The Hyundai Ioniq 6, an all-electric sedan, has been awarded the prestigious title of Car and Driver’s 2023 EV of the Year. This recognition follows in the footsteps of its sibling, the Ioniq 5, which won the same award last year, solidifying Hyundai’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
The banana-shaped Ioniq 6 has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2023 World Car of the Year, 2023 World Electric Vehicle, and 2023 World Car Design awards. Car and Driver’s latest prize further affirms Hyundai’s successful approach to EVs.
The publication commended Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which serves as the foundation for the Ioniq 6. The sedan offers an array of power options, ranging from 149 horsepower for the base rear-wheel-drive model to 320 horsepower for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant.
See also: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Offers New Incentives, Poses Competitive Challenge to Tesla Model 3
Notably, the Ioniq 6’s driving range played a crucial role in securing the award. The single-motor SE trim provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 361 miles on a full charge, although Car and Driver observed 260 miles during its 75-mile-per-hour highway test. Despite the slight discrepancy, the Ioniq 6 impressively achieved an efficiency figure of 140 MPGe combined, surpassing the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3’s 132 MPGe.
However, specifications are only part of the Ioniq 6’s appeal. Car and Driver highlighted the sedan’s robust structure, which maintains composure even on rough pavement. Its ride is well-damped and taut, ensuring stability during cornering. Additionally, Hyundai’s expertise in braking was evident, with good brake-pedal feel and the ability to customize lift-off regenerative braking using steering-wheel paddles.
While the Ioniq 6 excelled in several areas, Car and Driver noted that Hyundai has yet to master the EV soundtrack. Consequently, the publication’s editors and testers chose to silence the artificial noise generator, allowing the sedan to showcase its impressive sound isolation.
In summary, Car and Driver concluded that the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a remarkable EV that excels both in execution and desirability. Its flawless performance places Hyundai’s E-GMP platform in the winner’s circle once again.
Car and Driver evaluated 14 contenders for its third EV of the Year award. Alongside the Ioniq 6, the other vehicles tested included the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW i7, Cadillac Lyriq AWD, Genesis Electrified GV70, GMC Hummer EV SUV, Kia EV6 GT, Kia Niro EV, Lexus RZ450e, Lucid Air Pure AWD, Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic+, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, and VinFast VF8.
See also: Hyundai Slashes Lease Prices for Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Making them More Affordable than Tesla Model 3
It is worth noting that Tesla models were absent from the list due to Car and Driver’s consideration of only new or significantly updated vehicles for its annual EV comparison test. Tesla did not release any new models or heavily update existing ones in the 2023 model year. However, the company is expected to unveil the facelifted Model 3 “Highland” and the all-new Cybertruck later this year.
In the United States, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a starting price of $41,600 for the base SE Standard Range trim, equipped with a single rear-mounted 149-horsepower electric motor and an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles.
