~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

With its new Ioniq 6 sedan, Hyundai has done it again. In one year, the South Korean manufacturer has delivered two outstanding new electric automobiles.

The first in 2022 was the Ioniq 5, a crossover sport utility vehicle that this column concluded distinguished itself on every attribute buyers look for in an automobile: stylish, responsive, fast, maneuverable, quiet, roomy, comfortable, not overly expensive, economical and environmentally friendly.

Now comes the 2023/2024 Ioniq 6, a four-door sedan with similar underpinnings that embodies many of the same attributes as the 5, along with sleek styling that enables it to slip through the air with a .22 coefficient of drag, which contributes to performance and fuel economy.

It’s not overly flattering to say that this cookie is stunning. The tested long range all-wheel drive Limited model came with gleaming “black onyx” paint set off by swooping lines, custom 20-inch wheels and a side-to-side light bar in back composed of tiny LED cubes that glowed red and white for night driving and backing up.

Inside, supportive seats for five were upholstered in perforated white faux leather, surrounded by trim in shades of gray on the doors and instrument panel. Front seats were well bolstered to secure the driver and passenger, and outboard back seats offered generous head and knee room Even the center-rear seat could accommodate an adult, though with a narrow, hard cushion. The flat floor delivered plenty of room for feet.

Overall, the Ioniq 6 has interior space of 115 cubic feet, which earns it a designation of midsize from the Environmental Protection Agency. By itself, the trunk has 11 cubic feet of room, not overly large but the area is nicely finished and accommodating for a variety of stuff.

A large dashboard display incorporates center screen functions and instruments. The display constantly shows the remaining range in miles and the percentage of battery charge. Hyundai advertises 270 miles on a full charge but the test car, on a standard 240-volt level 2 charger, consistently came up with more than 300. Hyundai says that the Ioniq 6, on a commercial DC fast charger, can charge up to 80% in 18 minutes.

The Ioniq 6 is easy to understand. A dash-mounted pushbutton gets the electric system ready. Twisting a steering-wheel mounted lever selects “drive,” “neutral” and “reverse,” and a button selects “park.”

There are three drive modes, engaged by a button on the steering wheel: “Eco,” “Normal” and “Sport.” The Ioniq 6 has plenty of power in any of them but picking “Sport” enables sprints from rest to 60 miles an hour in a bit more than four seconds.

The power comes from two electric motors, front and rear, for the all-wheel drive. Together, they make 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. There’s no transmission because electric motors deliver maximum torque as soon as they are switched on (no need to build the revs as on a gasoline engine). The system is described as single speed direct drive.

Around town, the Ioniq 6 is frisky and responsive with good steering feedback for shooting holes in traffic and avoiding putterers. It also is a quiet, sturdy and relaxed performer on the Interstates, with plenty of juice for passing and maneuvering.

Steering wheel paddles allow the driver to select from among four settings for regenerative braking, which helps re-charge the battery pack to extend the range while driving. The left paddle increases the recharge rate while the right paddle decreases it. On the most aggressive setting, the setup feels as if the driver hit the brakes hard. It can bring the car to a stop without touching the brake pedal, which earns it the description of “one-pedal driving.”

Twisting mountain roads are not much of a challenge either for the Ioniq 6. Its low center of gravity from the battery pack under the floor helps it squat low and follow the intended line in corners.

It’s fair to say that Hyundai, along with its Genesis luxury brand and sister company Kia, has become a leader in developing superior electric vehicles. Car and Driver Magazine, a top automotive publication, in 2022 conferred its “EV of the Year” award on the Ioniq 5. In 2023, the honor went to the Ioniq 6. And there are no changes to the 6 for 2024.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited (Long Range AWD 20” Wheels) four-door sedan.
  • Motors: Dual electric, total 320 hp, 446 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Single speed direct drive with all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 11 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 104/11 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4,600 pounds.
  • Range: 270 miles.
  • Charging time: 7.5 hours on 240-volt, level two charger; 18 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger.
  • EPA city/highway/combined miles per gallon equivalent: 111/94/103 MPGe.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $57,215.
  • Price as tested: $57,425.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Hyundai