2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD Review

Today, we’re diving deep into the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD, a car that’s been turning heads and sparking debates since it hit the market. With a price tag starting at £47,000 and going up to around £55,000 for the Ultimate trim, this isn’t your typical sedan or coupe — it’s a "Streamliner," as Hyundai calls it. And trust me, it has a look that people either love or need some time to warm up to. But one thing’s for sure: it’s a showstopper.

The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD is not just a good electric vehicle; it’s an exceptional one.

First Impressions

From the moment you lay eyes on the IONIQ 6, you know it’s different. It’s got a distinctive design that’s bound to provoke a reaction, one way or another. Personally, I think it’s refreshingly unique. But enough about looks — let’s talk performance.

Power and Performance

The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD version comes with a dual-motor setup, delivering a powerful 325 PS compared to the 228 PS in the rear-wheel-drive version. The beauty of this model is that you can switch between two all-wheel-drive options or a rear-wheel-drive setup via the options menu. This flexibility is a nice touch for those who want to customize their driving experience. The AWD variant sprints from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. And while Hyundai hasn’t officially stated the top speed, after a little personal test on the Autobahn, I can confirm it’s capped at 120 mph.

Real-World Efficiency

Now, here's something unique about this review — I’ve put over a thousand miles on this car, including a trip across Europe. And spoiler alert: this car performed impressively well. We drove mostly in Eco mode, sticking to motorways with minimal town driving, and managed to average between 3.6 and 3.8 miles per kilowatt-hour. This translates to about 294 miles of real-world range, which is pretty solid. After charging it up to 100%, the display showed a range of 293 miles, which matches closely with our real-world experience.

When I first picked up the car, it showed a range of 256 miles at 100%, proving that your driving style, weather conditions, and other factors can greatly influence the range. But overall, the efficiency of the IONIQ 6 is impressive. Even on long journeys, the range estimation was accurate or even conservative. This car consistently performed better than expected.

Interior Space and Comfort

Let’s talk storage. The IONIQ 6 offers 401 litres of boot space in the back and another 14.5 litres in the front. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive model even offers an extra 40 litres up front. The boot is quite spacious lengthwise, but it’s a bit shallow and the opening could be wider. However, there’s a bit of extra space underneath for charging cables.

Now, about the design: the rear end is quite polarizing. Initially, I found it the most challenging part of the car’s design, but it’s grown on me. The 8-bit lighting theme is a standout feature across the IONIQ range, and the rear light show when braking or reversing is quite something. It’s definitely got a Porsche-esque vibe. Up front, the unique styling continues with more 8-bit lighting and a design that seems inspired by aviation, all in the name of aerodynamics.

Technology and Features

Inside, the IONIQ 6 features the familiar Hyundai-Kia dual-screen infotainment system. The display is crisp, clear, and responsive. It includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a downside for those who prefer a wireless setup, but it’s not a deal breaker. The car also has innovative cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors, which provide a much wider field of view. It took about 100 miles to adjust to this new setup, but it quickly became second nature.

Additionally, there are blind-spot cameras that display on the dashboard whenever you signal, a feature found on many Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models. The cabin is well-designed with intuitive controls that are easy to use, making the driving experience straightforward and enjoyable.

Charging and Range

Charging the IONIQ 6 is a breeze, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. On a 350-kilowatt charger, you can go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. That’s incredibly fast, and even on a 50-kilowatt charger, you’re looking at around 73 minutes. During my road trip, I mostly used Ionity chargers, and every time, there was at least one available. Charging was quick and hassle-free, with speeds increasing rapidly up to 80%.

Driving Experience

Driving the IONIQ 6 is where the magic happens. Despite sharing the same motors and battery as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 feels different — more engaging, almost playful in the corners while still offering the comfort you'd expect from a family car. The steering is precise and direct, and the suspension strikes a perfect balance between comfort and agility. It’s a car that feels effortless to drive, and that’s not something you can say about many EVs.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD is not just a good electric vehicle; it’s an exceptional one. It was awarded the World Car of the Year for 2023, and after spending a week with it, I can see why. It’s the best EV I’ve driven to date — no contest. It’s not perfect, but the pros far outweigh the cons. It’s a car that’s likely to convert many traditional sedan or coupe drivers, as well as those coming from other premium brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Hyundai IONIQ 6 AWD, Click here.