INDIANAPOLIS — If you asked me which automaker makes the most interesting electric vehicles, you’d probably be surprised at the answer: Hyundai-Kia, which includes its luxury brand, Genesis. The cars look like they snuck out of a design studio and onto the streets, but are super easy to operate. Range and recharge times are class-leading. And, as you may actually expect, they’re relatively affordable. A case example is the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6.
Not everybody will equate interesting with beautiful, but I would. I like the future-Porsche look with its sloping nose, bulging headlamps, arching roofline, and beltline that curves gently into a fastback rear. LEDs are everywhere: under the headlamps, as headlamps, in taillamps, and even as arrays for the spoiler’s third brake lamp. Filling those flowing fenders are 20” wheels with low profile tires. Black trim on the facias and lower bodysides break up the monotony. Wave your hand over the flush door handles to gain entry.
Having batteries beneath the floor enables a wide spacious cabin with flybridge center console, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and power sunroof. There’s a lot of plastic when you tap around, but it’s all elegantly styled. I especially like the ribbed effect on the doors, highlighted by selectable ambient lighting. Twin screens sprout from the dash for instruments and infotainment that includes Bose audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. Dual-zone automatic climate control and navigation add conveniences.
Hyundai is a leader in safety, usually performing well in crash tests, but it’s even better to not crash in the first place. To that end, the IONIQ 6 employs automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross path detection systems. Adaptive cruise and lane-centering steering reduce fatigue on longer drives. I just wish Hyundai would add a head-up display to keep eyes ahead and for that aura of a super fly modern ride.
Beauty is also in the driving. Our Long Range all-wheel-drive routes 320 horsepower to both ends and accelerates 0-60 mph in a scant 4.3 seconds. Drive modes let you select from Eco for a less sensitive accelerator to Sport for the most sensitive. Use Eco to maximize range of about 270 miles (up to 361 miles in RWD lower trim versions). Those 20” wheels don’t help range, but drivers can recharge 10-80% in just 18 minutes (gain 68 miles in 5 minutes). That’s pretty impressive.
It’s a heavy car, over 4,600 lbs., but handles well for an electric tank. All of that battery weight is placed low in the chassis where firm suspension settings and quick steering keep the car from wallowing. It just soaks up highway miles and city streets, but there’s not much feel in the wheel. None of that matters when you step on the accelerator, though, because the car whooshes away from stoplights and up on-ramps with turbine smoothness. Whether heading to work or a state park on weekends, it’s a nice place to play.
Being a Hyundai, the IONIQ 6 is also a good value. Base models start at $41,600 with our Limited coming to $57,425. Also consider the Kia EV6, Tesla Model 3, and upcoming Chevy Equinox EV.
Storm Forward!
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Likes
- Chic styling
- Luxury trimmings
- Fast charging
Dislikes
- Borderline range
- No HUD
- Lotsa plastics
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
Five-passenger, AWD Sedan
Output: 320hp/446 lb.-ft. torque
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc
0-60 mph: 4.3s
Range: 270 mi
Fuel economy: 111/94 MPGe city/hwy
Assembly: Asan, Korea
Base/As-tested price: $41,600/$57,425
