The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Is Proof Sedans Have a Way Forward
Our Take on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Consider the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Tesla's main Model 3 competitor. It's an all-electric sedan that, in its most efficient trim, can achieve an incredible 361 miles of range per charge. It also sports a futuristic, concept-like design and a lovely interior.
The Ioniq 6 disappears under you during mundane drives, able to play the part of a civil commuter that's quiet and efficient. You'll notice miles fly by as you listen to the well-tuned sound system and allow the adaptive cruise control to pilot you across the interstate. Arrive at a set of twisty roads, and the Ioniq 6 can holds its own despite its two-ton curb weight. That's thanks to smart chassis tuning and a floor-mounted battery, which keeps the heft down low.
The Ioniq 6 feels almost BMW-like in its body control, with a tight suspension that encourages fun driving. Don't let the photos fool you, this car is much bigger than it looks. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, with rear seats that can fit full-size adults comfortably.
What's New
The Ioniq 6 is entirely new for the Hyundai lineup in 2023. It shares most of its underpinnings with the boxier Ioniq 5, and aims to steal market share from the likes of Tesla and its Model 3 sedan.
With a low-slung profile, distinctive looks, and a nicely laid-out interior, the Ioniq 6 represents a strong alternative to the Tesla that's backed by a strong dealer network and impressive 10 year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Pros
Unique, futuristic design makes the Model 3 look bland
Quick, smooth powertrain
Excellent interior layout with tons of rear leg room
Cons
Light-colored interior trim will likely not age well
For nearly $60,000 some cabin bits can feel cheap
Significant reduction in range when AWD and big wheels are optioned
Performance & Horsepower
Performance from the Hyundai Ioniq 6 depends on what trim you spring for. The base model, with its smaller battery pack, makes do with just 149 hp from a single rear-mounted motor. Step up to the bigger Long Range battery pack and you get 225 hp. The sole all-wheel-drive model comes standard with two motors, one for the front wheels, and another for the rears. It's only available with the bigger battery, and delivers 320 hp.
That 320-hp AWD version can sprint to 60 mph in a claimed 5.1 seconds, onto an electronically limited top speed of 114 mph. Go for the rear-drive model with the bigger battery, and 0-60 time climbs to 6.2 seconds.
Features & Specs
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with a liquid-cooled battery pack and DC fast-charging capabilities, along with paddle shifters for controlling regenerative braking capabilities on the fly.
Our Limited tester also had 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum pedals, a heated steering wheel, and surround-view cameras. Inside you'll find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, paired to a Bose audio system.
MPG/Range
Our Ioniq 6 Limited test car, with its bigger battery, all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels, can travel a maximum of 270 miles per charge, estimates the EPA, with a 103 MPGe combined fuel economy rating.
If you go for the smaller wheels and rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout in the SE RWD Long Range model, the Ioniq 6 can go up to 361 miles on a a single charge—a big number for the segment. The Long Range version of the Model 3 can go about 333 miles on a charge, for comparison.
Test Drive
The Ioniq 6 is an absolute pleasure to wheel around town, with plenty of power, an airy interior with lots of space, and a suite of technology features to make life easier. The chassis is taught but not overly stiff; it sort of reminds us of newer BMWs.
We're especially fond of the regenerative braking paddle shifters, which allow you to control the level of braking force from the powertrain on the fly. I found myself using them constantly in traffic so I'd never have to actually touch the brake pedal.
Check out our full first drive of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Pricing
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 starts at $42,715 including destination. The Limited model we tested—with its Long Range battery, all-wheel drive, and 20-inch wheels—has a starting price of $57,215. It came with just one optional extra: A $210 set of carpeted floor mats.
For our money, we'd go with the SE Long Range model for $46,615. It costs less and gets the most EPA-rated range, at 361 miles.
Interior
The Hyundai Ioniq 6's interior is a lovely place to spend time, with a minimalist layout and lots of space to stretch your legs. The front space is dominated by the two displays. They provide a lot of good, easy-to-read info. The shifter is mounted to the steering wheel column with a nifty rotary knob to choose between Drive, Reverse, and Park. Strangely though, there's no wireless Apple CarPlay.
Comfort
The Hyundai Ioniq 6's tight chassis and taught suspension mean it's not as floaty as some bigger luxury offerings. But it's not too stiff, either, able to absorb most bumps without jolting the cabin.
There's plenty of adjustability for the front occupants, and because the car is way bigger than it looks in pictures, there's ample legroom for rear passengers. I had two 6'2" passengers in the back seat and they didn't complain one bit. If it weren't so pricey, the Ioniq 6 would be the perfect Uber car.
Technology
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 features a suite of tech features that focus on improving range and the driving experience. There's a battery pre-heating system to ensure the cells are always at the optimum temperature, as well as DC fast charging capabilities. In the front bumper you'll find active aerodynamic elements that direct air to or away from the radiators to make sure the powertrain is always at the right temperature.
Storage
While the Hyundai Ioniq 6 might look like a hatchback from some angles, it's not. There's a more traditional trunk opening out back with 11 cubic feet of cargo volume. You'll also find storage solutions scattered throughout the cabin, like the door pockets and center console.
Safety
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with a host of advanced safety features. There's forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision assist, lane keeping assist, parking collision avoidance, parking distance sensors, rear cross traffic alerts, and even a driver attention warning system. It has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Trims
Buyers can choose between a selection of four different trim levels for the Ioniq 6. There's the SE standard range with the smaller 55-kWh battery, which starts at $42,715. If you want the bigger battery there's the SE Long Range, which starts at $46,615. Then there's the SEL, which adds 20-inch wheels and wireless device charging, for $48,815. The car you see here is the top-range Limited trim, which comes in at $53,715.
Wrapping Up
The Ioniq 6 is one of the best electric cars on sale right now. In a world where sedans feel like last decade's news, it's a ray of hope the body style can continue on in new, innovative ways. Pick the most range-conscious trim and you get a car that provides more distance per charge than pricier competitors, all in a distinctive, handsome, futuristic package. You also get a lovely interior that fits a wide range of body types. We suggest going for the black-themed cabin if you plan to hold onto this car for a long time, as the light-themed interior of our tester likely won't age well.
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