Hyundai Ioniq 6 first drive review: stepping into tomorrow

While many car manufacturers are just dipping their toes into the electric vehicle (EV) market, Hyundai has already taken several evolutionary steps. From the Ioniq Electric to the Kona Electric and now the Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s EVs have steadily advanced in technology and design. And Hyundai isn’t stopping there.

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 follows the Ioniq 5, incorporating similar hardware but with very different styling. While the Ioniq 5 and other EVs from mainstream brands are typically marketed as crossover SUVs, the Ioniq 6 is a sedan with little direct competition. Hyundai aimed to rival the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, with prices ranging from $42,715 for the base model to $57,425 for the high-end version. However, the ever-changing prices and configurations of Tesla might change this landscape soon.

The price range includes SE, SEL, and Limited trims, offering two battery sizes and either a single-motor rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor all-wheel drive. We had the chance to drive the top-end Limited model with all-wheel drive and the larger battery pack in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Ioniq 6 draws design cues from Hyundai’s Prophecy concept, first shown in 2020. While it inherits pixelated headlights and taillights from the Ioniq 5 to maintain a brand identity, the Ioniq 6 switches to smooth, aerodynamic surfaces. The car’s design, focused on reducing drag to enhance range, boasts a drag coefficient of 0.22, an improvement over the Ioniq 5’s 0.28. This gives the Ioniq 6 a unique look: with a window and roofline arch reminiscent of a stretched Volkswagen Beetle, and a flat rear spoiler that doubles as the third brake light, adding a Germanic touch.

Built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), also used by the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60, the Ioniq 6 offers a different driving experience. Unlike its SUV counterparts where you sit relatively high, the Ioniq 6 positions you low and close to the front wheels, creating a sensation of skimming along the road.

Inside, the Ioniq 6 outshines the minimalist interiors of Tesla and Polestar. Hyundai adds intriguing design elements like a dashboard with upturned ends that frame the display screens and textured door panels. Sustainable materials, such as carpeting from recycled fishing nets, enhance the interior. Ambient lighting feels thoughtfully integrated, with light emanating uniquely from the door panels and dashboard at night.

Some interior choices, like positioning the door lock and window switches on the center console and the low-angle shifter on the steering column, might take some getting used to but contribute to the clean look. These quirks become intuitive with time.

The Ioniq 6 features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster forming a screen expanse across the dashboard. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, and there’s no head-up display due to space constraints on the narrow dashboard. However, the large instrument cluster compensates for this missing feature.

The latest version of Hyundai’s Digital Key system replaces the key fob with a smartphone or smartwatch, now compatible with iOS devices and Samsung phones, with Google Pixel compatibility coming soon. This feature is part of Hyundai’s Bluelink telematics package, which is free for the life of the 4G LTE network. Features include roadside assistance, battery preconditioning, and over-the-air updates, similar to Tesla.

The driver-assist system offers standard features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. SEL and higher trims add more sophisticated systems, like blind-spot collision avoidance assist and Highway Driving Assist 2 for advanced adaptive cruise control. Limited models include Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and Blind-Spot View Monitor, which displays camera views of blind spots in the instrument cluster.

Highway Driving Assist 2 can manage acceleration, deceleration, and lane centering, incorporating new features like automated lane changes and responses to vehicles cutting in or intruding upon the lane. However, drivers still must keep their hands on the wheel. In our test, the system sometimes felt slow in changing lanes and adjusting speed and struggled with curves, often riding the lane’s extreme outer edge.

The SE RWD Standard Range model features a single electric motor with 149 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, rear-wheel drive, and a 53.0-kilowatt-hour battery. An optional 77.4-kWh battery increases power to 225 hp while maintaining the same torque.

The Ioniq 6 surpasses the Ioniq 5 in driving dynamics, striking a balance between handling and ride quality. Its suspension smooths road imperfections, while the car confidently navigates corners. Though not a sports sedan like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2, the Ioniq 6 offers a reassuring driving experience.

Hyundai’s adjustable regenerative braking allows drivers to select from four settings, offering a range from coasting to one-pedal driving. A “smart” setting uses radar to increase regeneration when necessary, akin to adaptive cruise control.

The Ioniq 6 excels in range, with the SE RWD Long Range model achieving up to 361 miles, topping the Ioniq 5’s 303-mile best and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range at 358 miles. Most configurations surpass 300 miles, and even the base model offers a respectable 240 miles. Our Limited AWD Long Range test car achieved 3.9 miles per kWh, showing its practical efficiency.

Hyundai’s E-GMP platform supports 800-volt charging, enabling the Ioniq 6 to fast charge at 350 kilowatts, moving from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Level 2 AC charging at up to 10.9 kW fully charges the battery in just over seven hours. Vehicle-to-load capability allows the Ioniq 6 to power devices or charge other vehicles slowly, either through its charge port or an optional outlet under the rear seats.

The Ioniq 6 comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty. Crash-test ratings are pending.

To access the full suite of tech features, choose the Limited trim. While the mid-level SEL includes features like Digital Key and Highway Driving Assist 2, the Limited adds Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, the Blind-Spot View Monitor, and an upgraded Bose audio system. Both the SEL and Limited trims offer similar ranges, 305 miles for rear-wheel drive and 270 miles for all-wheel drive, though the Limited costs around $4,900 more.

Our Limited test model, priced at $57,425, exceeds the base prices of the dual-motor all-wheel drive Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 Performance, though the Tesla offers more range. The SE RWD Long Range version provides an impressive 361 miles range at $46,615, undercutting the Polestar 2 and matching the base price of the lower-range Tesla Model 3.

Though Hyundai is known for value, the Ioniq 6 focuses more on delivering impressive range and tech, but buyers might need to choose between them. While it may not be as engaging to drive or as practical as its competitors, the Ioniq 6 provides a pleasant driving experience and standout styling. If futuristic design and technology appeal to you, the Ioniq 6 is worth considering.

By autod9