2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review: The EV That Proves Sedans Matter
A Highly Efficient EV That Proves Sedans Are Far From Dead
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not what I expected. I expected a competent electric sedan, something to compete with the Tesla Model 3 on paper. What I got was a car that made me reconsider what I value in an EV. It won Car and Driver’s 2023 EV of the Year award, and after spending time with it, I understand why.
This is a sedan that wears its futuristic design with confidence, delivers up to 361 miles of range, and charges faster than almost anything in its class. It is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the same foundation as the excellent Ioniq 5, but wrapped in a shape that cuts through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not just a good EV. It is a good car, period. And in a world that has largely abandoned sedans for SUVs, that feels almost rebellious.
Our Take
Here is the thing about the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6. It makes you question why anyone buys a Tesla Model 3. The Hyundai is quieter, more comfortable, and better built. The interior feels more premium, and the ride quality is genuinely refined. The 800-volt architecture means it charges faster than most rivals. And the 361-mile range on the SE Long Range RWD model is among the best you can get without spending six figures.
But it is not perfect. The rear seat is tighter than you would expect, and the sloping roofline eats into headroom. The trunk is small at just 11.2 cubic feet, which is a real compromise for a family car. And the digital-heavy interior takes some getting used to.
For buyers who prioritize style, efficiency, and driving enjoyment over outright utility, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the best EVs on the market. It is not the most practical choice, but it is one of the most rewarding.
Pros
- Up to 361 miles of range on the SE Long Range RWD model
- 800-volt architecture enables ultra-fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes)
- Smooth, quiet ride with composed handling
- Distinctive, futuristic exterior design
- Well-built interior with premium feel
- Car and Driver’s 2023 EV of the Year
Cons
- Small trunk at just 11.2 cubic feet
- Tight rear headroom due to sloping roofline
- Digital-heavy dashboard can be distracting
- Base model has only 149 horsepower
- No federal tax credit (built in South Korea)
- Not as practical as the Ioniq 5 SUV
What’s New for 2023
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an all-new model for Hyundai, slotting into the Ioniq lineup between the Ioniq 5 and the upcoming Ioniq 7. It shares its E-GMP platform and 800-volt architecture with the Ioniq 5, but it is a sedan with a lower, sleeker profile.
The Ioniq 6 is available with two battery options: a 53-kWh standard range pack and a 77.4-kWh long range pack. Motor configurations range from a single rear motor with 149 horsepower to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 320 horsepower. The styling is inspired by Hyundai’s Prophecy concept, and the production car captures that futuristic vision surprisingly well.
Exterior Design: Love It or Hate It, You Will Not Ignore It
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a polarizing car. I have seen people stop and stare at it in parking lots. I have also heard people describe it as weird. The Drive described it as “stunning looking in person,” and I agree.
The design is a continuation of Hyundai’s pixel motif, with parametric pixel elements integrated into the headlights, taillights, and even the side mirrors. The streamlined profile is all about aerodynamics, with flush-mounted door handles and a drag coefficient of 0.22 that contributes to the impressive range.
It is not a car for everyone. But it is a car that makes a statement. And in a segment full of anonymous sedans, that counts for something.
Driving Experience: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Engaging
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a pleasure to drive. The low center of gravity, thanks to the battery pack mounted under the floor, gives it a planted feel in corners. The steering is well-weighted, and the regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddle shifters behind the wheel.
On the highway, the Ioniq 6 is exceptionally quiet. The cabin is well-insulated, and wind noise is minimal. The ride is smooth and composed, even on rough pavement. Car and Driver praised the car’s “imperturbably solid” feel on lumpy surfaces.
In the city, the Ioniq 6 is easy to maneuver. The turning radius is reasonable, and the visibility is good despite the sloping roofline. The instant torque from the electric motors makes merging and passing effortless.
Performance and Acceleration: Three Flavors, One Purpose
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers three powertrain options, and each one changes the character of the car.
The base model is the SE Standard Range with a 53-kWh battery and a single rear motor producing 149 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is the entry point, and it is adequate for daily driving. But it is not quick.
The SE Long Range RWD bumps power to 225 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 361 miles of range. It is the sweet spot of the lineup, offering the best balance of efficiency and performance. It hits 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is more than enough for most drivers.
The dual-motor AWD models produce 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. They are significantly quicker, though Hyundai does not publish official 0-60 times. The AWD models also offer better traction in adverse weather, but they sacrifice range, dropping to 270-316 miles depending on wheel size.
Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement: Quiet, Smooth, and Relaxing
Ride comfort is one of the Ioniq 6’s strongest attributes. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, with heating and ventilation available on higher trims. The front seats offer good adjustability, and the overall driving position is natural and relaxed.
The rear seat is where the Ioniq 6 shows its limitations. The sloping roofline eats into headroom, and taller passengers will feel cramped. The legroom is adequate, but the overall rear seat experience is not as spacious as you would expect from a car of this size.
Interior: Minimalist, Digital, and Polarizing
The interior of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a study in contrasts. The dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, providing crisp, clear information. The bridge-type center console and buttonless door panels create a clean, modern look.
But the digital-heavy interface takes some getting used to. The climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which can be distracting while driving. The pixel lighting is a nice touch, adding a “Northern Lights” vibe to nighttime drives.
The materials are high-quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The interior feels more premium than the Tesla Model 3, which is a significant advantage. But the focus on digital controls may not appeal to everyone. CNET notes that “the interior’s plastics are a little on the hard side, but everything is zhuzhed up a fair bit with knurling and other interesting contours, and overall fit and finish are excellent”.
Technology and Infotainment: Google Power
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 features dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the gauges and one for the infotainment system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the interface is responsive and intuitive.
