First Look Review: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 bridges the gap to the Model 3

Update: Specifications table added, and ‘Price & Sales’ section revised.

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 with its wind-cheating design and 800-volt battery system is the most efficient car in its segment. In fact, it beats the best-selling Tesla Model 3 on both energy consumption and range. At the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, I experienced the car in person to learn everything about this futuristic electric sedan, both the good and bad:

Design

While it carries over the exterior, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 curvy and sleek design is still an eyeball magnet, with technical details like pixel lights, aero-optimized wheels, and a rear wing. When I saw it at the 2023 LA Auto Show, I realized the attention to detail was higher than on most gas-powered Hyundais in the U.S. I liked the glass-like, transparent accent materials Hyundai has used on the 2024 Ioniq 6’s rear wing and shark fin antenna.

The 2024 Ioniq 6’s side profile reminds me of classic streamlined cars and I think its greenhouse is quite similar to the Mercedes CLA Coupe. I’m not a fan of how its roofline and beltline taper down and the whole weird look towards the end, but I suppose Hyundai had to prioritize aerodynamic efficiency with these design choices.

I can’t fault with the manufacturing quality of the 2024 Ioniq 6. The shut lines, panel gaps and even the panel quality feels immaculate. While its too early to make a conclusive statement, I think the Ioniq 6 will age nicely and is likely to push competitors to innovate in their own designs for electric sedans.

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, which is also carried forward from last year’s car, is an inviting space, as it looks quite airy and spacious. It has a premium and futuristic design, but doesn’t emphasize form over function. I’m a six-foot-tall person, and I felt that ingress needed a little effort as the roof is quite low. Once I sat in the 8-way electrically adjustable and ventilated driver seat, the two-spoke steering wheel with 4-dot pixel lights grabbed all my attention.

The 2024 Ioniq 6 has just about enough headroom for someone my height in the front. I felt that under-thigh support was adequate. The imitation leather seat cover (‘Eco-processed’ leather) used in this car certainly lifts up the cabin feel. The bio TPO skin used on the upper dashboard looks premium, but felt a bit rubbery and cheap, and the bio PET fabric on the headliner felt more premium in comparison. The surfaces in the lower part of the door and console is just hard plastic, which didn’t feel great.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offers customizable layouts and EV-specific functions. The display’s brightness level is comfortable and its readouts are crisp and not cluttered. The 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system has adequately large icons and its software is pretty easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto aren’t still available, but I hear that they will be introduced in the near future through a software update.

Entering the rear of the cabin needs extra attention, especially if you are among us taller folks. The low roof height had me worried that I might bump my head on the way in, if I wasn’t paying attention. Once inside, I was impressed with the generous legroom in the car, but I missed the 2024 Ioniq 5’s recline function here. That said, the angle of the fixed bench felt comfortable. Headroom is just about okay for a tall person, and under-thigh support is adequate. I assume that the rear would be comfortable for three adults if they are below average height.

Driving impressions

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in a 149-hp RWD variant with a 53 kWh battery pack, a 225-hp RWD variant with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, and a 320-hp AWD variant with the same 77.4 kWh battery pack. It delivers an EPA-est. range of 240 miles in the base variant, 361 miles (18-inch wheels)/305 miles (20-inch wheels) in the mid variant, and 316 miles (18-inch wheels)/270 miles (20-inch wheels) in the top-end variant.

As the Ioniq 6 hasn’t received any mechanical changes with the MY2024 update, it should feel the same to drive and ride in the same as before. From what we know, it is quick to pick up speed, but the excitement fades out at higher speeds. Its standard 115 mph top speed is no match for the Tesla Model 3, which can do 145 mph in its slowest variant and 162 mph in the fastest.

The Ioniq 6 delivers an engaging drive with competent handling, though it’s not quite built for aggressive cornering. Hyundai seems to be holding back on the chassis, likely reserving the sportiest handling for the anticipated Ioniq 6 N. For now, the suspension nicely absorbs bumps, providing a ride quality and cabin quietness that’s almost on par with a luxury vehicle.

Aspect	Hyundai Ioniq 6 Specification
Length	191.1 in.
Width	74.0 in.
Height	58.9 in.
Wheelbase	116.1 in.
Wheels	18 in. (SE)/20 in. (SEL)/20 in. (Limited)
Tires	225/55R18 (SE) / 245/40R20 (SEL) / 245/40R20 (Limited)
Luggage Capacity	11.2 cu. ft.
Front Trunk (Frunk) Capacity	0.4 cu. ft.
Headroom (w/o sunroof)	38.7 in. (front)/40.2 in. (rear)
Headroom (w/ sunroof)	36.8 in. (front)/38.3 in. (rear)
Legroom (practical)	42.3 in. (front)/39.2 in. (rear)
Legroom (maximum)	45.4 in. (front)/34.7 in. (rear)
Shoulder Room	58.0 in. (front)/57.3 in. (rear)
Hip Room	55.2 in. (front)/51.1 in. (rear)
Power (SR RWD/LR RWD/LR AWD)	149 hp/225 hp/320 hp
Torque (SR RWD/LR RWD/LR AWD)	258 lb.-ft./258 lb.-ft./446 lb.-ft.
Battery Pack (SR RWD/LR RWD/LR AWD)	53.0 kWh/77.4 kWh/77.4 kWh
0-60 mph Acceleration Time	<5 seconds in long-range AWD configuration
Top Speed	115 mph
EPA-est. Range	SR RWD – 240 miles LR RWD – 361 miles (SE 18″ wheels)/305 miles (SEL/Limited 20″ wheels) LR AWD – 316 miles (SE 18″ wheels)/270 miles (SEL/Limited 20″ wheels)
Maximum AC Charging Power	10.9 kW
Lowest AC Charging Time (Up to 80% SoC)	5 hours 20 minutes (SR RWD)/6 hours 55 minutes (LR RWD)/6 hours 55 minutes (LR AWD)
Lowest Fast charging Time (10-80% SoC)	18 minutes
Curb Weight	3,935 lbs. (SR RWD)/4,222 – 4,376 lbs. (LR RWD)/4,462 – 4,616 (LR AWD)
Gross Weight	4,894 lbs. (SR RWD)/5,313 lbs. (LR RWD)/5,556 (LR AWD)

Price & Sales

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6’s prices fall between USD 37,500 and USD 53,650 (excl. USD 1,115 freight charges), respectively. Compared to the outgoing model, prices are significantly lower:

Configuration	2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Price	2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Price	Difference
SE Standard Range	USD 37,500	USD 41,600	USD 4,100
SE RWD	USD 42,450	USD 45,500	USD 3,050
SEL RWD	USD 45,250	USD 47,700	USD 2,450
Limited RWD	USD 50,150	USD 52,600	USD 2,450
SE AWD	USD 45,950	USD 49,000	USD 3,050
SEL AWD	USD 48,750	USD 51,200	USD 2,450
Limited AWD	USD 53,650	USD 56,100	USD 2,450

In its annual sales press release, Hyundai announced that it had sold 12,999 units of the Ioniq 6 in the U.S. in 2023.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a head-turning design, a futuristic interior with spacious and comfy driver seating, advanced in-cabin electronics, and a wide selection of power-electric configurations that cater to EV buyers who focus on efficiency, range, and performance. Apart from the slightly cramped rear headroom, smaller boot compared to rivals, and the average plastic quality in parts of the cabin, there’s little not to love about this electric family car. Plus, with the big price cuts for the MY2024, it’s a lot more affordable now.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 FAQs

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