The Hyundai Ioniq 6 rises to the challenge
Despite being incredibly efficient, electric sedans aren’t exactly commonplace. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the Korean automaker’s foray into a segment largely dominated by the Tesla Model 3. Like most Hyundai vehicles, the Ioniq 6 features a value-packed spec sheet at an affordable price. While there are plenty of positive points to it, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 isn’t perfect.
Hyundai recently unveiled the 2026 Ioniq 6, complete with a fresh face and N performance model. Those changes won’t make it to market until later on, though. For 2025, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 arrives with few changes, the most notable of which is the Limited trim gaining a standard head-up display. Otherwise, the electric sedan carries over unchanged.
Reason to love it #1: $37,850 starting price
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 starts at $37,850, easily undercutting the Tesla Model 3’s $42,490 entry price. While the Nissan Leaf manages to undercut it by just over $9,700, the Japanese automaker has left its EV with a lackluster spec sheet. The Fiat 500e also starts at less than the Ioniq 6, but it comes with tight rear seats and a limited range.
Reason to love it #2: Up to 320 horsepower
Performance isn’t exactly what the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is known for, but it still packs a punch. Rear-wheel drive models produce 149 horsepower with the smallest 53 kWh battery, which is only available in the entry-level trim. All other RWD models come equipped with an electric motor capable of generating 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to AWD gives the Ioniq 6 a pair of electric motors that deliver 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque.
Reason to love it #3: Ultra-fast charging
Hyundai EVs feature some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry, and the Ioniq 6 is no exception. All Ioniq 6 trims feature a standard 350 kW ultra-fast charger. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the electric sedan can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes, regardless of battery size.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s charging speed puts competing electric sedans to shame. The Fiat 500e charges to 80% in around 35 minutes. The Nissan Leaf is the slowest charging EV in the sedan segment, taking up to 40 minutes to reach an 80% charge. Even the Tesla Model 3 takes more than 20 minutes to reach 80% capacity.
Reason to love it #4: Up to 342 miles of range
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available with two batteries: 53 and 77.4 kWh. The former is only available in the base model and features a range of 240 miles. All other trim levels come equipped with the larger 77.4 kWh battery that’s good for up to 342 miles in RWD models. Upgrading to AWD reduces the range to 316 miles on a single charge.
The Tesla Model 3 is the only electric sedan that tops the Ioniq 6, with up to 363 miles on a single charge. The Nissan Leaf offers just 212 miles with its largest available battery, and the Fiat 500e offers one of the lowest ranges of any EV, with just 149 miles in one go.
Reason to think twice #1: Limited cargo space
While the Ioniq 6 rides on the same platform as the Ioniq 5 crossover, the electric sedan lacks cargo space. The cabin is fairly expansive, with a modern design and plenty of space for five passengers, but the Ioniq 6 is still a sedan. It offers just 11.2 cu ft. of cargo space in the trunk. The Tesla Model 3 offers nearly double that, coming in at 21 cu ft., thanks in part to extra space beneath the trunk floor.
Reason to think twice #2: Controversial styling
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that’s definitely true of the Ioniq 6. The electric sedan features a style with purpose, and while its aerodynamic design helps increase efficiency, it’s also somewhat divisive. The spaceship-esque design might hit home for some, but it can be particularly off-putting for others.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the more well-rounded electric sedans, especially once you consider range, performance, and price. Even so, its limited cargo space could become an issue for families who need the backseat for passengers. Before you buy a Hyundai Ioniq 6, check out the Tesla Model 3 to see which EV best meets your needs.
