*Editor's note: updated with new monroney pricing information on 7/22/24.
This week I bring you an amazing performer. The award-winning, all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6. There are no changes for the 2024 model year. My test vehicle is the top-of-the-line Limited with all-wheel drive.
Exterior
The 2023 World Car, World Electric Car AND World Car Design of the Year winner is distinctively aerodynamic with smooth lines, active front air flaps, and automatic flush door handles (Limited). Pixelated lighting elements on both the front and tail end also give it a futuristic look. My test vehicle wears Transmission Blue with premium gloss black exterior accents, and rides on statement-making 20-inch wheels.
Under the hood, a small frunk provides a bit of storage in lieu of an engine. The profile sports power-folding and heated side mirrors.. The entire tail end is a conversation piece for sure. There's a lot going on with its Parametric Pixel High-Mounted Stop Lamp, a lengthy pixelated taillight bar and elliptical wing-inspired spoiler.
Performance
My test vehicle is dual-motor all-wheel drive. And let me just say this: its performance should not be underestimated. The powertrain delivers 320-horsepower and even more stellar 446 pound-feet of torque. We are talking sport car territory. Acceleration is incredible.
Interior
A minimalist, modern and very roomy, open-concept interior greets you. There is a bit more plastic than I'd like to see in a top trim, but it's still a nice interior. Comfy H-Tex trimmed black front row seats have side bolsters. I will say they are on the narrow side. The Limited's 8-way power driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated.
Designers did a fantastic job on the flat-bottomed heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Ergonomics were carefully considered as evidenced by the location of the drive mode button that is connected and extends off of the steering wheel for easy reach. Hyundai's shift-by-wire transmission gear shifter is also easy to reach and use on the steering column.
Two things you will need to get used to in here -the power door and window buttons are all located on the center console- not the door panels.
The IONIQ 6's two large 12-inch displays impress. The 12.3-inch fully digital driver display is fantastic with wonderful graphics and easy to read data.
A responsive 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen runs the multimedia system, which is equally terrific in quality. The screen also hosts a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines and Limited-exclusive surround view monitor. The multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is excellent as is Hyundai's voice command features. Also a premium 8-speaker Bose stereo system is one of my favorite features.
But now we must talk about the display "housing". In certain conditions, the trim piece can leave quite a large reflection on the windshield. I wasn't quite sure what I was seeing at first, but determined it was indeed a reflection from the silver trim. Not exactly ideal, but who knows if I couldn't even repeat the phenomenon. You can see what I mean here:
On to the 60/40 split second row, prepare to lose some headroom due to stadium seating. The floor is flat though, good for a middle seat passenger should there be one. The 2nd-row is cushiony and comfortable with manual A/C vents. There are two cupholders in the drop-down armrest.
A power open smart trunk reveals ample cargo space, 11.2 cubic-feet with the rear seats up. One cool cargo feature is the cleverly placed trunk release button that is hidden next to the rear view camera.
Standard features in this model include a wide glass sunroof, dual zone climate, dual color ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, premium door sills plates, and aluminum pedals. You also get one USB and four USB-C ports in the cabin.
A note about the 64-color ambient lighting - Hyundai's not messing around! It is super colorful and lights up the cabin at night should you so wish.
Range
The IONIQ 6 lineup offers between 240-miles and 361-miles of range depending on configuration and trim level. My all-wheel drive model deliver an estimated 270-mile range. If you opt for a Limited with rear-wheel drive you'll get 305.
A note, too, about regenerative braking, that you control through the paddle shifters. I love how Hyundai gives you three options (strong, medium or slower/smooth) to customize it to your taste. You set the level through the multimedia system.
Charging
The IONIQ 6 has a power open/close charging port which is a great feature. Using DC Fast-charging, Hyundai cites a 10-80% charge in as little as 18 minutes. Using Level 2, you'll be waiting 6 hours and 55 minutes to reach 80%. Easily doable if you have a Level 2 charger at home. Given that I don't, as I typically do, I spent some time charging at a free Level 2 station at my local mall.
Additionally, the Limited is equipped with a Vehicle-To-Load outlet in the second row. It gives you the option to charge certain electric devices - but you'll need an accessory adaptor to take advantage of the feature.
Ride and Drive
The IONIQ 6 really delivers an engaging sports car ride and drive. Performance impresses and acceleration off the line is impressively quick. Sport mode gives you the sportiest ride with the most steering feel. The ride is smooth as well as quiet. It's really a fun and enjoyable ride.
Safety
Hyundai SmartSense is standard across the lineup and it's one of my favorite ADAS systems out there. It has all the driver's assistance features we've come to expect. Add to that the lineup gets standard Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert.
The top Limited trim adds enhanced functions including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist–Reverse/Forward/Side. I also see a color head-up display.
The Limited is also equipped with two fantastic ADAS features: Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist II semi-autonomous system and its next-level Premium Remote Park Smart Assist. I demonstrated how the system works on the 2023 model I reviewed:
What You'll Pay
Carpet floor mats ($210) are the only option on my test vehicle bringing the total to just shy of $55,000.
Note, the IONIQ 6 is as of now NOT listed on the government's fueleconomy.gov website as being currently eligible for a partial or full federal government tax credit. However I see Hyundai is currently offering similar savings on its website, just make sure to read the fine print
Verdict
If you aren't quite sure about electric vehicles, the overall impressive 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 could just change your mind.
For even more pics I invite you to check out my review of the 2023 IONIQ 6 here.
- What I liked most: Looks, driving dynamics and the Bose sound system.
- What I would change: Honestly I wish there was a little less plastic in the cabin, and a bit nicer materials.
- MSRP: Base price $53,650. As equipped $54,975.
- Fuel Economy: 111 MPGe city/94 MPGe highway/103 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,949 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. Power open/close charging port on the passenger's side.
- Official Color: Transmission Blue.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
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2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited in a few words: Its sleek style, fun performance and outstanding technology make this all-electric sedan a winner.
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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
