the Ioniq but it felt dated and dull inside. Reminded me of a Chrysler Neon from the 90s. It just didn’t make me smile to look at or drive. Granted the ioniq has slightly better range so on that front it does win but I’d rather have a lower range car that I enjoy driving. All down to personal taste I guess but in my view the Leaf is streets ahead in appearance and driver comfort tech. It has every bell and whistle I could ever want and looks incredible. I also found the Ioniq didn’t seem to weather daily use as well as the leaf. Found it hard to find an Ioniq that didn’t have more interior damage when compared to a leaf of similar age and mileage. The Ioniq is a nice car but I’d still choose a Leaf Tekna over one any day.

[@robertmessam103]

Makes you want to seriously consider and be part of the electric revolution.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Let us know when you're ready, Robert. We can help 👍📞

[@tommoger]

Go for it, you won’t look back!

[@TheTanman412]

Just started a lease on a 2020 Ioniq Electric here in CA for $186/mo + zero down (only because of rebates). Hybrid versions were over $230/mo. It did have some minor problems initially due to the smaller starter battery being traditional 12V lead-acid battery. replaced within 1st month. And the seat position settings in the door had to be repaired too. But other than some lemon issues from the dealer, it’s a fun car overall. Super efficient @ 4.5mi/kWh, beating Tesla. 180 miles is enough. Just discovered DC charging @50kW is FREE in my neighborhood with similar free chargers now at Rest Stops. Still have yet to use the slow charger it came with-most people I meet @ DC stations say the same. We have no garage access, street parking only, & it no longer matters! Ditch that ICEV...whatever you buy.

[@kjh789az]

Thanks for this detailed review. The latest ioniq is well-appointed, but having looked into the Kona 64 kwh, which is a pretty small SUV shell and less well appointed but relatively expensive, it's a pity Hyundai don't give Ioniq customers a choice of battery size which includes the 64 kwh. As it is, the effective ioniq range sits a little awkwardly between city car and tourer IMHO.

[@douglasalanthompson]

We have 2 Leaf Pluses here in the states. 220-240 miles hwy, 300 city miles (summer), but it requires a bit of technique. I don't the 40kWh version would be enough though. Ionic seems very efficient, but would not want to trade that back cargo space. With 3 kids, it's critical for shopping and luggage for trips.

[@petterikainu7292]

Thank you, a lovely personal presentation. I really enjoyed it.

[@iallso1]

I have a 2017 28kw version of the Ioniq and can achieve a range close to 140 miles under normalcircumstances. But as you are probably aware, range can be extended by controlling the speed of travel.

[@davidsworld5837]

I agree with Jim. I have a 28 kWh ioniq the 100 percent charge will give or lists a range of 146 miles NOT 128. and thats on normal mode. i for a month drove in eco and found that it used a llittle more kW than in Normal mode. i have now had it for 3 months and even with the what you can say smaller range I have done trip up to 180 miles and had no problem. i have talked to a taxi driver with a leaf. and he likes the space etc the ioniq has and when left me was going to look into buying one.

[@alanfurlong9123]

A fantastic review thank you

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure Alan! If you'd like to explore pricing and specs for the IONIQ Electric, we can get you behind the wheel of your perfect model 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a time online - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@iallso1]

I love my Ioniq and can't imagine going back to having a ICE vehicle in the future. Certainly here in New Zealand one of the problems with getting an uptake in EVs is changing the culture of towing and of purchasing for an occasion rather than for the majority of usage.

[@Owsryudie]

Can you give more info? What Ioniq do you have, what range do you achieve yourself? Thanks!

[@iallso1]

@@Owsryudie I had a 2017 Ioniq with a max range of 240km, but on a journey of 193km in low temperatures I went from 95% to only 16km range remaining, despite restricting my speed, and limiting the use of the fan and the heater. Obviously that route did cross the Lewis Pass and have other altitude variations, but with the temperature close to freezing at times and on this route, a real world range of about 200km.

[@Owsryudie]

​@@iallso1 Nice! I got a 2018 one (end of 2018 series) I can reach in the summer 244 or 245 km. I have tested this to almost max. potential driving 200 km and having the last km's as buffer (all on highway). In the winter I got around 200-210 I believe. (But our winter is not freezing cold -10 or more)

[@DavieParkes]

Got my 2020 premium se in the UK today, live the drive compared to my Ioniq PHEV I part ex to get this car. 200 miles on a full charge and hitting almost 6mi/kWh on my 40 mile a day drive to work. Love the car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear, Davie! What made you go with the IONIQ Electric?

