Well, it's not often you review a World Car Of The Year. The last time I remember doing so was in the spring of 2022- and wouldn't you know it, it was another Hyundai, the 2022 IONIQ 5. Turns out Hyundai's newest EV, the IONIQ 6 sedan is also winning its share of accolades. It recently won three World Car of the Year Awards and the trophies keep coming. It's a remarkable vehicle for many reasons - its performance - range -technology and exceptional driver assistance systems - and my review vehicle is the range-topping Limited all-wheel drive variant with the long range battery
Exterior
The IONIQ 6 won World Car Design of the Year, and it's easy to understand why, knowing it follows in the IONIQ 5's footsteps. It also rides on the same platform - the big difference being it's a fastback style sedan, not a crossover SUV.
Design is - in a word - aerodynamic. Smooth surfaces, including flush exterior door handles, abound from bumper to bumper. It's sleek and sporty. And it's attention getting especially in a $1000 Gravity Gold hue with available 21-inch wheels and my Limited's gloss black accents. The front sports active grille shutters and LED headlights along with LED daytime running lights.
The IONIQ 6 also introduces the brand's newly designed ‘H’ emblem which is on the front and back of the vehicle.
A parametric pixel theme is evident inside out. Hyundai used over 700 pixels in various places. On the exterior you'll find them in the headlamps, rear combination lamps, front lower sensors, air vent garnishes. The tail end also has a Parametric Pixel High-Mounted Stop Lamp. Also on the rear, you'll find an elliptical wing-inspired spoiler. It's also cool how Hyundai integrated the trunk release button next to a camera above the taillight.
When you open the hood, you'll find a small storage "Frunk" area.
Electric Powertrain
The all-electric IONIQ 6 uses two motor layouts. My all-wheel drive model has dual electric motors - one motor for the front and one for the rear. Models without all-wheel drive get a single rear motor.
Power is terrific - we're talking 320 horses in this configuration with a very impressive 446 pound-feet of torque that's glorious. When the light turns green, you'll leave those behind in the dust. Not because you're driving unsafely, but the IONIQ 6 simply MOVES.
A note about regenerative braking - I like how Hyundai's handled it. There are three modes of regen braking that you can select within the multimedia system. It's great that Hyundai gives you options.
Interior
The IONIQ 6's interior is minimalist, modern and roomy. While not a luxury interior, it's an inviting, and sustainable, place to spend some time in. By sustainable I mean Hyundai's incorporated eco-friendly materials which vary by trim level.
Power adjustable H-Tex-trimmed 8-way power driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated. They're comfortable with side bolstering. Head rests are on the firmer side.
A heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel with a nice feel to it features four interactive pixel lights. Amongst the steering wheel-mounted controls, you'll find a very well-placed drive mode button which is very easy to reach and operate, and beats trying to change the drive mode through a multimedia system. You'll also find a steering-wheel mounted Shift-By-Wire gear shift.
The door panels are void of much switchgear - except that of a slim door handle. Usual power controls for windows and door locks are located on the center console which does take some getting used to.
There is quality switchgear on part of the steering wheel and center stack while the center console sticks to basic black. Like in the electrified Genesis G80, I wasn't a huge fan of wireless charging because you seem to have to remove your phone case. Up front you have a USB port in the center console and 2 USB-C's in the slim console bin.
Standard features include push button start, a wide glass sunroof, dual zone climate, power folding side mirrors, a 12-volt, surround view monitor, dual color ambient lighting, premium door sills plates, and aluminum pedals.
If you like a great stereo system, the IONIQ 6 Limited has one. The premium 8-speaker Bose stereo system sounds fantastic in the space.
Moving to the 60/40 split bench seat second row, you'll note the flat floor and comfy seats. Passengers get a basic drop-down center armrest with cupholders and manual A/C vents along with some USB-C ports.
It's stadium seating so you do lose some headroom back here, which may be an issue for those who are very tall.
