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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 54 / 56 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 55 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 162 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $25,025–$32,444 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $25,025–$32,444, 55 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Ioniq sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 9.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hybrid should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq ranks #94 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 31% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $25,025 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $31,584 by about 21%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.0 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $25,850 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $25,850 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $25,025 | |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $24,200 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $23,375 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $22,550 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $21,725 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $20,900 | Read review → |
Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
