Hyundai's electric lineup has grown this year with a third electric model after the compact SUV Kona EV and bigger IONIQ 5. Seeing a new sedan on the market is refreshing in a world of SUVs and trucks. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 Preferred AWD Long Range with the Ultimate package we tested was manufactured at the Asan, KOR plant with an MSRP of $67,891.
As mentioned earlier, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is based on the same platform as the IONIQ 5, the hatchback that has boosted the Korean brand's electric sales. Hyundai wants to repeat the winning formula in other segments to increase market share, and the IONIQ 6 is another great-looking vehicle. The car is incredibly aerodynamic, which is apparent at first glance. It has creases near the lighting areas and Active grille shutters on the lower bumper to reduce drag and increase aerodynamics. It has a drag coefficient of 0.21, making it one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles in the world; this improves the electric range by requiring less power to reach the desired speed. The 20-inch wheels, designed specifically for the vehicle, feature openings that create the appearance of a traditional wheel, as opposed to the enclosed wheels typically seen on electric cars. As with the IONIQ 5, you have the power flush door handles, meaning they don't create unnecessary drag when driving. In the back, you'll find the spoilers; yes, there are two! The first, smaller one, has the third brake light integrated, and the second one has the backup camera and trunk button. The rear part of the IONIQ 6 has a 911-inspired style that we like, thanks to its two-spoiler setup. Hyundai's design successes continue with this look.
Hyundai's engineers have opted for a conventional interior layout in the IONIQ 6, catering to those who prefer not to have all the information on a single screen in the center console. The car has two 12.3-inch displays - one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The instrument cluster displays basics like speed, range, trip information, and energy consumption. The blind-spot view monitor activates when using the flasher on the driver's side. The Ultimate package includes a heads-up display. A funny element on the driver's side is that you will find a plus and minus on the acceleration and braking pedal, which is an excellent detail. The steering wheel looks nice and premium; it has all the necessary items for a nice drive around town. You will also find the drive mode selector on the left side; you can quickly activate Snow mode, for example. The car's steering wheel has an interactive pixel light that indicates the battery level with four lights, each representing 25% of the battery level.
Moving on to the center console of the IONIQ 6, you will find the 12.3-inch infotainment display, which works great and contains tons of information. The only downside is the lack of wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, but it's just a minor inconvenience since they're still available when you plug your phone in. On the other hand, the climate controls are easy to find and use. The panel is located under the central air vents and combines the ventilation settings and the controls for the infotainment screen. It's situated intuitively and, once again, easy to manipulate. The window switches, and door locks are in an unusual place on the center panel next to the cupholders. Rear passengers can enjoy heated seats, two USB-C chargers, two air vents and a 110V power outlet for larger electronics. Although it is 2 inches smaller than the similarly-sized Sonata, the interior room is ample in the Hyundai IONIQ6; you have as much space. The roofline is a big difference; you must be careful when stepping inside to prevent an accidental head bump. The trunk space is also plentiful; it is still a versatile family vehicle that doesn't sacrifice style for practicality. You also get the Hands-free Smart Trunk on all trims, which allows you to open the trunk without taking the key out of your pockets.
Performance-wise, you can get the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in two configurations. You can opt for the base version, with or without the Ultimate Package, which adds $6,700 to the overall bill. The Preferred Long Range offers a single-motor setup coupled to a 77.8 kWh battery, developing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Preferred AWD Long Range offers a dual-motor setup coupled to the same 77.8 kWh battery, developing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The RWD model is slower than AWD by 2.3 seconds but offers the best electric range of all Hyundai EV models at 581 km. While the AWD provides better acceleration, its official 435 km range is less impressive but is still plentiful for most people. We hovered around 460 km in our testing, which is suitable for an EV mounted on large 20-inch wheels. You can charge the Hyundai IONIQ 6 using three types of chargers: levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 2 charger takes about 7h10min to charge to 100%, while on a DC level 3 charger, it takes less than 20 min to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350 kW charger. The 100 kW charger is the best value for the time and money required to charge on a road trip.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is stable on the road thanks to its low gravity center and weight distribution. It's also fast, as mentioned earlier, thanks to its dual-motor setup, improving acceleration and handling. The vehicle has a well-balanced steering, allowing you to enjoy an engaging and comfortable drive. The suspension enhances the calmness in the cabin, and the brakes are excellent. You can use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel for more or less regenerative braking, which recharges the battery using physics. Another cool trick is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature; your car can be used like a generator at a campsite, for example, with a device that uses the car's battery to power up tools like a pump for an inflatable boat! Every IONIQ 6 is factory-equipped with a heat pump to help the battery deal with the temperature differences we face in North America.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 reminds us that sedans are fun, good-looking, and now electric, too! It's a sleek and futuristic model with an innovative design to enhance the range. The AWD is a must-have if you're looking for the total package. Regarding packages, you don't need the $6,700 Ultimate option since the Preferred is packed with amenities. That being said, the base RWD Preferred model with the 18-inch wheels has the lowest price and the highest electric range, which is also super interesting. The IONIQ 6 is an excellent vehicle all around; it will bring in tons of sales for the Korean automaker.
Hyundai has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Hyundai Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.
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