By Michael Coates
Photos courtesy of Hyundai
SUVs and crossovers are wonderful and versatile vehicles. However, for just getting around day-to-day, it’s hard to argue against the efficiency and comfort of a solid sedan. If that sedan is an affordable, good-looking, long-range EV, the argument just gets stronger. The case in point for this month is Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 EV.
The Ioniq 6 is a five-passenger sedan that comes in three basic trim levels with all-wheel drive (AWD) an option at each. There’s also an entry-level version with a smaller electric motor and more limited range (but still 240 miles). I’m not sure I’d recommend it, given the other models’ more powerful motors, bigger batteries and higher level of equipment. Prices of that base model start at $38,650 (including destination charge, but not incentives). Even the top-of-the-line trim Limited AWD model that I drove starts at $54,800, still below the average transaction price for a new EV, according to Cox Automotive. Leasing is also the way to go as those deals are able to incorporate available incentives to lower monthly payments substantially.
The bottom line is value. The Ioniq 6 was called out by Cars.com as one of the best EV values. That award is part of a trophy case full of others that the Ioniq 6 has garnered over its short existence. In our view, those call-outs are all well-earned. Our local automotive writers group, Western Automotive Journalists, named the Ioniq 6 the best sedan (not just best EV sedan) in its Best of the Bay competition last year.
Value Backed by Warranty
Many may still have doubts about jumping to an electric car. One way Hyundai mitigates those concerns is with a warranty that is among the best in the industry. The powertrain (including the batteries) for the Ioniq 6 is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, well beyond even the longest lease and maybe enough to cover the life of the vehicle. On top of that, Hyundai offers free servicing for the first three years/36,000 miles for the few things an EV might need have checked.
Another plus is the Ioniq 6’s safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses tests that go beyond those of the federal government. IIHS gave the Ioniq 6 the Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest rating.
Part of the superlative safety rating comes from a high-level of standard safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance assist with car/pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction turning, among others. Even more are added at the higher trim levels, another incentive to bump up if it’s in your budget.
The Long Looks/Ranges
Styling is one reason the Ioniq 6 has gotten a lot of attention, but the streamlined exterior is only part of the story. It’s stylish on the outside, but Hyundai’s smart packaging slips a midsize interior (think Camry or Accord) in a smaller exterior package. The aerodynamic exterior also enables the long ranges available for the car. Another plus—the car drives as good as it looks.
Range is a funny thing. Everybody seems to want it, but may balk at some of the features that come along for the ride. The Ioniq 6 is a case in point. The maximum range (361 miles according to the EPA) is with its SE trim with a single motor (225 horsepower), rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 18-inch wheels. Add all-wheel drive and you lose about 45 miles of range. Bump up to the SEL or Limited trims and their 20-inch wheels, and range drops to 305 for RWD and 270 for AWD with dual motors. Still good numbers, but indicative of the influence options can have with an EV. Another plus—the Ioniq 6 is built on an 800V architecture that enables fast charging, for instance, going from 10-80% charge in less than 20 minutes on a 350 kW fast-charger.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the whole package.
