Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review

EV Universe

Combine Luxury and Performance in an EV Sedan

Built off the same platform as the Ioniq 5, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 utilizes the award-winning platform to create yet another award-winning car. The new EV sedan made its production debut in 2023 and won Car and Driver’s EV of the Year and won “World Car of the Year” at the World Car Awards (WCA). The WCA is an organization run by automotive journalists across the world. It’s fair to say Hyundai has produced something special.

What’s notable about the Ioniq 6 is that it’s a sedan. This body style has been repeatedly phased out of many manufacturers’ model line-ups. A number of factors contribute to this, but it’s largely due to intense public interest in crossovers and SUVs. We’re glad that Hyundai chose to keep the sedan segment alive, but it does put the Ioniq 6 in unique company. The Tesla Model 3 is the Ioniq 6’s main competitor when considering body style and price point.

Overall, we believe the Ioniq 6 has claimed the electric sedan segment of the market by creating a worthy competitor to the Model 3.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: EVU Hot Take

Pros: 

• Hyundai’s futuristic, but timeless design
• A luxurious interior you want to spend time in
• The dual-motor model provides an impressive 320hp

Cons: 

• The trunk opening will make larger items difficult to place in the vehicle
•  Compared to the competition, the top-trim level model can be a hard sell
• The base SE model has a small 149hp output

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: Exterior, Design and Packaging

Hyundai’s design direction with the Ioniq 6 goes with the Ioniq 5 model. Futuristic elements that use sleek lines mixed with lightbars. This may not be to everyone’s taste, but the presence the Ioniq 6 has on the road puts a lot of cars to shame. When you’re walking into the store or parking it for the evening, the Ioniq 6 will surely beckon you to take one last look before you return.

Standard on all models are active-aero ducts above the front lip of the car. They open and close to adjust airflow and improve range. It’s a technology we expect to see on a Rimac or Lucid, not on a Hyundai. That’s not to discount the Ioniq 6’s capabilities with respect to performance and design.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: Interior, Layout and Tech

The futuristic design of the exterior is carried into the interior. The minimalist design, highlighted by accent lighting lends itself to the relaxing atmosphere. Hyundai has made an ultimate commitment to making the interior of the Ioniq 6 a memorable and calming experience. From the flat floor, comfortable seating and upholstery to the commitment to sound deadening, the Korean manufacturer has surely accomplished their goal. We can’t discuss relaxation without mentioning Hyundai’s nature sounds feature that fills the cabin with just that.

Up front, you’ll find a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen of the same size. The Ioniq 6 uses Hyundai’s signature BlueLink which is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Hyundai has located the drive-selector to the steering column like it’s 1996, which can take time to get used to. The added space in between the front seats in the form of storage and cupholders is well done. The materials used are eco-friendly and have a quality feel to them.

Furthermore, there’s in-car Wi-Fi, places to charge devices throughout the car, and rear climate control vents. The side-view mirrors are heated, making early morning drives easier. All Ioniq 6’s come standard with 8-way electronic driver seat adjustments, but even the top Limited trim level does not have power passenger seats. You do, however, get the option of cloth or leather heated seats.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: Performance, Electric Range and Charging

Since the Hyundai Ioniq 6 carries over much of the Ioniq 5’s capabilities, you’ll find the same great performance. The base model SE is offered with a single motor, rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform. It either comes with 149hp in the standard car and 225hp with the Long-Range battery pack. Alternatively, the SEL and Limited are dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) cars with 320hp. It’ll deliver you from 0-60mph in as little as 4.3 seconds with the highest trim level Limited model (6.2 in the SEL model).

As for range, the EPA estimates the Ioniq 6 maximum range to be 361 miles as set by the SE RWD Long-Range battery Ioniq 6 model. This gives it a nearly 60-mile range advantage over the Ioniq 5. Keep in mind these are EPA estimate and real world range will vary.

When it comes time to charge your Ioniq 6, a 350kW DC Fast Charger will get you from 10 to 80% in about 18 minutes, according to Hyundai. With 50kW DC charging you can do the same in 73 minutes or more. With Level 1 charging you can get 10 to 80% charge in around 7 hours.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: Price

Hyundai’s key competitors are the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo Polestar 2. The latter is $8,000 more expensive than the Ioniq 6. Looking at just the base model SE and SE Long-Range, the Ioniq 6 packs more features for the $41,600 price tag it presents. Of course, you can option your Ioniq 6 up to $56,100 which provides you with a sunroof and a Bose Premium Audio system.

If range and power is what you’re looking for in an EV, the SEL and Limited trim levels will be what you’re looking for. However, the SE RWD Long-Range model offers the best mpg-e and comes in at a modest $45,500 MSRP and is the one we would likely choose.

Concluding Thoughts: A Great Alternative to the Model 3

The Hyundai Ioniq 6, based on the Ioniq 5 platform, has earned accolades as an exceptional electric sedan. The Ioniq 6 deserves titles such as Car and Driver’s EV of the Year and the “World Car of the Year.” The Ioniq 6 proves its worth by creating a stylish and competent luxury mid-size EV sedan at a competitive price point.

Defying the trend of declining sedan popularity, the Ioniq 6 competes effectively with the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. Its futuristic design extends to a calming interior with quality interior materials. You’ll find Hyundais BlueLink infotainment, and a host of driver assists. It has an industry-standard range, quick charging, and a solid starting price of $41,600. The Ioniq 6 is a great option for those wanting an EV but aren’t about the crossover, SUV, or Tesla lifestyle.

Images Courtesy of Hyundai

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