Will Hyundai's Ioniq Be The First Hybrid Capable Enough To Dethrone The Prius?

When it comes to hybrid electric cars, the Toyota Prius has long been the market leader. Enter the Hyundai Ioniq, which aims to dethrone the longstanding Prius with its aggressive pricing and superior economy. The Korean manufacturer has announced pricing and trim level details for the 2017 model Ioniq, which is the first car to be made available with three electric powertrains on the same platform available as a Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or an all-Electric vehicle.
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MDarringer - 2/20/2017 6:10:07 PM

-1 Boost

That really isn't its goal so much as to get a piece of the action and to that end it will do just fine.

TomM - 2/20/2017 6:35:55 PM

+4 Boost

I don't think Hybrids will do well in general - since I suspect Oil prices to stay the way they are for quite a while. That said - Hyundai was not able to compete with Toyota at any level very well - and I think this car will do the same. Now - if it were a CUV - then it might be interesting

MDarringer - 2/20/2017 7:40:06 PM

-1 Boost

The CUV version is called the Kia Niro.

TomM - 2/21/2017 5:34:20 PM

+4 Boost

The Kia Niro is basically a 4wd Station Wagon that MIGHT compete with Subaru - but does not really look like a CUV. However - it is also NOT a Hyundai BRAND car - and it is Hyundai - the main brand - that would have to compete with Prius- as far as I am concerned. I still believe it will be several years before Hybrid sales pick up again - the cost differential cannot be justified right now. If TRUMP lowers the gas mileage standards - bringing out Hybrids might not be worth anyone's while.(Except in California)

Of course - Marketing MIGHT make a difference - but Hyundai design of the past 4 years have been awfully conservative - and it has cost sales.

Dexter1 - 2/20/2017 8:18:30 PM

-2 Boost

I support anything that will dethrone those freak-show styled Prius and Prius Prime eyesores.