The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a midsize car that runs entirely on electricity and is comparable in size to the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Since it’s a sedan rather than an SUV, it stands out among the newest generation of E.V.s. However, the Korean manufacturer still sells a lot of Elantras and Sonatas and is working to electrify every market category. It has a lower and more aerodynamic form, giving it an edge over certain crossovers in terms of luggage and passenger capacity. Still, it also makes for a livelier driving experience.
The Ioniq 6 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD) and ranges in price from $42,000 to $57,000. Only the S.E. trim, the entry-level model, comes with a Standard Range battery; all versions have a Long Range battery. The least expensive Ioniq 6 is expected to have a range of 240 miles, while the long-range rear-drive variant should have a range of 361 miles and only costs a few thousand extra. The higher-trimmed Long Range models’ extended, more angular wheels (SEL and Limited) limit range is rated for 305 miles with rear-wheel drive and 270 miles with all-wheel drive.
Over the years, automakers have rightfully focused on producing well-liked SUVs, leaving the Ioniq 6 with little direct competition in the sedan market. The closest competitor is the Tesla Model 3, which has a similar pricing and range. In terms of entertainment, comfort, and build quality, the Ioniq 6 is superior. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a larger vehicle that falls between a sedan and an SUV, whereas the Polestar 2 is a sedan focusing more on performance. Although all three of these competitors have comparable shapes and levels of sportiness, the BMW i4 is more expensive from the outset.
Following our top-tier AWD Ioniq 6 Limited test drive, we were pleased with its powerful 320 horsepower output, agile handling, and excellent comfort levels. Though we acknowledge that we are in the minority, we weren’t as thrilled by the distinctive external appearance. It looks like a tablet, somewhat unlike the EQE from Mercedes-Benz or a vintage Saab, but it’s sure to divide views. The inside, which skillfully combines elegance and technology in an aesthetically pleasingly straightforward package, is significantly less contentious.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 from 2023 can seize the lead in the minuscule class of electric cars. It has a reasonable price tag, good performance, and perhaps more range than most people need. The relatively tiny load capacity is our main grievance, but it’s by no means a deal breaker. The Ioniq 6 is an excellent option if you’ve been thinking about switching to electric vehicles, and there are numerous variants to suit your demands and budget.
What’s New
- Includes unlimited free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations for two years.
- Maximum range of 361 miles
- Standard or Long Range versions with 53 or 77.4 kWh batteries, respectively, start at $42,000.
Performance:Hyundai Ioniq 6
The 53 kWh Standard Range lithium-ion battery pack or the 77.4 kWh Long Range battery are the two lithium-ion options for the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are other options. The base S.E. trim with rear-drive, which generates 258 pound-feet of torque and 149 horsepower, is the most economical variant. The torque is unchanged despite the Long Range upgrade’s 225 horsepower boost in output.
The Long Range battery is included with higher trim levels as standard. Adopting AWD increases output to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque by adding a second engine to drive the front wheels.
Hyundai estimates that the Long Range with all-wheel drive will reach 60 mph in only 5 seconds, compared to an anticipated 7.3 seconds for the rear-drive variant. The single standard battery with rear-wheel purpose should reach 60 mph in less than 9 seconds.
Operating a Long Range AWD model, we experienced quick, strong, but highly controllable acceleration. Surprisingly, good handling was found over a winding mountain route, and enough power makes for an exciting and sporty driving experience.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
Only the primary S.E. grade with the rear drive is equipped with the Ioniq 6’s Standard Range battery, which has a 240-mile range on a full charge. The most excellent content in the series, 361 miles, is achieved by adding the long-range battery. With AWD, that trim’s capacity decreases to 316 miles but gains more power.
The Long Range battery is included with higher trim levels, although the all-wheel drive range is just 270 miles with the heavier 20-inch wheels. Models with rear-wheel drive are predicted to have a 305-mile range.
Hyundai says that if you are fortunate enough to come across an operational charger, you can quickly recharge the Ioniq 6 from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes. Both batteries can do D.C. fast charging at a maximum rate of 350 kW. Electrify America public stations offer buyers free 30-minute fast-charging sessions for the first two years after purchase.
That same charge should take 58 minutes for the Standard Range and 73 minutes for the Long Range on a 50 kW charger. A standard Level 2 home charger should take five to seven hours.
Safety and Assisting Driver:
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released crash test data as of this writing. Since the Ioniq 6 scored five stars out of five in the Euro and Australian NCAP tests, we anticipate it will perform well; nevertheless, its score is now lowered due to the absence of U.S. testing.
Frontal collision warning with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automated high beams, a driver attention monitor, safe exit warning, and a rear passenger reminder are among the standard safety features for all Ioniq 6 models.
Adaptive cruise control with machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and frontal cross-traffic collision avoidance are included when you upgrade to the SEL trim. A surround-view camera system, blind-spot cameras, improved automated emergency braking while parking, and remote parking assistance round out the amenities offered by the top-tier Limited trim.
