Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 GLS vs Toyota Prius Hybrid 1.8
15 Feb 2017|39,308 views
Hyundai Ioniq
Clean and modern design
Controls are easier to operate
Not as spacious
Not as refined but more fun to drive
Toyota Prius
Funky futuristic design
More comfortable and more spacious
Has a very refined hybrid powertrain that's more economical
If diminishing glaciers, rising sea levels and destruction of natural habitats sound unpleasant to you, you can do your part by saving Gaia and drive a hybrid.
Previously, hybrid buyers in Singapore had very limited options. If you didn't want to spend a ton of money on a fancy Lexus, or didn't consider a Honda CR-Z practical enough, the answer was simple - get a Toyota Prius. The Prius is spacious, comfortable, one of the cleanest vehicles to roam our planet and isn't a fan of consuming petrol.
Today, the Prius' reign is imperiled by a new force from Korea - the Hyundai Ioniq. The Ioniq is cheaper to own and promises more features but can this new kid on the block unhorse the Japanese king of hybrids? We drive them to find out.
For starters…
The Prius, depending on your tastes, might be considered angular, edgy, or simply deformed. It's made up of many futuristic zigzag lines, which is striking to some, but alien to most. It does, however, appear to be a little more premium than the Ioniq.
Design of the Ioniq is inspired by aerodynamics, and while it displays a similarly future-orientated character, isn't as funky. The Ioniq bears a sporty, coupe-like profile that's more 'normal' and if you're not a fan of the Prius' unconventional form, the Hyundai makes a handsome second option.
Previously, hybrid buyers in Singapore had very limited options. If you didn't want to spend a ton of money on a fancy Lexus, or didn't consider a Honda CR-Z practical enough, the answer was simple - get a Toyota Prius. The Prius is spacious, comfortable, one of the cleanest vehicles to roam our planet and isn't a fan of consuming petrol.
Today, the Prius' reign is imperiled by a new force from Korea - the Hyundai Ioniq. The Ioniq is cheaper to own and promises more features but can this new kid on the block unhorse the Japanese king of hybrids? We drive them to find out.
For starters…
The Prius, depending on your tastes, might be considered angular, edgy, or simply deformed. It's made up of many futuristic zigzag lines, which is striking to some, but alien to most. It does, however, appear to be a little more premium than the Ioniq.
Design of the Ioniq is inspired by aerodynamics, and while it displays a similarly future-orientated character, isn't as funky. The Ioniq bears a sporty, coupe-like profile that's more 'normal' and if you're not a fan of the Prius' unconventional form, the Hyundai makes a handsome second option.
Internal affair
The Prius' futuristic theme continues on the inside, which isn't necessarily a good thing, especially for drivers who aren't very young or tech-astute.
Its central dash-mounted information display cluster shows you an ample amount of information, from how fast you're driving to how much petrol you're burning and what drive mode you're on.
It's useful information, which we're sure anyone in a hybrid would want to know, and also features an animated energy distribution monitor, showing power flow from engine and electric motor, to the road.
But the one problem of this system is that it's somewhat complicated to operate and not very easy to get the hang of.
The Prius' futuristic theme continues on the inside, which isn't necessarily a good thing, especially for drivers who aren't very young or tech-astute.
Its central dash-mounted information display cluster shows you an ample amount of information, from how fast you're driving to how much petrol you're burning and what drive mode you're on.
It's useful information, which we're sure anyone in a hybrid would want to know, and also features an animated energy distribution monitor, showing power flow from engine and electric motor, to the road.
But the one problem of this system is that it's somewhat complicated to operate and not very easy to get the hang of.
In terms of the user experience, the Ioniq is the easier car to get familiar with. Its cabin layout is far more conventional. For example, the Ioniq's instrument cluster is housed right in front of the driver where they normally are, and it's got a conventional gear lever.
In Sport mode, the car's digital instrument cluster even flips over to become a sporty red rev-counter. You can also charge Qi-enabled smartphones sans cable using the car's Qi charging system.
The Ioniq does have more features such as electric drivers' and ventilated seats, which unfortunately aren't available in the $128,988 Prius despite its $10,100 higher price tag (as of 9th February 2017).
