Once the estimated all-electric driving range of 29 miles evaporates, it’s a seamless automatic switch to the gasoline engine. During a week-long test drive, this front wheel drive plug-in hybrid compact car put a boldface exclamation mark on fuel economy. But there’s a lot more to like with the Ioniq plug-in hybrid, including the cabin. Non-traditional materials, such as plastic/ powdered wood/volcanic stone door trim covers, add eco-zest to the interior. The plug-in-hybrid joined the Ioniq line-up in 2018. New for 2019 features include High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Alert. (Failure to keep the car lane-centered after driving for an extended time is likely to prompt the gauge cluster message: Consider Taking A Break.)

Plug-In Hybrid Ioniq is powered by a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine that provides an estimated 104 horsepower and 109 pounds-feet of torque. The powertrain also features a 44.5 kilowatt electric motor for a combined engine/electric motor output of 139 horsepower. An 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery handles the vehicle’s all-electric duties. Charging times are approximately 8 hours/30 minutes for 110/120 volt, and about 2 hours/20 minutes for 220/240 volt. The 106.3-inch wheelbase plug-in hybrid Ioniq has 42.2 inches of legroom for front seat occupants, 35.7 inches for rear seat riders, and 23 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid has estimated 119 mpg-e (equivalent) for gasoline engine and electric motor. Vehicle’s base MSRP is $29,350.