Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vs Toyota Prius Hybrid: verdict and specifications

Overall, the Prius is a better car than the Ioniq – but the Hyundai has its strengths

Of these two hybrid family cars, the Toyota Prius is the best choice. Of the pair it’s the best to drive, most comfortable and has the most space inside, and while it can be relatively expensive to buy, it’ll hold its value better and cost less to fuel. The Hyundai Ioniq is still a good car, however, and while it trails its Japanese rival in a few areas, it has a better-quality interior and a far more up-to-date infotainment system.

1st: Toyota Prius Business Edition Plus AWD – 4.0 stars

Toyota has perfected its hybrid recipe with the current Prius – its popularity is well deserved. We could do without the four-wheel drive on this top-of-the-line car, but otherwise it’s a great package. It’s well equipped, spacious, practical and is much more fun from behind the wheel than the Ioniq. Only its poor infotainment and seemingly pointless four-wheel drive let it down.

2nd: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium SE – 3.5 stars

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid just can’t quite match the Prius’ all-round excellence. It’s very well built, boasts a nicer, more up-to-date interior and is easy to drive, but it lacks the final degree of refinement, comfort and practicality that are important in cars like this. Crucially, it’s not as efficient as the Prius, either, and while it’s cheaper to buy, it can’t compete with the Prius’ remarkable residual values

Specifications

CarHyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium SEToyota Prius Business Edition Plus AWD
List price£26,995£28,970
Engine1.6-litre petrol + electric motor1.8-litre petrol + 2 electric motors
TransmissionSix-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel driveCVT, four-wheel drive
Battery capacity1.56kWh1.31kWh
Power / torque139bhp / 147Nm120bhp / 142Nm
0-60 / 30-70mph9.8 / 5.4 seconds10.6 / 6.4 seconds
Top speed115mph111mph
Official MPG / CO2 emissions61.4mpg / 102-105g/km60.1-61.4mpg / 104-107g/km
On-test MPG51.3mpg63.3mpg
Road tax / BiK rate £140 / 24%£140 / 24%
Length / width / height / wheelbase4,470 / 1,820 / 1,450 / 2,700mm4,575 / 1,760 / 1,470 / 2700mm
Boot capacity (seats up)443 / 1,505 Iitres457 / 1,588 litres

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