But that's not to say the Prius doesn't have its merits, because it's got more space around and has a larger 502-litre trunk, outsizing the Ioniq's 443-litre one. In terms of cabin materials, both cars are pretty much on par.
Refinement or fun?
Once you get to driving them, Toyota's 20-year hybrid expertise comes to shine. Its in-line four hybrid lump, which makes a combined system output of 120bhp and 142Nm of torque, is a much more refined unit than the Ioniq's, which is more powerful, pushing out a total of 139bhp and 147Nm of torque.
Because of the Ioniq's power advantage, you might think it's the faster car. The Prius is, however, 0.1 seconds quicker in the century sprint - taking 11 seconds.
In Sport mode, the car's digital instrument cluster even flips over to become a sporty red rev-counter. You can also charge Qi-enabled smartphones sans cable using the car's Qi charging system.
The Ioniq does have more features such as electric drivers' and ventilated seats, which unfortunately aren't available in the $128,988 Prius despite its $10,100 higher price tag (as of 9th February 2017).
But that's not to say the Prius doesn't have its merits, because it's got more space around and has a larger 502-litre trunk, outsizing the Ioniq's 443-litre one. In terms of cabin materials, both cars are pretty much on par.
Refinement or fun?
Once you get to driving them, Toyota's 20-year hybrid expertise comes to shine. Its in-line four hybrid lump, which makes a combined system output of 120bhp and 142Nm of torque, is a much more refined unit than the Ioniq's, which is more powerful, pushing out a total of 139bhp and 147Nm of torque.
Because of the Ioniq's power advantage, you might think it's the faster car. The Prius is, however, 0.1 seconds quicker in the century sprint - taking 11 seconds.
The Toyota's powertrain is also quieter and much more polished. But because the Prius runs a CVT, don't expect as much engagement as the Ioniq, which has a six-cog dual-clutcher. Even in Power mode, you don't get much fun from the Prius.
You can, however, overwrite and work your way through the Ioniq's gears in manual select mode. In corners, the Hyundai hybrid is also more confident, thanks to a firmer, sportier suspension setup.
The Prius has a slightly different proposition. While it tends to lean in corners more, it's the more comfortable car to be in when you decide to drive in regular hybrid fashion.
Taking the exact same road, the Prius also averages way better fuel economy figures of 24km/L, compared to the Ioniq's 18.2km/L.
Ultimately, sushi or kimchi?
That depends on how comfortable you are with your cashflow. Despite not having as many safety features as the Ioniq, the Prius remains to be the more expensive car to purchase. One can only think of the Toyota as paying for a quality hybrid that genuinely knows what its job is.
The Ioniq is undoubtedly more fun to drive, is more value-for-money, but not as refined and frugal if hybrid benefits are a big priority. Hyundai has done a fantastic job creating the Ioniq and at it's price, deserves a standing ovation.
However, if we were to put ourselves in a hybrid buyer's perspective, the Prius will continue to be our green weapon of choice - for very simple reasons of better fuel economy and high comfort levels.
You can, however, overwrite and work your way through the Ioniq's gears in manual select mode. In corners, the Hyundai hybrid is also more confident, thanks to a firmer, sportier suspension setup.
The Prius has a slightly different proposition. While it tends to lean in corners more, it's the more comfortable car to be in when you decide to drive in regular hybrid fashion.
Taking the exact same road, the Prius also averages way better fuel economy figures of 24km/L, compared to the Ioniq's 18.2km/L.
Ultimately, sushi or kimchi?
That depends on how comfortable you are with your cashflow. Despite not having as many safety features as the Ioniq, the Prius remains to be the more expensive car to purchase. One can only think of the Toyota as paying for a quality hybrid that genuinely knows what its job is.
The Ioniq is undoubtedly more fun to drive, is more value-for-money, but not as refined and frugal if hybrid benefits are a big priority. Hyundai has done a fantastic job creating the Ioniq and at it's price, deserves a standing ovation.
However, if we were to put ourselves in a hybrid buyer's perspective, the Prius will continue to be our green weapon of choice - for very simple reasons of better fuel economy and high comfort levels.
