Overview
Hyundai has established itself as a leader in electric vehicles, and the Ioniq 6 sedan is a torch-bearer for the Korean automaker’s sharp design and cutting-edge technology. This stylish EV combines a long driving range with eye-catching looks and lots of features, all at a reasonably attractive price point. It shares many components with the boxier Ioniq 5 SUV but packages them in a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape; both EVs are recent recipients of our EV of the Year award, with the Ioniq 6 taking the crown for 2023. The Ioniq 6 comes with either rear- or all-wheel drive and a choice of two battery packs, the larger of which provides an EPA-estimated driving range of 361 miles—a number that beats even the Tesla Model 3. Our real-world results weren’t quite as impressive, but the Ioniq 6 is nonetheless a top performer, with fast charging, quick acceleration, and a spacious interior—good enough to earn it a spot on our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Ioniq 6 shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 SUV; its powertrain mostly mirrors that model’s offerings. The base 6 makes 149 horsepower and has a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. Single-motor cars equipped with the Long Range battery pack have 225 horsepower. The more expensive 320-hp dual-motor versions provide all-wheel drive thanks to front and rear electric motors and come only with the bigger battery. So far, we’ve tested the RWD Long Range, which got to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, and the AWD Long Range, which was much quicker and sprinted to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. While the Ioniq 6’s ride is smooth and its cabin is well-isolated and quiet, its handling is still plenty engaging. Its low center of gravity gives it a planted feel in corners and its steering-wheel paddles allow the driver to select different modes of regenerative braking on the fly.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA gives the rear-drive Ioniq 6 SE Long Range an estimated 140 MPGe combined rating. For more information about the Ioniq 6’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Hyundai has emphasized lounge-like comfort in its Ioniq models so far, and the 6 is no exception. The cabin shows a similarly modern and minimalist aesthetic to the Ioniq 5 and its flat floor aids the feeling of spaciousness inside. As a conventional four-door sedan, it offers space for five across two rows of seating. Hyundai has gone to great lengths to ensure a quiet cabin, with several layers of sound-deadening material sandwiched between the floor and the carpeting. The cargo area inside the trunk may not rival that of a hatchback or crossover, but the rear seats fold to expand the space back there.