Coziness & Space:
The front seats of the Ioniq 6 are wonderfully padded to provide hours of pleasant travel, and they can comfortably fit both bigger and smaller drivers. Hyundai’s H-Tex synthetic leather is included on higher levels. At the same time, cloth upholstery is standard on the basic S.E. model. While heated seats are standard on all models, the highest Limited trim level is required if you want ventilation and driver seat memory features. The hearts of an Ioniq 6 are notably more comfortable than those of a Tesla Model 3, which has stiff seats.
A typical adult passenger 5 feet 10 inches tall has 40.2 inches of headroom in the back seats, which is more than Tesla’s back row, but not much more. The only significant amount of legroom is 34.7 inches, which is on the tiny side for a sedan this size and somewhat less than Tesla’s 35.2 inches. The big windows give passengers an excellent outside view so they won’t feel cramped even with the sloping roofline. The rear seats don’t offer the same support and aren’t as curved as the front seats, as is typical with most cars.
Infotainment: Hyundai Ioniq 6
Two 12.3-inch screens sit above the dash of the Ioniq 6: one for the infotainment system and the other for the instrument panel. Voice commands and a native navigation system are offered, along with wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system is upgraded to the top Limited trim from the original six-speaker setup with satellite radio. The SEL and Limited trim levels have a wireless charging station. There are two USB-C charging ports, a USB-A data connector up front, and two USB-C charging outlets in the backseat. Included is also Hyundai’s Bluelink remote control and monitoring.
Because Hyundai has positioned a row of physical shortcut buttons underneath the touchscreen for more straightforward and less distracting usage, we’re glad that not all functions are included in the touchscreen. Additionally, there is a portion with capacitive touch controls for the automated dual-zone temperature control.
Modern, crisp, on-screen visuals react quickly to instructions. The infotainment menu arrangement makes sense and takes little time to get used to. Although there is a lot of information on the instrument panel, the peculiar power indications may take some getting used to.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Ioniq 6’s trunk has a maximum capacity of 11.2 cubic feet, which is modest for a midsize sedan. In contrast, although the Tesla Model 3 is more miniature overall, it can hold more than double that. That capacity may be increased by folding the rear seatbacks, and the trunk has some handy release latches. An advantageous feature is a broad, low entrance that should facilitate loading large items. The front box, or frunk, is there, but its meagre 0.5 cubic feet make it primarily helpful in holding a charging wire.
The front passengers enjoy a rubberized phone tray, two sizable cup holders, a medium-sized centre armrest bin, and extended door pockets for smaller personal items. Comparable to the Tesla Model 3, the Ioniq 6’s phone tray is more user-friendly and secures your device more effectively than the Model 3’s.
Design:Hyundai Ioniq 6
Although opinions on the Ioniq 6’s double curve external appearance are somewhat divided, most people like the design, according to an informal pop poll. Given the shape’s bloated appearance, strange rips in the bodywork to make room for the taillights, and an odd-looking rear wing, this critic is probably in the minority.
Its uncluttered and straightforward horizontal dash makes the interior significantly less divisive. The large twin digital screens give it a suitably futuristic look. The inside ambient lighting creates a contemporary lounge-like atmosphere at night by contrasting the textured door panels with colourful splashes. The quality of the materials is quite pleasing for a car costing more than $50,000, and it is far superior to a Tesla Model 3. Additionally, the build quality is more robust and lacks the flimsiness and creaks of the Tesla.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Worth it?
The least expensive model in the range is the rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range, which starts at $42,715 (plus $1,115 in destination costs). The Limited all-wheel drive model is priced at $57,215 at the top of the range. Range is a top consideration for many prospective E.V. buyers, and with an estimated 361 miles, the SE Long Range rear-wheel drive is the best option. Most drivers could quickly get by with the 240 miles of the basic model because they don’t need that much range. It is also advised to stay with a rear-drive rather than an all-wheel-drive unless you reside in an area that experiences frequent weather changes.
The Tesla Model 3 is expected to deliver a comparable range and is priced similarly to the Ioniq 6 at the time of writing. Due to its much-improved comfort and build quality, as well as the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Ioniq 6 has a substantial edge. Besides the Tesla Model 3, few all-electric vehicles compete with the Ioniq 6 since most automakers focus on SUVs.
How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6?
Since the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new car, insurance costs should be lower than those of its competitors. However, information is still pending. The average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is $2,400, but this figure applies to all 50 states. Owners of Tesla Model 3s may spend $3,052 annually (and as much as $4,000 for higher performance models), compared to $2,600 for Polestar 2s and around $3,076 for more expensive BMW i4s.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Generations
First Generation
2023 to Present
The Hyundai Ioniq 6, a battery-powered sedan built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) used by the Kia EV6, is the second of the company’s three dedicated electric vehicles (E.V.s); the Ioniq 5 made its debut in 2022. The 2020 Prophecy E.V. concept inspired the curving and rear spoiler design, which deviates from the standard Hyundai appearance while retaining some of the concept’s attributes. In July 2022, it debuted globally on digital platforms.
Verdict
The brand-new Hyundai Ioniq 6 from 2023 outperforms its few competitors in the sporty sedan market thanks to its relevant technology, agreeable ride, and reasonably priced pricing. It also crosses all the E.V. performance and range boxes. Although there may be disagreements regarding its outer design, we are sure that buyers will agree that the Ioniq 6 is an excellent device overall—especially with extended range choices exceeding 360 miles.