A power open trunk reveals ample cargo space.
Technology
I've long been a fan of Hyundai's technology and the IONIQ 6 doesn't disappoint with two large 12-inch displays. The 12.3-inch fully digital driver display is exceptional. The graphics and animation are really superb. It also integrates Hyundai's Blind Spot View Monitor camera, but what's really impressive is the real-time blind spot info displayed in the center which you can see depicted by the red in the graphic below.
The 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is also terrific - displaying all sorts of vehicle info along with navigation, a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines and a surround view monitor.
The multimedia system is responsive and compatible with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll also get dual Bluetooth compatibility and over-the-air updates. I also like Hyundai's Dynamic Voice Recognition.
Range and Charging
There are two battery options: a 53 kWh or 77.4 kWh. With my review vehicle's long range 77.4 battery, all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels, you get 270-miles of range. The lineup in all offers between 240-miles and 361-miles range depending on configuration and trim level.
The IONIQ 6 is equipped for 800-volt DC ultra fast charging, but I had to stick to Level 2 at most, charging at my usual free Volta charging station at a nearby mall. It's not what I'd call fast, but better than a home 110V outlet.
Hyundai says if you use the Ultra Fast DC charging you'll get a 10-80% charge in as little as 18 minutes, which is quite fast. If you use Level 2 Charging Hyundai cites an 80 percent charge time of 6 hours 55 minutes.
I really like how Hyundai handles charging info. There's no guesswork. It's displayed well, easy to see and more importantly easy to understand. For instance, if you run the A/C you can see how much range drops. The display also gives you the nearest charging station.
The Limited is also equipped with a Vehicle-To-Load outlet in the 2nd-row which allows you to charge certain electric devices if you're camping or have a power outage. You'll need an accessory adaptor to use it.
Ride and Drive
Where EV's excel the most is in their incredible performance, ride and drive. They accelerate fast. They have an ultra smooth ride that is also quiet. The IONIQ 6 delivers great acceleration, a smooth suspension and a fun ride. Its driving dynamics are impressive, and it's a wonderful daily driver. By the end of my week I found myself comparing it to the sporty handling of a compact Audi sedan.
Safety
Hyundai's safety is one of the most impressive in the business in my opinion. The IONIQ 6 is equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense and Limited trims have enhanced functions. The Limited comes standard with Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist II semi-autonomous system.
The lineup comes standard with Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert.
The Limited is also equipped with Hyundai's Remote Park Smart Assist 2 system - which is simply next-level. Just check out the video. Once you enact the system using the key fob, the system takes over and does all the parking on its own. Not just backing straight in and out either.
What You'll Pay
While pricing starts around $42,000, you'll head northward to roughly $60,000 for the Limited AWD long range model as equipped here.
Verdict
So far Hyundai can do no wrong with its all-electric lineup -the IONIQ 6 the latest example of an exceptional all-electric vehicle from the brand. Its sporty style is backed up with solid performance, exceptional technology and is worthy all of the accolades.
- What I liked most: Exterior Style, Driving Dynamics, Bose Stereo
- What I would change: The pixel design emblem on the front seats.
- MSRP: Base price $56,100. As equipped: $58,425.
- Fuel Economy: 111 MPGe city/84 MPGe highway/103 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,307 miles.
- Weight: 4,462 - 4,616 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Tire mobility kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 191.1” long/74" wide/ 58.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port on the passenger's side.
- Official Color: Gravity Gold ($1,000).
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
-
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 in a few words: An exceptional all-electric sedan that dazzles with its sleek style, performance and outstanding technology.
-
Warranty: 5-year, 60,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty; 10-year, 100,000 mile Powertrain; 10-year, 100,000-mile Electric Vehicle System Warranty. 3-year, 36,000 mile complimentary maintenance and 5 year unlimited mile roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Asan, Korea.
- Manufacturer's Website: Hyundai
