Is IONIQ electric or hybrid?
IONIQ is not limited to a single drivetrain. The name has historically encompassed hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models, and in recent years Hyundai has steered the IONIQ branding toward its electric-vehicle lineup with BEVs like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6.
Origins of the IONIQ name
When IONIQ first appeared, Hyundai offered three distinct powertrains under the same family name to give buyers a range of efficiency options without leaving the badge family.
The original lineup included three powertrain configurations:
- IONIQ Hybrid — a conventional hybrid pairing a petrol engine with an electric motor, without plugging in.
- IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid — a hybrid with a rechargeable battery that enables limited all-electric driving on battery power.
- IONIQ Electric — a full battery-electric vehicle with no internal combustion engine.
These configurations allowed customers to balance fuel economy, electric-range convenience, and charging opportunities within the IONIQ family.
Current lineup and branding
In the last few years, Hyundai has framed IONIQ more strongly as a dedicated electric sub-brand, especially for new production models. While some markets still carry legacy hybrid options under the Hyundai umbrella, the emphasis within IONIQ today is on BEVs.
Current IONIQ electric models in production or announced for production include:
- IONIQ 5 — battery-electric crossover available with multiple battery and trim configurations.
- IONIQ 6 — battery-electric sedan designed for efficiency and fast charging.
- IONIQ 7 — an upcoming all-electric SUV announced by Hyundai as part of the IONIQ lineup.
In short, the IONIQ name today functions primarily as a badge for electric vehicles, though the brand’s history does include hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in certain markets or generations.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers, the key takeaway is that the IONIQ badge signals electric propulsion in its latest forms, while older or regional offerings may still include hybrid variants under the broader Hyundai portfolio. If you want a plug-in or traditional hybrid, you may encounter those options outside the current IONIQ BEV lineup, depending on market availability.
Important considerations include range and charging capability for BEVs, and the availability of hybrid options where you live, as well as total cost of ownership and local incentives that can influence the choice between a BEV like the IONIQ 5/6 and a non-IONIQ hybrid.
Decoding the model names
To summarize: IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are electric vehicles, representing Hyundai’s current BEV push under the IONIQ banner. Earlier IONIQ variants that included Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid were part of the brand’s broader history, but the electric designation dominates the current IONIQ lineup.
Summary
IONIQ began as a trio—Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric—giving buyers a spectrum of electrification options. Today, the IONIQ brand is largely focused on electric vehicles, with IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 serving as the flagship BEVs, and an upcoming IONIQ 7 planned for the electric SUV segment. If you’re specifically seeking a hybrid, you may need to explore non-IONIQ Hyundai models or regional offerings depending on your market.
