Summary
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a mid-sized 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 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”. The Car Expert’s own editor, Stuart Masson, describes the driving experience as “smooth and whisper-quiet at all speeds”, as well as “a genuinely lovely place to spend time”.
However, this new aerodynamic body style and improved range come with a rather hefty price increase. The Ioniq 5’s entry-level 58kWh powertrain is not offered in the Ioniq 6, so customers have to opt for the larger and more expensive 77kWh battery pack instead. That’s not likely to be a real hardship for most customers, as the larger battery is much more popular in the Ioniq 5 range anyway.
As of January 2025, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with an excellent score of 81%. 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.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2021 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Hyundai Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
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
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
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
Read review
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
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The pure electric Ioniq 6 offers a unique design, great reliability and strong electric range.”
Author: Erin Baker
Read review
Business Car
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
Read review
Model reviewed: RWD Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ioniq 6 should be given serious consideration against more conventional rivals.”
Read review
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)
Read review
Car
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
Read review
Carbuyer
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
Read review
Carwow
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.”
Read review
Driving Electric
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
Read review
Electrifying.com
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
Read review
Green Car Guide
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
Read review
Honest John
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.”
Read review
Parkers
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
Read review
Regit
Score: 9 / 10
“Some may find the whole ‘pixel’ thing a little pretentious, but we kind of like it when a company shows so much passion in creating their vehicles. And you have to credit the Hyundai designers, they haven’t missed a trick when it comes to the streamlining of the Ioniq 6. And it’s always going to be instantly recognised thanks to those distinctive light signatures – front and back.”
Author: Maxine Ashford
Read review
The Sun
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.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
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
Read review
The Telegraph
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)
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A slippery saloon streamliner with driving manners in line with its long-range ethos: smooth, quiet, comfortable.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
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
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2024
Read the full Green NCAP review
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 a very cost-effective car to run 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 January 2025, 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 January 2025, 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
- 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.
BMW i4 | BYD Seal | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia EV6 | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.7
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Hyundai Ioniq 6 at The Car Expert
Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 6
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai Ioniq 6, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors.co.uk. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Lease a Hyundai Ioniq 6
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai Ioniq 6, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Hyundai Ioniq 6
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
Find out more
