2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review
byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
12/20/2023
Overview
If the Hyundai Ioniq 6's styling didn't grab your attention, then its range and impressive charging speeds probably did the trick. While most auto manufacturers are focused on electric SUVs, Hyundai directed its considerable engineering might at the midsize sedan segment. Available with either a 53-kWh or a 77.4-kWh pack and your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, the Ioniq 6 offers a maximum EPA-estimated range of 361 miles on a single charge. As with other Hyundais, the Ioniq 6 has a long list of both standard and optional features, and we're very impressed with not only its comfort but its real-world range and charging speeds, too. For more detail, check out zzdcar' EV Range Test and EV Charging Test pages for all of our industry-leading EV test results.
zzdcar spotlight: Efficiency
The Ioniq 6's unique styling not only makes a statement but also makes the Hyundai more aerodynamic, which in turn requires less battery power to move it along at speed. In the zzdcar EV Range Test, a dual-motor Ioniq 6 used only 27.5 kWh per 100 miles, far below the EPA estimate of 33.0 kWh per 100 miles. That efficiency also pays dividends on range, as our test car drove 303 miles on a single charge, far exceeding the estimate of 270 miles. But the Ioniq 6 also boasts some seriously fast charging speeds. Capable of utilizing the superfast 350-kW charging stations, the Ioniq 6 also makes more efficient use of your time and is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes.
Competitors to consider
Midsize electric sedans aren't as popular as their SUV cousins, but there are some seriously good options to consider. Of course you can't talk about EVs without mentioning Tesla, and its Model 3 is still the benchmark for many EV buyers. There's also the Polestar 2. This Volvo-esque EV offers more restrained but still handsome styling but lacks the range of the Ioniq 6. And BMW's new i4 should attract plenty of EV buyers that would rather stick with an long-established brand for their first EV experience.
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Learn more about EV charging
zzdcar says
Whether you want your car's styling to help you stand out or would prefer its range and charging speed to do the talking, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has you covered. Without only two years under its belt, we don't think the Ioniq 6 is going to receive any meaningful updates for the 2025 model year, so if you want a quick, comfortable and effiicient electric sedan, there's no reason not to check out the Ioniq 6 today.