Used Hyundai Ioniq review and buying guide (2016 to 2022): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Hyundai Ioniq should you buy?

The hybrid's the Ioniq that needs the longest test drive, because its ride isn't as settled as it should be and it feels slow until you select sport mode. Every Ioniq sold from 2016 to 2022 came as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or a full electric car, so pick the one that fits the way you'll use it. Try a hybrid on a bumpy road with sport mode off and on before deciding it's the one.

There are compromises inside and out, too. Rear headroom's tight, the split rear screen cuts into what you can see behind, and there's a foot-operated parking brake. Hyundai offers no roof bars or racks for it, so nothing can be carried on the roof at all. If you regularly carry tall adults in the back or need a roof box, it isn't the right car for you.

Which Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and electric versions are the safe choices?

The hybrid's the Ioniq version to drive hardest before you commit, because it feels slow unless you pick sport mode and its ride isn't as composed as it could be. One owner of a recently bought hybrid was let down by its fuel economy. Another owner's new hybrid groaned from the suspension as it settled to a stop and again as it lifted to move off, and the dealer said that was normal.

On the plug-in hybrid, one owner's car kept flattening its 12v battery, even after it had been put into hibernation mode. She covered about 6000 miles a year, mixing long trips with weeks of very short runs or no driving at all, and the dealer blamed that pattern. If a plug-in will stand for weeks, keep a float charger on its 12v battery.

What should you check when viewing a used Hyundai Ioniq?

Listen for a groan from the Ioniq's suspension as it comes to a stop and again as you release the brake to pull away; one owner's hybrid did it loudest when reversing into a parking space. That owner's dealer said it was normal, so decide on the test drive whether you can live with it. While you're reversing, check you're happy with the view through the split rear screen.

Inside, look closely at the seat piping, because one owner's 2017 car had worn blue leather piping at 2 years old. Sit in the back as well, since headroom's tight for taller passengers. On a plug-in hybrid, ask the seller whether the 12v battery has ever gone flat and how often the car's been left standing, and ask for the receipt if that battery's been replaced.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Hyundai Ioniq cost to run?