You may have been reading about some storm clouds gathering over EV sales. If you look at things as dealers do---quarter to quarter---the last couple have seen a bit of a slowdown. But widen that focus out and year over year, EV sales are meeting expectations. Slowing is not the same as stopping.
One reason is a growing number of truly great cars that are battery electrics---and that absolutely includes the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
While some automakers are dipping their toes cautiously into EVs, Hyundai, its luxury brand Genesis and its corporate cousin Kia have taken one basic platform and delivered four very distinctive electric vehicles---the IONIQ 6 sedan, the IONIQ 5 SUV, the Kia EV6 SUV and the Genesis GV60.
Beyond that, each of those vehicles is available with a choice of power, range and number of wheels driven. The IONIQ 6 SE, for example, can be had as a 168kw (225 hp) rear-wheel drive with up to 361 miles of electric range, as a dual-motor 239kw (320 hp) all-wheel drive with up to 316 miles of electric range.
The two higher trim levels, SEL and Limited, offer the same power and drive combinations, but, because of equipment and weight, see those range estimates drop to 270 and 305.
Still, those are solid range per charge figures and strong power outputs. Our tester was the Limited Long Range AWD, 270 miles per charge and zero to 60 times of 4.3 seconds.
Even driven enthusiastically in Sport mode, the IONIQ 6 Limited Long Range AWD squeezed 3.8 miles out of each kWh. Driven more gently, high 4s and even a 5.0 are attainable.
The IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, EV6 and GV60 all have 800-volt charging. On a properly operating DC fast charger (350kW peak output), all of these vehicles can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
Key words: Properly operating. I've made a habit of chronicling the charging experience in real-world terms in all my EV reviews. And while the IONIQ 6 can charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, it took me 17 minutes and 33 seconds to charge from 57% to 79% (it stopped one percent shy of where the car is programmed to stop charging) on an Electrify America Hyper-FAST (their brand name) 350kw charger that peaked at 73kW.
At that particular station, only two of the three 350kw chargers were working. One has been out of commission for at least two weeks now.
Again, the EVs on sale in North America---more and more of them---are more than ready. The infrastructure is getting worse instead of better.
Back to the car.
With a low center of gravity, the IONIQ 6 handles very nicely and rides very smoothly, but, even with Sport mode engaged, the steering response isn't quite quick enough and with enough feel to qualify as a true sport sedan. It's fine on most roads, but it's not meant to go canyon-carving at 9/10ths. Expect that to change in 2025 when Hyundai may unleash the IONIQ 6 N.
Downsides? That's one small trunk. 11.2 cubic feet. And as you saw above, there's no "frunk"---just a small cubby for the emergency AC power cord. Leave that home and you can pick up another half a cubic foot.
Your luggage-less rear seat passengers will ride in comfort, though, with 39.2 inches of legroom. Headroom's another matter, at 36.9 inches---blame the sloping roofline, which looks great on the outside, but will cause problems for taller folks in the backseat.
IONIQ 6 prices start at $43,600 including destination for the RWD SE. Our AWD Limited is the top of the line, and the conversation starts at $54,800 (including destination).
That's a significant leap, but as is Hyundai's way, that money buys a ton of standard equipment---ready?
(deep breath) A comprehensive suite of active safety features, 20-inch alloy wheels, a wide sunroof, active grille shutters, LED automatic headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, proximity key with pushbutton start, power flush door handles and power trunk, power folding side mirrors, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist, smart cruise control, H-Tex-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a memory power driver's seat, power front passenger seat, dual-color interior ambient lighting, premium door sill plates, aluminum pedals, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto up/down front windows, dual automatic temperature control, rear air vents, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch center screen with navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (a 90-day Platinum trial), a Bose Premium Audio system, wireless device charging, digital key and rain-sensing wipers.
And, Hyundai being Hyundai, the only extra-cost option on our tester was carpeted floor mats ($210), which took the bottom line of the window sticker to $55,010.
So---quick, excellent range, fast charging and oozing style. If you can live with the small trunk, the IONIQ 6 should be at the very top of your shopping list.
