I don’t think there’s any question. Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 is the strongest competitor yet to Tesla‘s Model 3.
The Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s first EV sedan. Our top trim Limited edition has 320 horsepower and 446 pound feet of torque.
AutomotiveAddicts.com Publisher Malcolm Hogan says the Ioniq 6 was a head turner during his week with the car. “I think Hyundai really did well. Everywhere people would stare at it and give it a double take.”
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In addition to the Ioniq 6, Automotive Addicts and EV Rider have road tested the Ioniq 6’s platform stablemates; the Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 GT and the Genesis GV60.
Malcolm says out of the four, his overall favorite is the Ioniq 6. While he loved the EV6 GT’s performance it couldn’t compete on range. “I could live with the Ioniq 6 every day, having a range of 270 miles. It gives you enough [range] to not be afraid of going out of town, traveling a little bit, stopping at the DC fast chargers and charging 18 minutes, taking from 10% state of charge to 80% state of charge, which is remarkable.”
The EV6 GT can suck down power just as fast but its range is limited to an EPA estimated 206 miles per charge in mixed driving.
The EV6 GT is much quicker, doing 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, while our dual-motor Ioniq 6 Limited is rated at going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
The Ioniq 6 is available in a wide range of configurations, starting with a base SE trim that comes with a 53 kWh battery, 18-inch wheels and RWD drive.
It’s base price was just under $42,000 at the time of this story’s publication. If you opt for the larger 77.4 kWh battery the Ioniq 6’s range jumps to an EPA-estimated 361 miles in combined city/highway driving.
However, if you add AWD and the larger 20-inch wheel and tire package you’ll see the range rating drop to 270 miles. In my mind the range hit is worth it for the extra performance and all-weather grip you’ll see with AWD.
Charging
One of the biggest advantages that the Tesla Model 3 currently has over the Ioniq 6 will begin going away in 2024. Starting in 2024 the Ioniq 6 and all recent Hyundai EVs will be eligible for an adapter that will allow them to charge at Tesla Superchargers, which is America’s highest rated DC Fast charging network, according to J.D. Power. Once Hyundai’s assembly line is updated, new Ioniq 6 models will come standard with a NACS charging outlet, which is the format used at Tesla Superchargers.
Telsa is currently updating its stations to accommodate non-Teslas. On day one there still be some V2 Superchargers that will be incompatible with the Ioniq 6 and other CCS EVs, but over time those older Superchargers are expected to be replaced, putting the Ioniq 6 on equal footing with the Model 3 when it comes to charging availability and reliability.
Hyundai EVs will also still be able to charge at CCS DC fast charge stations.
Style, Features
The Ioniq 6 makes a bold statement with its rear sloping roof design. Despite the design the Ioniq 6 still has a comfortable rear passenger area. However, as you probably have already guessed, that sleek exterior does cut into rear headroom. While there is plenty of legroom, rear passengers 5′ 10″ or taller will find head room in short supply.
Because the Ioniq 6 is a true sedan that also means you have a trunk as opposed to a hatch. It is a nice sized trunk with fold-down 60-40 seats to open up more space. See the specifications at the bottom of this story for the total storage numbers.
A very small frunk up front can accommodate a laptop or portable EV charger, but not much more.
Hyundai’s excellent infotainment system returns in the Ioniq 6. It includes HD Radio and wired-only versions Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There is a wireless charging pad right next to the USB port.
There are a few areas where the Ioniq 6 pulls ahead of the Model 3.
For one, it is available with an opening sunroof, while the Model 3 is only available with fixed glass. The Ioniq 6 also offers more regeneration flexibility with its steering wheel paddles, which allow the driver to select from four different levels of regen. It also offers the option of more driver engagement by letting the driver to constantly increase or decrease regen with the paddles, which feels similar to upshifts and downshifts in a traditional manual transmission car, although there is no clutch. Nor does the driver need to use the paddles. But its nice to have the option when you want a more engaging ride.
I did enjoy the Bose sound system. I thought the speakers were good with plenty of base.
Malcolm says he found the handling to be more spirited in the Ioniq 6 as compared to its sister EV, the Ioniq 5 SUV. He’s also a fan of the Ioniq 6’s dot matrix design, which extends throughout the car with what Malcom calls “a repeating theme of utilizing square matrix dots throughout many design elements of the vehicle from the exterior LED lighting to countless interior features. Together, the unique design makes for a bold statement.”
The Ioniq 6 offers an excellent implementation of its side view cameras. A camera is activated in the main gauge cluster each time a turn signal is used, helping to minimize potential blind spots.
For much more on the Ioniq 6 watch the video road test at the top of this post and if you enjoy it, please give the video a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel so I can bring you more adventures in EV motoring.