2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - Review by Larry Nutson

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Electrified Streamliner

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Hyundai pulled the wraps off the second model in its IONIQ dedicated all-electric-vehicle lineup brand in June 2022. The Ioniq 6 5-passenger 4-door midsize sedan follows in the path of the Ioniq 5 small crossover utility vehicle.

Both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are powered by Hyundai’s exclusive Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for dual motors, maximum interior space, and optimized performance.

Ioniq 6 is already receiving awards. The powertrain was named one of the 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. The annual awards from WardsAuto recognize compelling powertrain advancements that are all-new or significantly improved. The Ioniq 6 was selected for its performance, charging capability, range, and price.

You might question a car maker bringing a new sedan to market in this age of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) or the more car-like crossover utility vehicle (XSUV). Well, there are indeed sedan buyers out there. Some auto analysts say the new vehicle market will continue with sedans being 20% to 25% of the overall mix.

Ioniq 6 is quite striking in its design. Its sleek frontal design with a low hood, sculpted side profile, to the sharply sloping rear with its elliptical wing-inspired spoiler with winglet and slight boat-tail structure attracts lots of head-turns and long glances. The aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) is a very low 0.22.

Inside, the modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster. A steering column-mounted shift-by-wire transmission selector and a bridge-type center console allow for convenient and generous in-car storage. There’s good front seat comfort, however the sloping rear roof compromises rear seat headroom a bit.

Ioniq 6 rides on a 116.1 inch wheelbase and is 191.1 inches long…nicely sized for urban travels. The trunk lid is hinged below the rear backlite—it’s not a big hatch, with a trunk capacity of 11.2 cu.ft. Up front under the hood is a small 0.5 cu.ft. storage space. Yes, a Frunk (front trunk). Hyundai refers to it as a Front Under Hood Storage Area, so perhaps it can be called a FUHSA.

Ioniq 6 is offered in SE, SEL and Limited trims. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. Power output and driving range varies depending on trim and drive setup.

SE standard range is RWD with 111kW (149 HP), a 53.0 kWh battery and a 240 mile range rating.

SE long range is RWD with 168kW (225 HP), a 77.4 kWh battery and a 361 mile range rating. SEL and Limited trims in this configuration have a 305 mile range rating. The SE is fitted with 18-inch wheels mounted with 225/55 tires, whereas the SEL and Limited are fitted with 20-inch wheels mounted with 245/40 tires. The wider tire affects driving range due to increased rolling resistance.

SE, SEL and Limited with AWD have a 74kW front motor and a 165kW rear motor for a total of 320 HP. SE has a 316 mile range rating and SEL and Limited have a 270 mile range rating. Again, due to wheel/tire combo.

A note on driving range ratings. These are a combined city/highway rating determined following an EPA laboratory test procedure with a full battery charge. Your actual driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, ambient temperature, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery pack age/condition, and other factors.

EPA MPGe (an equivalent to compare to MPG of an ICE-powered vehicle) City ratings are from 111 to 153 mpg depending on the various above mentioned vehicle configurations. Highway MPGe EPA ratings are from 94 to 127 mpg. You’ll observe, BEVs get better mileage in city-type driving.

The other all-important item with a BEV in addition to driving range is battery charging. Ioniq 6 is equipped with a battery heating system to precondition the battery to proper temperature for charging. Charging time can increase in cold temperatures. For road trips the Ioniq 6 can be charged using a DC fast charger in as little as 18 minutes to 80% charge with a 350kW charger.

For routine weekly at-home over-night charging I recommend the installation of a Level 2-240 volt charger at your residence. It’s key to a good ownership experience. If you live in a cold climate area it is best to be able to garage a BEV.

Ioniq 6 is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense ADAS that includes a long list of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.

An innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function allows customers to freely use or charge any electric device, such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment. It serves as a charger on wheels. It is ideal for powering necessities during a power outage, tailgate parties, camping or outdoor projects. You also can charge laptops, phones and other devices on the Limited trim.

2023 Ioniq 6 became available at US Hyundai dealers in the Spring. 2023 MSRPs for Ioniq 6 range from $41,600 to $56,100 plus the $1,115 freight and handling charge. Pricing for the 2024 has not yet been released. My drive experience for this review was in a 2023 Limited AWD. The 2024 model is unchanged.

Ioniq 6 driving range rating is quite good and in real-life driving it delivers close to them. It’s among the better BEVs on the market today. It certainly can serve very well as a secondary vehicle in a household, and for some as the primary vehicle. With range rating over 300 miles longer road trips are within reason. However, your needs for your typical driving pattern must be considered in determining if a BEV is right for you as well as how much driving range you actually do need on a daily basis.

More info can be found at www.hyundaiusa.com. Hyundai’s award-winning, all-electric Ioniq 6 was named Favorite Plug-In Vehicle by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) at the organization’s 2023 Spring Rally event in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

It’s interesting to compare the Ioniq 6 to the Ioniq 5, with both built on the same platform. Each have their own design characteristics suited for different lifestyles. The hatchback Ioniq 5 rides on a bit longer wheelbase, is noticeably shorter, has a half-inch more ground clearance and offers increased versatility. Which one is right for you?

The future is electric. Happy motoring!

About Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy

Larry has been the executive producer for The Auto Channel for more than 20 years.

Larry is a graduate mechanical engineer and an automobile enthusiast at heart. "I’ve enjoyed a diverse automotive corporate career that began in product planning and expanded into marketing and communications. I’m established as a successful contractor, a founder of the Individual Communicators Network (ICN) and operated a well-regarded 1000-home residential property management service. I'm equally at ease with technical matters, strategic planning, architectural plans, or communicating to an audience. Project management suits me well and I love to travel.

A Founding member and past-Chairman of the Individual Communicators Network. Past chairperson of the SAE International Public Affairs Committee. Public relations services for SAE Congress and Formula SAE. Sponsorship representative for and early-supporter of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit, Michigan.

Independent management and communications professional since 1997.

Guest commentator on Drive Chicago-WLS 890AM, Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast, KRTK 93.3 Automotive Insights, Shunpiker's Journal-Michigan Business Network and Talk Lansing.net Radio. Executive Producer for The Auto Channel. Contributing writer to ClassicCars.com Blog and Chicago Tribune/Autos.

Past member of the Board and Treasurer of the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Specialties: Brand Communication, Event Planning and Management, Government Liaison, Automotive Marketing, Automotive Product Evaluation, Education Advocacy, Homeowner Association Management, German Language