Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, offer a versatile combination of battery and gasoline power. While there are many great options to choose from, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is one of the most affordable — and CarFax even ranks it as the No. 1 best PHEV for 2020. Here’s everything you should know about this vehicle.

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid’s high ranking

In addition to being incredibly affordable, the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid tops CarFax’s list of the 10 Best Plug-In Hybrids in 2020 based solely on its quality. While the styling of the 2020 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is almost exactly the same as the previous two model years, CarFax does note that the 2020 model has made a few advanced safety features standard rather than optional. This gives an additional boost to an already excellent vehicle.

What you can expect from the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

The base trim for the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 52 MPG and 119 MPGe, and it makes 104 hp. When in all-electric mode, the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid has a range of 29 miles. However, it has an overall driving range of up to 630 miles.

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid has an MSRP starting at $26,500. Even in the base model, a vast range of safety features come standard on this vehicle. These include smart cruise control with stop and go, driver attention warning, electronic stability control, and lane-keep assist. Front-wheel drive is also standard. When equipped with HID headlights and automatic emergency braking, this vehicle was listed as a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The interior of the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is also packed full of excellent comfort features. Heated front seats come standard, as does a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. Other standard features include dual automatic temperature control, a hands-free phone system with voice recognition, and push-button start.

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, but an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen is available. Hyundai notes that a screen this large is not available on rival vehicles from Honda or Toyota.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard on all trims. Upper trim levels also feature colorful ambient lighting to create a unique, customizable cabin appearance.

Benefits of choosing a PHEV

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid offers affordability and quality, but there are a number of additional advantages to opting for a PHEV like this. One major perk is potential federal tax credits, which can be as high as $4,543, according to Hyundai. Some states even offer additional incentives that can result in higher savings.

When driving the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, you will also often have access to the HOV lane even if you’re driving with no one else in the car. While this incentive may vary depending on your state, it can save significant amounts of time during rush hour if you live in an area offering this option.

This vehicle also offers regenerative braking, meaning that it will take mechanical energy from the wheels and convert it into electricity every time you brake. This helps reduce the amount of time you need to spend charging your vehicle. Additionally, PHEVs can offer peace of mind to anyone who experiences range anxiety around full EVs, as you always have the option to switch to gas power if you can’t get to a charging station.

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid offers a lot of excellent features at an impressively low cost. If you’ve been considering a PHEV, this is one that should absolutely be on your radar.