2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Updated

The updated 2019 Hyundai Ioniq has made its official debut and the Korean automaker is introducing the newly revamped hybrid with a subtle jab at the competition.

“While many other manufacturers announce their first-ever eco-friendly models, Hyundai Motor is already launching a heavily revised model of its revolutionary Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in with an enhanced Ioniq Electric to follow soon after,” the press release for the updated hybrid model says.

It’s a bit self-indulgent, but Hyundai has earned the right to gloat. The Ioniq has proven to be a solid electrified offering in the two short years it has been on sale in North America and the Korean brand has wasted no time in rushing this updated version to market.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai Ioniq Review

Major changes applied to the updated 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid include a new grille and an available 10.25-inch infotainment screen with voice recognition software, over-the-air updates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Hyundai LIVE Services and other standard built-in features.

Hyundai didn’t mention any powertrain updates, with the Ioniq continuing with a 105-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder and 60-hp electric motor. The powertrain now enables one-pedal driving through regenerative braking, however, similar to the Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal system. There’s also a new “Green-zone Drive Mode,” which will automatically tell the car to use more energy from the electric motor, rather than from the internal combustion engine, under certain driving scenarios.

Rounding out the changes to the Ioniq and Ioniq Hybrid for 2019 are three new available exterior colors: Fluidic Metal, Electric Shadow and Liquid Sand.