Hyundai Ioniq
Clean and modern design
Controls are easier to operate
Not as spacious
Not as refined but more fun to drive
Toyota Prius
Funky futuristic design
More comfortable and more spacious
Has a very refined hybrid powertrain that's more economical
If diminishing glaciers, rising sea levels and destruction of natural habitats sound unpleasant to you, you can do your part by saving Gaia and drive a hybrid.
Previously, hybrid buyers in Singapore had very limited options. If you didn't want to spend a ton of money on a fancy Lexus, or didn't consider a Honda CR-Z practical enough, the answer was simple - get a Toyota Prius. The Prius is spacious, comfortable, one of the cleanest vehicles to roam our planet and isn't a fan of consuming petrol.
Today, the Prius' reign is imperiled by a new force from Korea - the Hyundai Ioniq. The Ioniq is cheaper to own and promises more features but can this new kid on the block unhorse the Japanese king of hybrids? We drive them to find out.
For starters…
The Prius, depending on your tastes, might be considered angular, edgy, or simply deformed. It's made up of many futuristic zigzag lines, which is striking to some, but alien to most. It does, however, appear to be a little more premium than the Ioniq.
Design of the Ioniq is inspired by aerodynamics, and while it displays a similarly future-orientated character, isn't as funky. The Ioniq bears a sporty, coupe-like profile that's more 'normal' and if you're not a fan of the Prius' unconventional form, the Hyundai makes a handsome second option.
Previously, hybrid buyers in Singapore had very limited options. If you didn't want to spend a ton of money on a fancy Lexus, or didn't consider a Honda CR-Z practical enough, the answer was simple - get a Toyota Prius. The Prius is spacious, comfortable, one of the cleanest vehicles to roam our planet and isn't a fan of consuming petrol.
Today, the Prius' reign is imperiled by a new force from Korea - the Hyundai Ioniq. The Ioniq is cheaper to own and promises more features but can this new kid on the block unhorse the Japanese king of hybrids? We drive them to find out.
For starters…
The Prius, depending on your tastes, might be considered angular, edgy, or simply deformed. It's made up of many futuristic zigzag lines, which is striking to some, but alien to most. It does, however, appear to be a little more premium than the Ioniq.
Design of the Ioniq is inspired by aerodynamics, and while it displays a similarly future-orientated character, isn't as funky. The Ioniq bears a sporty, coupe-like profile that's more 'normal' and if you're not a fan of the Prius' unconventional form, the Hyundai makes a handsome second option.
Internal affair
The Prius' futuristic theme continues on the inside, which isn't necessarily a good thing, especially for drivers who aren't very young or tech-astute.
Its central dash-mounted information display cluster shows you an ample amount of information, from how fast you're driving to how much petrol you're burning and what drive mode you're on.
It's useful information, which we're sure anyone in a hybrid would want to know, and also features an animated energy distribution monitor, showing power flow from engine and electric motor, to the road.
But the one problem of this system is that it's somewhat complicated to operate and not very easy to get the hang of.
The Prius' futuristic theme continues on the inside, which isn't necessarily a good thing, especially for drivers who aren't very young or tech-astute.
Its central dash-mounted information display cluster shows you an ample amount of information, from how fast you're driving to how much petrol you're burning and what drive mode you're on.
It's useful information, which we're sure anyone in a hybrid would want to know, and also features an animated energy distribution monitor, showing power flow from engine and electric motor, to the road.
But the one problem of this system is that it's somewhat complicated to operate and not very easy to get the hang of.
In terms of the user experience, the Ioniq is the easier car to get familiar with. Its cabin layout is far more conventional. For example, the Ioniq's instrument cluster is housed right in front of the driver where they normally are, and it's got a conventional gear lever.
In Sport mode, the car's digital instrument cluster even flips over to become a sporty red rev-counter. You can also charge Qi-enabled smartphones sans cable using the car's Qi charging system.
The Ioniq does have more features such as electric drivers' and ventilated seats, which unfortunately aren't available in the $128,988 Prius despite its $10,100 higher price tag (as of 9th February 2017).
But that's not to say the Prius doesn't have its merits, because it's got more space around and has a larger 502-litre trunk, outsizing the Ioniq's 443-litre one. In terms of cabin materials, both cars are pretty much on par.
Refinement or fun?
