Summary
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a midsize four-door saloon and the second all-electric model to join Hyundai’s Ioniq range, after the closely related Ioniq 5 hatchback.
On sale from late 2022 onwards, British reviewers agree that the Ioniq 6 is certainly a polished and capable all-electric package. Many also commend the saloon for its stylish streamlined exterior styling, though several outlets argue that it will not be to everyone’s taste.
“The body style won’t be for everyone”, says John McIlroy of Auto Express, “but it’s a more inspiring package dynamically, building on many of the strengths of the smaller Ioniq 5”. On the road, the What Car? team adds that the Ioniq 6 is “extremely hushed” at cruising speeds, and offers very polite road manners, resulting in a car that is “effortless to drive.”
Several outlets also praise the electric saloon for its battery range which Move Electric‘s James Attwood asserts is “class-leading”. The Ioniq 6 can handle distances of up to 382 miles on a full charge – over 100 miles more than the entry-level Ioniq 5 model can muster.
However, this new aerodynamic body style and improved range come with a rather hefty price increase. The Ioniq 5’s lead-in 58kWh powertrain is not available in the Ioniq 6 UK range, and so customers have to opt for the larger and more expensive 77kWh battery pack instead.
As of October 2024, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with an excellent score of 82%. It scores top marks for its media review scores, five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, very low running costs and zero tailpipe emissions. The only caveat is that the Ioniq 6 is still too new to have any meaningful long-term reliability data, which won’t start to become available for another couple of years.
Ioniq 6 highlights
- Relaxing driving experience
- Upmarket interior with loads of tech
- Impressive battery range
- Plenty of legroom
Ioniq 6 lowlights
- Unique looks may not be for everyone
- More expensive than Ioniq 5 hatchback
- Tesla Model 3 is more efficient
- Headroom is tight in the rear
Key specifications
Body style: Medium saloon
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £47,040 on-road
Launched: Winter 2022/23
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: Ultimate RWD
Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a very impressive electric car with a unique look and excellent technology.”
Author: Sam Naylor, Ellis Hyde
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Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 isn’t without the odd foible, but it does manage to feel another step on from the already-impressive 5. The body style and packaging mean it won’t be for everyone, but it’s a more inspiring package dynamically, building on many of the strengths of the Ioniq 5. That should be enough for it to be one of 2023’s hottest EVs.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The pure electric Ioniq 6 offers a unique design, great reliability and strong electric range.”
Author: Erin Baker
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 boasts aerodynamic looks done without amorphous anonymity. It’s usable, rangy and innovative but let down by its cabin packaging and ride.”
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Model reviewed: RWD Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“Normally, I’d stick to the lower trim but in the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Ultimate makes more sense because it gets the kit you’d want: plush front seats with ventilation, improved audio, an excellent head-up display and a 360-degree camera. Build quality inside is top-notch and the layout light and airy. It’s the sort of car that would do very well churning through motorways, quiet and largely comfortable.” (Piers Ward)
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Model reviewed: AWD Long Range
Score: 9 / 10
“Hyundai doesn’t expect the Ioniq 6 to be as popular as the Ioniq 5, because familes who don’t need the extra range are likely to gravitate towards the perceived extra roominess of the SUV. If it’s a similar price to that car, the company might be pleasantly surprised. The Ioniq 6 has all the traits you would want of an electric saloon, being practical, pleasing to drive, well-equipped and (we expect) competitively priced against its rivals.” (James Attwood)
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Model reviewed: AWD Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not a cheap option, but very likeable in range-topping all-wheel drive form.”
Author: Martyn Collins
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Model reviewed: RWD Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ioniq 6 should be given serious consideration against more conventional rivals.”
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Model reviewed: 77kWh AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 stacks up as a complementary stablemate for the popular Ioniq 5. Distinctive even within its own range, it’s a credible alternative to the familiar fleet-friendly saloons with energy efficiency that belies its size. Good reasons for Hyundai to feel confident about not following the crowd.” (David White)
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Model reviewed: Long Range AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“While stylish and strikingly different, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sadly doesn’t have quite the wow factor of the Ioniq 5, so a lot will depend on how willing customers are to sacrifice some of that car’s retro cool for the 6’s impressive extra range – a point that applies equally to choosing a 6 over its competition from Tesla and Polestar.”
Author: Tim Pollard
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“If you value going the distance, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is devoted to efficiency for a class-leading range.”
Author: Andy Goodwin, John McIlroy
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a streamlined EV with a futuristic design throughout and impressive levels of kit. It might not be the most efficient though, nor as practical as an Ioniq 5.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a strong competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and is as good to drive as it is stylish.”
