2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Pros
– It’s got power, performance, and range.
– Uniquely styled, love it or hate it.
– Value packed and puts premium brands to shame.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Cons
– The trunk’s volume is limited.
– HVAC is underpowered for the size of the cabin.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an exceptional offering among EVs and, as cliché as it sounds, sets a standard that many automakers will find difficult to match. No matter how it’s measured or what it’s measured against, it does not lose. The Ioniq 6, the Ioniq 5’s unidentical clone, is the talk of the town and will be for months to come. Over the next year, numerous new EVs will land on the market including a few direct competitors to the Ioniq 6 but, and mark my words, all will be compared to this sedan, and most will fall short.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
It’s a good thing that the automotive industry race holds no finish line. We all know the race began some 130 years but most of the carmakers that lead early on or were in the Top 3 50 years ago are struggling to keep up with the ever-changing course layout. Few brands have managed to stay the course better and roll with the punches with as much ease as Hyundai. In fact, from starting dead-last some forty years ago, they are now part of the current top 3 alongside Volkswagen and Toyota.
The result is the Ioniq 6
In all seriousness, the new 2023 Ioniq 6 is poster worthy. The car’s styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but it did during my loan is turn heads and get people to ask questions. In time, the newness factor will wear off if mostly because it should become fairly popular. As well, sleek sedans are making a comeback. The Model 3 was the first highly-profiled EV and some onlookers have said that there’s a hint of 3 in the Ioniq 6’s looks. And in time, new EVs like the Volkswagen ID.7 and others will join in.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
The reason for the aerodynamic shape, with a resulting 0.22 cD in the 6’s case, is for efficiency. SUVs and crossovers like the Ioniq 5 might be popular however they are far from being ideal when it comes to showcasing battery and powertrain technologies. Thanks to the Ioniq 6’s visual flow, it is the most efficient EVs in Canada, tied with the far more expensive Lucid Air.
Power, performance, and range
On the latter point, the RWD long-range Ioniq 6 provides an estimated 581 km of range from its standard 77.4 kWh battery – no other EV under $60k can come close, not even a Tesla Model 3. With dual motors, range drops to 509 km for about $58,000, or $7,000 less than the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Model 3 and its 534 km range. Charging the beast is child’s play where it’ll down 350 kW on a DC charger when possible and will effortlessly chug up to 10.9 kW when plugged in at home. As always, Hyundai endows its EVs with multiple brake regenerating modes, from none to full-stop, a brilliantly strategy.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
The power is extremely satisfying. The tested dual motor Ioniq 6 is blessed with a combined system output of 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. This is enough to the get the 4,600 lb. car up to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Performance includes handling and while the 5-link rear and Macpherson-front independent suspension maintains high levels of comfort and serenity onboard, the Ioniq 6, like most EVs, is not a sports sedan. The car’s weight is nearly impossible to mask in spirited driving situations, and this despite the 20-inch wheels mounted to the test car.
Ultimate is nice but unnecessary
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
The optional $6,000 premium required for the Ultimate package comes at a cost. With the larger wheels and tires, useless and heavy panoramic sunroof, and other features like a head up display, Bose audio system, and more, range drops from 509 km to 435 km. It must be said that this is a fair amount but, in my opinion, this is paying more for less. The smart iteration is the long-range dual motor Ioniq 6 for $57,999.
Airy cabin
The 2023 Ioniq 6’s interior is huge. With two average-sized adults up front, my kids could easily reach their seats without crashing into each other on purpose, of course. Front and rear legroom is ultra-generous however rear headroom will be an issue for those over 5’10” tall.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Some layout decisions, such as position door locks and power window switches on the centre console can be irritating. Unlocking other doors requires reaching into the car to flick the switch as the door panels hold only memory seat buttons. Another mild issue could be the small trunk. At only 316L of usable volume, not much will get in there. My solution: make it a hatchback or better yet, introduce a shooting break.
What I did discover near the end of my loan, as temperatures shot in the 30s (Celsius) is that the car’s air conditioning could not handle the heat. Even after driving for 15+ minutes, the cabin remained too warm for comfort.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
These minor setbacks are truly nothing when considering the amount of features delivered with the base $54,999 car. You get dual 12.3-inch screens, heated front seats and steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, not to mention a heat pump and programmable battery conditioning.
An exceptional EV
A few months ago, I reviewed an Ioniq 5 and was disappointed by its build quality and a few other points. The Ioniq 6 however felt like a new-generation vehicle. And as such, is with little doubt one of the best and better new EVs money can buy.
Compared to most other EVs I’ve recently reviewed, it offers more range, more power, more features, and for less money all the while sporting a unique look. It is exceptional.
The post 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: Exceptional appeared first on Motor Illustrated.
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