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Hyundai Ionic 6 Review

Jul 11, 2024

Hyundai Ionic 6: A Competitor to Tesla Model 3

Introduction

  • Hyundai Ionic 6: Potential competitor to Tesla Model 3
  • Solid family sedan for the 21st century
  • Base price: $43,560

Efficiency and Design

Price and Range

  • 361-mile EPA range, 290 miles on a road trip
  • More economical over time compared to Camry and Accord

Aerodynamics and Efficiency

  • Aerodynamic design contributes to efficiency
  • Sleek, Porsche-like appearance
  • LED headlights with Matrix-style DRLs
  • Active grill shutters
  • Short front end, low profile
  • 270-mile range version has wider tires and dual-motor setup

Comparisons and Dimensions

  • Comparable to Camry and Accord in dimensions
  • Longer than a Sonata but close to Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6
  • Taller roofline due to the battery pack design
  • Sleek rear end for better aerodynamics
  • Sedans with disguised dimensions via styling and proportions

Performance

Motors and Battery

  • Single motor: 225 horsepower
  • Dual motor: 320 horsepower total
  • 77.4 kWh battery
  • Charging: 11 kW AC, 240 kW DC
  • 18 minutes for 10%-80% charge, 40 minutes for 10% to 100%
  • 800V architecture for efficient charging

Real-World Range

  • EPA combined range: 361 miles
  • Highway-only range: 327 miles (single motor)
  • Real-world estimates around 290 miles
  • Least efficient version (this model): 270 miles EPA combined

Interior and Features

Front Seats

  • Comfortable but with manual adjustments
  • Manual tilt telescopic steering column

Rear Seats

  • Higher seating position due to battery pack
  • More compact legroom comparisons to crossovers and SUVs
  • Rear seats fold down for more cargo space

Storage

  • Trunk: 11.2 cubic feet + 0.5 cubic feet front trunk
  • Practical despite tall roofline and lower profile
  • Storage area under load floor

Cabin Design

  • Made from recycled and recyclable materials
  • Contrast colors for visual appeal
  • Combination of touch and physical controls
  • Sliding sun visors, tilting moonroof
  • Centralized controls for windows, door locks
  • Floating console design for extra storage
  • Features large LCD screens

Tech and Infotainment

  • Not the newest software version
  • Wired CarPlay and Android Auto
  • EV-specific navigation routes
  • Visual design elements: ambient lighting, pixel elements

Driving Experience

Acceleration and Handling

  • 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds for AWD model
  • Good handling, better than many competitors
  • Comparable to Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ionic 5

Ride Comfort and Cabin Noise

  • Firmer than average for midsize sedans
  • Quieter cabin at 69.12 dB at 50 mph

Real-World Efficiency

  • Solid efficiency for an EV
  • ECO mode adjusts front motor usage for better efficiency
  • Practical for longer road trips with fast charge capabilities

Comparisons

Tesla Model 3

  • Model 3 has slightly higher calculated range
  • Hyundai adopts a more conservative approach for EPA range
  • More features in Tesla's infotainment, but Ionic offers CarPlay
  • Slightly more interior room in the Ionic 6
  • Faster charging in Ionic 6
  • Price: start $22k lower than base Model 3, overlap in mid-range configurations

Other Competitors

  • Kia EV6: close in features but more expensive
  • Polestar 2: Higher price, more performance-focused
  • Hyundai Kona EV: Smaller, less powerful, yet more affordable

Conclusion

  • Hyundai Ionic 6 is a formidable competitor with superior room and efficiency
  • Strong consideration depending on priorities: fast charging, infotainment needs, price vs. features
  • Both Ionic 6 and Tesla Model 3 have their unique advantages