[@DavieParkes]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I had the plug in hybrid 2019 Ioniq and decided to go full electric as have PV panels at home and a Zappi charger. Made sense to go full electric and for the price range, no car comes close to the Ioniq.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I have a Tekna 40 at the moment, I think I need to test drive one of these. The leaf does have the app though and in my opinion is the better looking of the 2.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Antonio, we supply every make and model in the UK and our team can find you the most affordable vehicle solution. Get in touch with us today on 01903 538835 or book a free consultation: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@jasonyu6649]

I am more than happy to have an EV just for around the town trips.

[@FishingFan2]

I'm waiting for my IONIQ Premium SE to arrive from Korea in the next 2 weeks. A very thorough review of the car, but you failed to mention the electric seats and the fact as you open the door the drivers seat reverses back and when you close the door it assumes it's normal set position? Something disabled drivers like myself who will find this feature very useful.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Really appreciate the feedback - we'll make sure to bare this in mind for future reviews 👍

[@johnollerton2153]

Bought one 3 days ago absolutely love it 😀

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Amazing news, John! What made you go with this car?

[@johnollerton2153]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply the main reason I can charge at work for free, instead of a £15 a day fuel bill to work..

[@christiansteinweg5192]

Thanks!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

No worries, Kris. Thanks for watching!

[@quartytypo]

So many new EVs. So many new ways to drive to the supermarket.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Certainly helps make the supermarket trip more exciting! 😅

[@byrongardiner3109]

I am telling you and all that I have subscribed to that approximately 3 weeks ago I ceased receiving email notifications of your KZbin postings.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Bryon, KZbin no longer sends out email notifications. If you'd like to be notified whenever a new video is ready to watch, make sure you've clicked the bell on our channel 🔔👍

[@byrongardiner3109]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply All my bells are clicked on ALL ... thought you'd like to know it isn't working.

[@jimrandall1739]

@@byrongardiner3109 A recent YT update turned off the notifications. to restore. Go to the apps icon on the top right hand menu bar. from the drop down menu go to the cog wheel ion the top right. Then toggle the switch to turn on notifications from subscripted channel.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Very impressive to drive. Ride quality, handling, interior design is fantastic. Only negatives for me are the economy is nowhere near as good as the Prius and on the motorway I find sport mode better except it struggles to change up into top gear, even on the flat unless using flappy paddles.

[@Petelmrg]

The Prius has a petrol engine - this has no gears - its electric.

[@oddities-whatnot]

@@Petelmrg ah my mistake, didnt realise they have just made a full EV Ionic. Ive only driven the hybrid version. Oops.

[@chrisc486]

Great review, ordered my 2 year lease Ioniq today.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great choice, Christopher. We hope you enjoy your new IONIQ 👍

[@oddities-whatnot]

Why not keep it long term ? This is where people are contradicting themselves. They get the environmentally friendly car yet trade it in for another that has to be manufactured, which in turn uses a lot of raw materials, heavy industry for mining the lithium, fuel to power the assembly and transportation of each car. Makes no sense whatsoever.

[@davidpearn5925]

Notice how the aero wheels ‘work’ only on one side. It’s the standard con the LHD owners aren’t likely to notice.

[@Noah_E]

The OE wheels on my 1992 Subaru SVX were different from side to side so the slats pointed forward on both, but if you rotate them wrong they point backwards. I replaced them with OE wheels from a 2015 WRX. I hate the Eco wheels and low rolling resistance tires on EVs and would replace them with wider wheels and stickier tires

[@davidpearn5925]

I simply don’t understand why you would select less than max regeneration unless you like brake pad particulates, pad/rotor wear and reduced range. Clutter for the sake of techie styling ?

[@jimrandall1739]

david pearn hi David, I’ve been driving my new Ioniq for the last 3 months. Watched loads of reviews and heard a lots about regenerative breaking. I’m not an expert but, I never have any level on, you cannot regen all the energy it’s taken for you to reach your desired speed. What you do is use the paddle shift regen breaking as “breaking” with the added bonus of putting some energy back into the battery. Level 3 regen is quite aggressive so I found it was accelerate/brake accelerate/brake. Better to to use the regen as assisted breaking.

[@davidpearn5925]

Jim Randall oh absolutely Jim. My Tesla shows 123 wh/km over 18k of quiet country driving using max regen setting. My brake pads will ‘time expire’ before they get close to wearing out. I’ve mastered ‘moderation’ of the accelerator and couldn’t imagine going back to the old world now.