Once you get to driving them, Toyota's 20-year hybrid expertise comes to shine. Its in-line four hybrid lump, which makes a combined system output of 120bhp and 142Nm of torque, is a much more refined unit than the Ioniq's, which is more powerful, pushing out a total of 139bhp and 147Nm of torque.
Because of the Ioniq's power advantage, you might think it's the faster car. The Prius is, however, 0.1 seconds quicker in the century sprint - taking 11 seconds.
In Sport mode, the car's digital instrument cluster even flips over to become a sporty red rev-counter. You can also charge Qi-enabled smartphones sans cable using the car's Qi charging system.
The Ioniq does have more features such as electric drivers' and ventilated seats, which unfortunately aren't available in the $128,988 Prius despite its $10,100 higher price tag (as of 9th February 2017).
But that's not to say the Prius doesn't have its merits, because it's got more space around and has a larger 502-litre trunk, outsizing the Ioniq's 443-litre one. In terms of cabin materials, both cars are pretty much on par.
Refinement or fun?
Once you get to driving them, Toyota's 20-year hybrid expertise comes to shine. Its in-line four hybrid lump, which makes a combined system output of 120bhp and 142Nm of torque, is a much more refined unit than the Ioniq's, which is more powerful, pushing out a total of 139bhp and 147Nm of torque.
Because of the Ioniq's power advantage, you might think it's the faster car. The Prius is, however, 0.1 seconds quicker in the century sprint - taking 11 seconds.
The Toyota's powertrain is also quieter and much more polished. But because the Prius runs a CVT, don't expect as much engagement as the Ioniq, which has a six-cog dual-clutcher. Even in Power mode, you don't get much fun from the Prius.
You can, however, overwrite and work your way through the Ioniq's gears in manual select mode. In corners, the Hyundai hybrid is also more confident, thanks to a firmer, sportier suspension setup.
The Prius has a slightly different proposition. While it tends to lean in corners more, it's the more comfortable car to be in when you decide to drive in regular hybrid fashion.
Taking the exact same road, the Prius also averages way better fuel economy figures of 24km/L, compared to the Ioniq's 18.2km/L.
Ultimately, sushi or kimchi?
That depends on how comfortable you are with your cashflow. Despite not having as many safety features as the Ioniq, the Prius remains to be the more expensive car to purchase. One can only think of the Toyota as paying for a quality hybrid that genuinely knows what its job is.
The Ioniq is undoubtedly more fun to drive, is more value-for-money, but not as refined and frugal if hybrid benefits are a big priority. Hyundai has done a fantastic job creating the Ioniq and at it's price, deserves a standing ovation.
However, if we were to put ourselves in a hybrid buyer's perspective, the Prius will continue to be our green weapon of choice - for very simple reasons of better fuel economy and high comfort levels.
You can, however, overwrite and work your way through the Ioniq's gears in manual select mode. In corners, the Hyundai hybrid is also more confident, thanks to a firmer, sportier suspension setup.
The Prius has a slightly different proposition. While it tends to lean in corners more, it's the more comfortable car to be in when you decide to drive in regular hybrid fashion.
Taking the exact same road, the Prius also averages way better fuel economy figures of 24km/L, compared to the Ioniq's 18.2km/L.
Ultimately, sushi or kimchi?
That depends on how comfortable you are with your cashflow. Despite not having as many safety features as the Ioniq, the Prius remains to be the more expensive car to purchase. One can only think of the Toyota as paying for a quality hybrid that genuinely knows what its job is.
The Ioniq is undoubtedly more fun to drive, is more value-for-money, but not as refined and frugal if hybrid benefits are a big priority. Hyundai has done a fantastic job creating the Ioniq and at it's price, deserves a standing ovation.
However, if we were to put ourselves in a hybrid buyer's perspective, the Prius will continue to be our green weapon of choice - for very simple reasons of better fuel economy and high comfort levels.
Car Information
Toyota Prius Hybrid 1.8 (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|27km/L
Horsepower
90kW (121 bhp)
Torque
142 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota Prius HybridHyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 GLS Sunroof (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|26.3km/L
Horsepower
104kW (139 bhp)
Torque
147 Nm
Acceleration
11.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Hyundai Ioniq HybridThank You For Your Subscription.