Yahoo Autos 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Buying Guide Review: Smooth looks, stylish and sporty EV economy
Pros: Fun, efficient driving; interesting design; useful tech; up to 361 miles of range
Cons: Tight rear head room; small trunk; no federal EV tax credit
Few electric cars are as striking as the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which is saying something considering today’s lineup of EVs. The new electric sedan uses its sleek looks both to get attention and for aerodynamics; so much so that it's the most efficient of the Hyundai Group’s vehicles (also including Kia and Genesis). Add in sporty driving dynamics and a comfortable, stylish and practical interior, and it's easy to recommend the Ioniq 6 to just about anyone.
While the Ioniq 6 itself is new, its underpinnings are familiar. It uses basically the same batteries and motors found in the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. That means entry-level models come standard with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version is optional. The latter is certainly the most spunky and fun, but the former versions are the best for efficiency and range. The long-range SE model is capable of a remarkable 361 miles of range according to the EPA. That model also manages 140 mpg-e, topping every Tesla and matching some Lucids for sheer efficiency.
Still, as much as we like the Ioniq 6, there are a couple things to consider that could sway a buyer away. It is a conventional sedan, and between that and the sleek roofline, cargo space and rear seat headroom are tight compared to more SUV-like EVs, including the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model Y and others. Its sporty suspension tuning also yields a stiffer ride, whereas the aforementioned alternatives (apart from the Tesla) tend to be softer and more comfortable.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2023?
The Ioniq 6 is an all-new model, though is closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60
What are the Ioniq 6’s interior and in-car technology like?
The Ioniq 6 interior looks at first less bold than the streamlined exterior, but look closer, and it reveals itself to be one of the most creative cabins on the market. Though certainly reminiscent of the Ioniq 5, there are all kinds of unique details. Translucent plastics are used on the dash and for the storage bins on the doors and center console. The doors themselves are bereft of switchgear both for a minimalist look and additional interior space (the window switches live on the center console, much like an old BMW). Interesting textures abound, particularly the ripples on the door panels and the dash. The ambient lighting adds to it, as well, with how it bounces off those same panels.
But function is just as present as form in the Ioniq 6. The dual 12.3-inch screens are bright, clear and responsive, while the infotainment interface is one of the easiest in the industry to use. The supporting touch-sensitive climate and infotainment menu “buttons” aren’t as friendly to use while driving than real buttons, but considering the Ioniq 6 competes with a car that does away with almost all physical controls, the Tesla Model 3, we’ll take it. That said, we’ll still point out our disappointment that the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cannot be wirelessly connected. But at least unlike its siblings, the USB data port is positioned in the center console, instead of buried low under the dash.
How big is the Ioniq 6?
Like the other E-GMP cars, the Ioniq 6 is deceptively large. The short overhangs and unusual proportions make it seem like a small vehicle, but it's only a couple inches shorter than the Hyundai Sonata family sedan. The long wheelbase allows the interior to be particularly large, particularly in regards to leg room. Surprisingly, the hunkered-down shape of the Ioniq 6 doesn’t overtly compromise visibility, while headroom up front remains decent despite a seating position that is also fairly high. The seats are wide but a bit flat, and loads of adjustment makes it easy to find a comfortable seating position. Rear headroom in the back is a little tight, however, due to that distinct shape created for the sake of aerodynamic efficiency.
Also sacrificed to the altar of aero (and style) is cargo space. The Ioniq 6 is a true sedan with a trunk lid. That reduces the overall versatility and cargo space compared to its siblings and competitors that are mainly crossover SUVs. And while usable, it's a bit small at 11.2 cubic fee, 16 cubes less than an Ioniq 5. But it's on the small side even for sedans, as the similarly-sized, gas-powered Sonata has 16.3 cubic feet.
What are the Ioniq 6’s fuel economy and performance specs?
The Ioniq 6 has three powertrain options, two of which are single-motor, rear-drive setups, and the third with two motors and all wheel drive. One of those single-motor arrangements is exclusive to the SE Standard Range. It makes just 149 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It also gets the smallest battery, 53 kilowatt-hours, which returns an estimated range of 240 miles. It is quite efficient, coming in as the second-most frugal Ioniq 6 behind the long-range, rear-drive SE. Combined mpg-e is rated at 135.
