Overview
Hyundai aims to compete with the Tesla Model 3 with its latest EV model, the Ioniq 6 sedan. We were so impressed with its sleek and stylish design and impressive features that we gave it the title of “EV of the Year”. As part of Hyundai’s Ioniq brand, this four-door car shares the same components as the longer and more robust Ioniq 5. This means it offers a choice of two battery packs and single and dual motor configurations. The aerodynamic shape, combined with a 77.4 kWh battery pack (a smaller 53.0 kWh battery is only available on the base model), will provide an estimated maximum driving range of 361 miles in the Long Range SE configuration. Inspired by Hyundai’s dramatic Prophecy concept, the Ioniq 6 is not only futuristic and stylish but also quick. It also offers a more luxurious interior and more built-in technology compared to Hyundai’s gas-powered Sonata and Elantra sedans.
What’s New in 2023?
The Ioniq 6 is a new addition to the lineup. It falls between the Ioniq 5, which it closely resembles, and the upcoming Ioniq 7, but it is a lower-profile sedan compared to the larger crossovers.
Pricing and Which One to Buy?
The Ioniq 6 is slightly cheaper than the Ioniq 5, with prices starting at $42,715 for the base SE Standard Range model. The powertrain lineup is also similar, offering a choice of two battery packs and a rear-wheel drive single-motor setup or an optional all-wheel drive dual-motor version for an additional $3,500. We believe the SE Long Range offers the best value as it has the longest estimated range and more horsepower than the base Standard Range model. The SEL and Limited trim levels come only with the larger battery pack.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Ioniq 6 shares its platform with the Ioniq 5, and the powertrain mostly reflects that of its sibling. The base model produces 149 horsepower and has a single electric motor providing power to the rear wheels. Single-motor vehicles equipped with the Long Range battery pack have 225 horsepower. The more expensive dual-motor versions with 320 horsepower provide all-wheel drive thanks to front and rear electric motors, and they only come with the larger battery pack. We have tested the RWD Long Range, which reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and the AWD Long Range, which accelerates to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The Ioniq 6 offers a smooth ride and a well-insulated and quiet cabin, but it is still quite engaging to drive. Its low center of gravity gives it planted feel in corners, and steering-wheel-mounted paddles allow the driver to select different regenerative braking modes while on the move.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EPA estimates that the Ioniq 6 has a maximum driving range of 361 miles. The Long Range RWD Ioniq 6, which offers the most range for the model, has a 93-mile advantage compared to the shorter-range Ioniq 5 in our tests. The RWD Long Range Ioniq 6 completed our real-world highway range test, covering 260 miles, 100 miles below the EPA estimate. The AWD model approached the EPA estimate and achieved a 220-mile range in our tests.
Fuel Economy and Real-world MPGe
The EPA gives the RWD Ioniq 6 SE Long Range an estimated combined rating of 140 MPGe. For more information on the Ioniq 6’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Hyundai has emphasized salon-like comfort in previous Ioniq models, and the Ioniq 6 is no exception. The cabin showcases a modern and minimalist aesthetic similar to the Ioniq 5, and the flat floor contributes to a sense of spaciousness inside. As a traditional four-door sedan, it offers seating for five in two rows. Hyundai has made significant efforts to provide a quiet cabin with several layers of sound insulation material sandwiched between the floor and carpet. The cargo area in the trunk may not rival that of a hatchback or crossover, but the rear seats fold down to expand the space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Both a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen are offered. The Ioniq 6 uses the same software as other Hyundai models, which includes BlueLink for connectivity functions and integrates with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto-compatible smartphones. More details about the infotainment system will be available closer to the official launch of the Ioniq 6.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Ioniq 6, available for sale in the United States, is equipped with various driver assistance technologies to compensate for the absence of the fantastic camera-based exterior mirrors found on the Korean market version. For more information on the Ioniq 6’s crash test results, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai offers one of the best warranty plans in the industry. Similarly, it comes with an impressive amount of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Basic Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Battery Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles
More Features and Specifications
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Long Range
Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $46,615/$46,825
Options: carpeted floor mats, $210
POWERTRAIN
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 225 hp, 258 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.4 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charging Rate: 235 kW
Transmission: direct drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Hankook Ventus S2 AS EV
225/55R-18 98W M+S
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Length: 191.1 in
Width: 74.0 in
Height: 58.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 57/47 cu ft
Cargo Volume: 11 cu ft
Curb Weight: 4225 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.8 sec @ 95 mph
Top Speed (governor limited): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g
FUEL ECONOMY, C/D RANGE
Observed: 116 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 140/153/127 MPGe
Range: 361 mi
C/D TEST EXPLAINED
Source: www.caranddriver.com