The navigation system is built in, and the voice controls work well. The system also includes over-the-air updates, so the software will continue to improve over time.
One area where the Ioniq 6 excels is its regenerative braking system. The paddle shifters allow the driver to adjust the level of regen on the fly, including the option to turn it off entirely. This level of customization is rare in the EV segment.
Range and Charging: A Class Leader
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the most efficient EVs on the market. The SE Long Range RWD model with 18-inch wheels is EPA-rated at 361 miles, one of the highest ratings of any non-luxury EV. The SE AWD model drops to 316 miles, while the SEL and Limited AWD models with 20-inch wheels have the lowest range estimates at 270 miles.
Charging is where the Ioniq 6 truly shines. The 800-volt architecture allows for ultra-fast charging at up to 350 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in as little as 18 minutes. On a 240V Level 2 charger, a full charge takes a little over seven hours.
In real-world driving, owners have reported range exceeding EPA estimates. One owner of an AWD Limited model with 20-inch wheels reported 317 miles at 100% charge, well above the EPA rating of 270 miles. However, this is not typical and depends heavily on driving conditions.
Practicality and Cargo Space: The Ioniq 6’s Biggest Compromise
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not a practical car. The trunk is just 11.2 cubic feet, which is small even for a sedan. The frunk adds another 0.5 cubic feet, but that is not enough to make up the difference. Car and Driver notes that the trunk opening is narrow, making it difficult to load larger items.
The rear seat is tight, and the sloping roofline eats into headroom. The overall passenger space is less than you would expect from a car of this size.
For buyers who need to carry cargo or regularly transport rear passengers, the Ioniq 5 SUV is a much better choice. The Ioniq 6 is for buyers who prioritize style, efficiency, and driving enjoyment over utility.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS has recognized the 2024 Ioniq 6 as one of the safest midsize sedans.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 6 also features a surround-view camera system and parking sensors.
There have been recalls for the 2023 Ioniq 6, including a recall for the rear inner driveshaft that could break under load, and a recall for the charging port door outer panel that could detach. Buyers should ensure that any outstanding recalls have been addressed.
Competitors Worth Considering
Tesla Model 3: The Model 3 is the segment benchmark. It has better software, a larger charging network, and superior performance. The Ioniq 6 counters with a more premium interior, better ride quality, and faster charging.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: The Ioniq 5 is the SUV version of the Ioniq 6. It offers more cargo space and a higher ride height, but it is less efficient and less engaging to drive.
Kia EV6: The EV6 shares the same platform as the Ioniq 6. It offers a similar driving experience with a more aggressive design.
Polestar 2: The Polestar 2 is a more traditional sedan with a premium interior. It is less efficient and less practical than the Ioniq 6.
BMW i4: The i4 is more powerful and offers sharper handling. It is also significantly more expensive.
Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness
Biggest Strength: The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6’s greatest asset is its combination of range and charging speed. The 361-mile range and 18-minute 10-80% charge time are among the best in the industry. It is a car that makes road trips practical and convenient.
Biggest Weakness: The Ioniq 6’s biggest weakness is its practicality. The small trunk and tight rear seat make it less versatile than its competitors. For buyers who need to carry cargo or regularly transport rear passengers, the Ioniq 5 is a better choice.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
Cardrav recommends the SE Long Range RWD for most buyers. It offers the best balance of range (361 miles), performance (225 hp), and price ($46,615). The rear-wheel-drive layout is more efficient than AWD, and the range is more than enough for daily use and road trips.
The SE Standard Range is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, starting at $42,715. The SEL and Limited trims add more features but cost significantly more. The AWD models are for buyers who need all-weather capability and are willing to sacrifice range.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6?
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the best EVs on the market. It is stylish, efficient, and fun to drive. The range is impressive, the charging is fast, and the interior is well-built. It is not the most practical choice, but it is one of the most rewarding.
Who should buy it: Buyers who prioritize style, efficiency, and driving enjoyment over utility. Those who want a car that stands out from the crowd. Buyers who value fast charging and long range.
Who should avoid it: Buyers who need to carry cargo or regularly transport rear passengers. Those who prefer a more traditional interior with physical controls. Buyers who want the most practical EV in its class.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not for everyone. But for the right buyer, it is the best EV you can buy.
FAQ
What is the real-world range of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6?
The SE Long Range RWD is EPA-rated at 361 miles. In real-world driving, owners have reported range exceeding EPA estimates in some cases, but this depends heavily on driving conditions, weather, and wheel size. The SE AWD is rated at 316 miles, while the SEL and Limited AWD models with 20-inch wheels are rated at 270 miles.
How does the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 compare to the Tesla Model 3?
The Ioniq 6 offers a more premium interior, better ride quality, and faster charging than the Model 3. The Model 3 has better software, a larger charging network, and superior performance. The Ioniq 6 is the better choice for buyers who prioritize comfort, quality, and style; the Model 3 is better for buyers who prioritize performance and technology.
How long does it take to charge the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6?
On a 350-kW DC fast charger, the Ioniq 6 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. On a 240V Level 2 charger, a full charge takes a little over seven hours. The 800-volt architecture is one of the fastest in the industry.
How much does the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 cost?
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 starts at $42,715 for the SE Standard Range RWD, $46,615 for the SE Long Range RWD, $48,815 for the SEL RWD, and $53,715 for the Limited RWD. Adding AWD costs an extra $3,500. Prices exclude destination charges.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 eligible for the federal tax credit?
No. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is built in South Korea, so it does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs assembled in North America. Some states may offer their own incentives.
Does the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 have a plug-in hybrid option?
No, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a fully electric vehicle. There is no plug-in hybrid variant. It is available with single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive.