Author: Tom Jervis
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Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ioniq 5 is one of our favourite electric cars, but the styling is Lego-brick blocky. Besides not being to everyone’s taste, it’s not the most aerodynamic either. Enter the wind-cheating Hyundai Ioniq 6, which brings extra efficiency to the package.”
Author: Ginny Buckley
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re looking for an efficient electric car, then the IONIQ 6 has to be at the top of your list. The only consideration is whether you can cope with the relatively small boot.”
Author: Paul Clarke
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Hyundai has knocked it out of the park again with the Ioniq 6. It’s a very desirable electric car with a long range, generous equipment levels and an upmarket cabin. Only you can decide if you like how it looks, though.”
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Model reviewed: First Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“There is an awful lot to like about the Hyundai Ioniq 6. It’s distinctive and stylish, really comfortable inside, good to drive, is packed with tech and, of course, has a class-leading and genuinely impressive range. Hyundai has really pushed to develop a class-leading efficiency and range, and come up with a product that looks and feels a bit special.” (James Attwood)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an impressive electric car – and the most valid challenger to the Tesla Model 3 that we can remember. Why? Because it brings the Koreans’ considerable battery prowess to the mid-sized EV saloon market, wrapped up in a desirable package with head-turning style.”
Author: Keith Adams
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“Peter Crouch would love the limo-like leg room in the back. Seriously impressive. Not at the expense of boot space, either, which is 400 litres. And I must say, Ioniq 6 looks way better in real life than the pictures suggest. Ioniq 5 is fashionable.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“While the hype is strong and the heart may be drawn to the innovative Ioniq 6, it’s worth taking a step back and weighing up the options carefully. That said, if you still decide to take the plunge we wouldn’t blame you.”
Author: Will Dron
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Model reviewed: RWD
Score: 8 / 10
“The looks speak for themselves. The elegant lines of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 will attract buyers. And in this rear-drive version of the Ioniq 6, there’s a progressive balance of control and performance that makes driving an absolute pleasure and has you wondering just how it might look parked in your driveway. ” (Andrew English)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A slippery saloon streamliner with driving manners in line with its long-range ethos: smooth, quiet, comfortable.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Doesn’t quite do enough to snatch the top podium spot, but the Ioniq 6 is a solid, stylish choice. The interior has a pleasing mix of tech and luxury, and its hushed road manners make it a comfortable way to while away the miles.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 90%
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 recorded some impressive individual safety scores as part of its full five-star safety rating that was awarded in November 2022. Euro NCAP also awarded the Ioniq 6 its ‘Best Large Family Car’ accolade for 2023.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: First Edition AWD Automatic
Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.6 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.8 / 10
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 330 miles | A | 322 – 338 miles | A – A |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.3 m/KWh | B | 4.2 – 4.4 m/KWh | B – B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 39 | C | 36 – 41 | C – D |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £294 | C |
| Year 2 | £556 | B |
| Year 3 | £915 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,126 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,416 | B |
| Overall | £4,307 | B |
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 should be reasonably inexpensive to run, certainly compared to a similarly sized petrol or diesel car.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is better than average, which helps to give the Ioniq 6 an official battery range of more than 300 miles in all versions.
Insurance and servicing costs are about average, although servicing bills do become more competitive after the first couple of years – which will be handy if you’re contemplating a used Ioniq 6 in 2026 or beyond…
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of October 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Ioniq 6, we’ll publish the score here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai Ioniq 6
Date: May 2024
Recall number: R/2024/169
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2023 to 02/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 93
Defect: The rear inner driveshaft may develop noise resulting in a loss of drive.
Remedy: Replace the affected driveshaft and check properly fastened.
Date: May 2024
Recall number: R/2024/164
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2022 to 03/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 2,538
Defect: The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may be come defective and stop charging the 12-volt battery. This can result in the vehicle entering a failsafe driving mode.
Remedy: Update the ICCU software and check and replace if necessary the ICCU and fuse.
As of October 2024, there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for mechanical and software issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Ioniq 6, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has received.
2023
- Auto Trader Awards – Erin Baker Award
- Autocar Awards – Best Company Car
- Euro NCAP Safety Awards – Best Large Family Car
- EcoCar Electrified Top 50 – Best Electric Large Car
- Great British Fleet Awards – Best EV Compact Executive Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai Ioniq 6, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia Niro EV | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Hyundai Ioniq 6 at The Car Expert
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