FYI: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is making waves in the electric sedan market with its futuristic design and impressive specs, presenting a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3.
Exploring the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Futuristic Design and Performance
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market, offering a sleek, futuristic design combined with excellent performance metrics. While the Tesla Model 3 remains the best-selling electric sedan, the Ioniq 6 is emerging as a worthy contender thanks to its innovative features and impressive range.
Pros of the Ioniq 6
- Fun and Efficient to Drive: Surprisingly engaging driving experience for an EV.
- Eye-Catching Design: Bold, aerodynamic exterior that turns heads.
- Fast Charging and Decent Range: Competent charging speeds and a solid driving range.
- Spacious Rear Legroom: Plenty of space for back-seat passengers.
- Advanced Safety Tech: Good array of safety features.
Cons of the Ioniq 6
- Cheap Interior Materials: Particularly noticeable in the SE trim.
- Complex Controls: Some controls and interfaces are not very user-friendly.
- Small Trunk Space: Limited cargo capacity for a sedan.
- Range Limited to Base Trim: Maximum range only available in the base SE trim.
- No Federal Tax Credit: Buyers cannot benefit from the federal tax credit.
What’s New in 2025?
For the 2025 model year, the Ioniq 6 drops the Digital Green paint option but introduces a head-up display exclusively available in the Limited trim level.
Interior & Technology
The Ioniq 6 boasts a creatively designed interior, though it might initially seem less bold compared to its exterior. Unique details, like multi-colored ambient light reflecting off door ripples and centrally located window and lock buttons, add to its distinctiveness. However, the base SE trim’s materials, especially the mandatory cloth, feel relatively low-quality. The car’s dual 12.3-inch screens provide a crisp, responsive infotainment experience, although some controls require navigating through touchscreen menus.
Passenger & Cargo Space
Despite its compact appearance, the Ioniq 6 offers spacious interiors, thanks to its long wheelbase. Front seats are wide and comfortable with ample adjustment options, although rear headroom might be tight for taller passengers. The trunk is relatively small at 11.2 cubic feet, failing our standard luggage test, but it does offer substantial underfloor storage and a front trunk (frunk) suitable for a tire mobility kit and charging cord.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The Ioniq 6 offers three powertrain configurations:
- Single-Motor RWD SE Standard Range: 149 hp, 240-mile range, 135 mpg-e.
- Single-Motor RWD Long-Range: 225 hp, 361-mile range (SE), 140 mpg-e.
- Dual-Motor AWD Long-Range: 320 hp, 316-mile range (SE), 121 mpg-e.
The advanced 800-volt architecture enables rapid fast-charging, significantly reducing downtime at charging stations.
Driving Feel
The Ioniq 6 delivers a sprightly driving experience with its stiffer suspension and responsive steering, making it one of the sportiest options among Hyundai’s E-GMP platform vehicles. Even with its formidable highway comfort, the Ioniq 6 provides true one-pedal driving, enhancing the regenerative braking experience.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2025 Ioniq 6 comes equipped with a plethora of safety features, including:
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot and rear cross-traffic warnings
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering assist
Higher trims add features like Highway Drive Assist II, which includes automatic lane changing and enhanced collision avoidance systems. The Ioniq 6 has earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a commendable four out of five stars from the NHTSA for frontal crash protection.
Pricing
While the exact pricing for the 2025 Ioniq 6 is yet to be announced, it’s expected to be slightly higher than the 2024 model, which starts at $38,650 for the SE RWD Standard Range and goes up to $54,765 for the Limited AWD.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 represents a significant step forward in the electric sedan segment, blending cutting-edge design with practical performance. While it does have its limitations, particularly in terms of interior material quality and cargo space, its overall package makes it a compelling option for those looking to drive an EV that’s not an SUV. For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi