Hyundai Ioniq Electric Gen 2

Overview

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Gen 2, though now discontinued, was a cracker of an affordable entry into the EV game for US buyers. Positioned as a sensible and efficient choice, this liftback offered a decent real-world range and a focus on practicality. Highlights for this Gen 2 model included its upgraded battery and efficient powertrain. While no longer available new, you might snag a used one for around $10,995, making it a tempting proposition for budget-conscious EV seekers. It’s a no-fuss, easy-to-live-with electric car that quietly impressed.

What's New for 2022?

For the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Gen 2 was essentially a carryover model, marking its final bow in the US market. This "Gen 2" iteration, which first rolled out for the 2020 model year, boasted the significant upgrade of a larger 38.3 kWh battery pack, delivering more range and making it a much more practical daily driver than its predecessor. While no new bells and whistles were added for its last year, it continued to offer a solid, efficient EV experience, representing the culmination of this particular Ioniq Electric generation.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Gen 2 sports a slippery, eco-focused design, clearly optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. As a liftback, it’s both stylish and practical. Up front, it features a distinctive sealed-off grille panel, unique to the EV model, setting it apart from its hybrid siblings and giving it a futuristic vibe. LED lighting elements add a touch of modernity. It measures up at 176 inches long, 71.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 57.1 inches tall. Its sleek profile isn't just for show; it helps eke out every last mile from the battery.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2022 Ioniq Electric Gen 2, and you'll find a well-put-together cabin with a focus on sustainable materials and a straightforward, user-friendly layout. It's surprisingly roomy for its class, comfortably seating five. You get a decent 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which expands to a very usable 50 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down – proper liftback practicality! Tech-wise, expect a responsive infotainment system, typically featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen on most trims, plus standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No frunk here, though.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 2022 Ioniq Electric Gen 2 offers a smooth and zippy urban driving experience. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) channels 100 kW (around 134 hp) and a healthy 218 lb-ft of instant torque to the front wheels. This setup allows for a 0-60 mph dash in 9.3 seconds – not a rocket ship, but plenty peppy for city commuting and merging. The ride is generally comfortable, and drivers can select from multiple regenerative braking levels, including a strong mode that allows for near one-pedal driving, which is great for efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

With its 38.3 kWh usable battery, the 2022 Ioniq Electric Gen 2 delivers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 163 miles – solid for daily commutes and local errands. It’s pretty frugal too, achieving an impressive efficiency of 4.26 miles per kWh. For home charging, the standard 7.2 kW on-board charger can replenish the battery in about 6 hours. When you're out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 44 kW via its CCS Type 1 port, enabling an 80% charge in approximately 54 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Gen 2 came well-equipped with safety features. While a specific US NHTSA overall rating for this 2022 EV isn't listed, the platform generally performed well, and it boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance systems typically included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims often added Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, making for a reassuring package.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai typically backs its EVs like the 2022 Ioniq Electric Gen 2 with a strong warranty package. This generally includes a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and an excellent 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery and electric powertrain components, often with a 70% battery capacity retention guarantee. Hyundai also frequently offered complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. These Ioniqs are known for their reliability, offering good peace of mind, though it's always wise to check the specifics for any pre-owned model.