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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – I just finished up my third week-long stint in the electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan coming to the same conclusion as I had in 2023 and 2024: this is one of the most satisfying EVs I have experienced. Few can match it for its combination of range, room and features at this price – less than $60,000. In addition, Hyundai has made virtually no changes from the initial 2023 version.
Its overall capabilities, design and engineering earned it major awards out of the gate including World Car of the Year, World Design of the Year and World Electric Car of the Year – in its first model year.
Like its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 brethren (as well as the Kia EV6 and EV9 and Genesis GV60), the Ioniq 6 is based upon Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which means an 800-Volt electrical architecture capable of fast DC charging to bring the sedan up to 80-percent charged in 18 minutes. (with a 350-Volt charger).
My review model was the top-of-the-range Limited AWD/Long Range with 20-inch wheels.
Dual-motor powertrain
The motive power remains a pair of Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), the front producing 99 horsepower (74kW), the rear 221hp (165kW), which result in a total all-wheel-drive (AWD) output of 320 horsepower and 448 pounds-feet of torque.
The energy source is the proven 77.4kWh battery pack which, according to Hyundai, can provide up to 270 miles of range, though I believe the number is pessimistic. My time in the Ioniq 6, driving aggressively, though with little highway mileage (which really can sap an EV’s range), resulted in 4.6 miles per kWh. According to the car’s on-board computer this meant of range exceeding 350 miles on a full charge – overly optimistic. I believe real world driving will bring more than 300 miles on a full charge.
That kind of range would drop quickly should you push the Ioniq 6 AWD’s performance capabilities. Car and Driver testing resulted in 4.3-second 0-60 times, numbers getting into super car territory.
Charging for me remained a joy – I just plugged in the sedan to the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home Level 2 unit installed in my garage each evening and I had a fully replenished battery to start the next day.
The platform goes beyond electrical architecture
The chassis/suspension components provide a solid, well-engineered driving platform. The Ioniq 6 is smooth and well balanced, capable of taking on all types of challenging roads. With the instant response of the electric powertrain and strong braking capabilities, the Ioniq 6 drives like a well-sorted sport sedan, providing a fun experience for those who want to push it (like me).
The basic pieces include a MacPherson-type strut setup in the front, a multi-link one in the rear with gas-pressurized shock absorbers all around.
The power-assisted brake system brings anti-lock (ABS) with electronic-brake-force distribution, vented front rotors (12.8×1.2-inches) and solid rear ones (12.8×0.5 inches).
Supplementing the friction brake is a four-step regenerative braking system which can provide one-pedal (iPedal in Hyundai speak) driving. The iPedal works very well and is my primary means of slowing and stopping an EV when thus equipped. In addition to saving wear on the friction brakes, one-pedal braking also recharges the Ioniq’s battery, capturing energy normally lost during braking (by turning the motors into generators to slow and stop the car).
The 20-inch aluminum wheels wear 245/40R20 all-season tires.
Comprehensive ADAS on board
Fitting a fully equipped modern automobile, the Ioniq 6 Limited comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This group includes blind-spot collision warning; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; surround-view monitor; blind-spot-view monitor; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist; parking distance warning front/rear; parking collision avoidance assist with car/pedestrian/cyclist; detection and junction turning; land-keeping assist/lane-following assist; intelligent speed-limit assist; Highway Driving Assist II and high-beam assist.
An added ADAS feature for 2025 is a head-up display which, like all Hyundai HUDs, content can include key ADAS features like blind-spot warning.
Interior up to premium standards
The interior of the Ioniq 6 is spacious, easily accommodating five adults in the second row. The trunk is large and can be expanded by folding the 60/40 rear seatbacks. The Limited’s trunk features power open/close like the liftgates of premium SUVs.
Like virtually all of today’s Hyundai (Kia and Genesis) vehicles, a panoramic display covering approximately two-thirds of the upper dash dominates the cabin. This is the one area where lack of updates since the 2023 introduction is a blemish on the sedan.
The display is obviously divided into two screens: the left a customizable cluster, the right a LCD touchscreen for controlling the infotainment system and vehicle systems (like climate control and ADAS settings).
The infotainment system, thanks to the older design, is both (in my opinion – transparency alert – I own a 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited and 2025 Hyundai Tucson Limited) better and worse than the revised version found in other, refreshed models.
The Ioniq 6’s is better because the radio screen is just that – one screen with all information (the new systems have need two screens to provide the same information and loses easy access to the clock) the driver might want. No need to hit a Favorites button to activate the presets, they are always available (not true on my two vehicles).
The area in which the Ioniq 6 Limited is lagging is the need to plug in a cable to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Again, most Hyundai models have moved to a wireless setup which is much more convenient and efficient.
Overall, though, the interior of the Ioniq 6 Limited is a terrific place within which to travel, whether long or short distances. Plenty of room, excellent sound from the Bose Premium Audio System and all the modern conveniences and amenities.
Pricing remains highly competitive
The 2025 Ioniq 6 family, which includes rear and AWD models, ranges from $45,600 for the RWD SEL model to $54,500 Limited AWD Long Range one I tested.
The first Ioniq 6 Limited AWD Long Range sedan I tested in June 2023 carried a MSRP of $57,425 including one option (carpeted floor mats at $210) and the $1,110 inland freight & handling charge. The total for the 2025 review model including the same additions (the freight charge was $110 less) reflected a price reduction to $54,860 as all auto makers have seen pressure on their EV sales which has led to price reductions in many instances.
So, the 2025 Ioniq 6 Limited AWD Long Range sedan is an even better deal than when it was introduced (if you are able to obtain government tax breaks which expire Sept. 30th). But there are discounts available from Hyundai which might make the purchase as reasonable as in the past. Regardless, if an EV sedan is on your wish list, the Ioniq 6 makes a lot of sense.
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