[@jimrandall1739]

david pearn , hi David, I know I’m not very clear. Paddle breaking. When I am breaking I go from level 1, to level 2, to level 3, to hold the paddle to come to a stop. And up and down the levels dependant on needs. I very rarely have to use the mechanical breaks. I have noticed when I wash the car, there is no break dust on the wheels. Regards Jim

[@davidpearn5925]

Jim Randall no it was my misunderstanding Jim.

[@TheAlien1974]

It has a cooled battery which makes it much better than the leaf

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Fred, are you interested in getting an IONIQ Electric?

[@jimrandall1739]

Don't get notifications? A recent YT update turned off the notifications. to restore. Go to the apps icon on the top right hand menu bar. from the drop down menu go to the cog wheel ion the top right. Then toggle the switch to turn on notifications from subscripted channel.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for this, Jim 👍

[@davidjones5724]

Excellent review ruined by the oh so annoying loud music.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback, David. Sorry to hear that you found the music off-putting.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Turn the volume down, yes ?

[@David-ju5ci]

5 star review as always.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks David!

[@davidjones5724]

Yes but hopefully it’s food for thought. Kind regards.

[@alanearly755]

Some of the internal shots are of PHEV, not EV.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for the feedback, Alan.

[@georgerobertson7467]

Just ordered mine get it within 10 days

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's brilliant news, George. We hope you enjoy your new car! What made you choose it over other models?

[@georgerobertson7467]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply it looks a great car and all electric and the colour blue it’s a great colour just love the style of it. And the boot space is great for my electric wheelchair so thanks for this video I’ve always gone for Ford cars but seeing this video just changed my mind so thanks.

[@markbainton]

Got to try to get to 182. Your joking I get 215 easy with no effort at all and not in eco mode.

[@TakeItFromMe.]

I managed 205 on a summer day which I was delighted with considering the hilly area i live in. Brilliant car.

[@bikeman123]

Hyundee?

[@michals1108]

Leaf doesn’t have liquid cooled battery like ioniq

[@davidpearn5925]

Which electric car has a Tesla like ability to accurately self-steer ?

[@davidpearn5925]

@Wooly Chewbakker it accurately self-steers but only from my experience

[@davidpearn5925]

@Wooly Chewbakker well the whole era we now live in is dedicated to indulging your propensity to be distracted. The transition era represents dangerous times from my perspective. I’m not interested in FSD but relief from the long tedious motorway stuff in particular.

[@ST-ur7oh]

The revised one has ditched the multi link rear end . Tiny wheels. Odd front. Cheap interior.

[@TheAlien1974]

Same sized wheels 16 inch

[@mrgurulittle7000]

In a few years, you would be having recalls and problems while I'd be driving my wonderful Leaf with no problemo!! Nissan has already sorted out tweeks on the Leaf a decade ago!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great to hear that you're enjoying your Leaf! What do you enjoy most about it?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Oh, well , thanks! I think I like the high quality interior of the Leaf.

[@kryptonkx-personaluse-3826]

Well, statistically Hyundai leave Nissan behind, in terms of reliability. That's not to say that Nissan makes bad cars, but Hyundai is definitely there on top, next to Toyota and Honda.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@kryptonkx-personaluse-3826 Hyundai is not next to Toyota and Honda. They have as many recalls as GM. They’re next to GM.

[@davidpearn5925]

The perfect car to travel SE to Dover.............come January.

[@Noah_E]

The Ioniq is a much nicer car. The Leaf lacks active thermal management, has mediocre fit and finish and unimpressive material quality for the price and doesn't offer a sunroof on models with "leather." No sunroof =no sale. Even my farm truck has one

[@ieatlotsoftoast]

Almost bought one of these. I am glad i didnt. My mate had one. Paid £31,500. On trading it in he was offered £10,000 after 30 months of ownership

[@orbitaaltube]

They are an excellent 2nd hand buy now though.

[@ieatlotsoftoast]

@@orbitaaltube I bought a Lexus hybrid instead. 13k for a car that's 10 years old. I wonder what a battery powered ioniq will be worth at 10 years old and what its range would be?

[@slugger7440]

Why do they keep trying to make electric cars look too futuristic and ugly? Just put a battery in a normal looking car!

[@cannavaras]

What part of this car is made to look futuristic?

[@chrishyde1216]

VW E-Golf?

[@oddities-whatnot]

Ok, perhaps they should stick to 1970s designs then