With more range, better functionality, practical styling thanks to better design and competitive pricing, Hyundai Ioniq 6 just makes more sense than the Tesla Model 3.
But that style comes at a cost for taller passengers; Tesla has upped its interior materials game; and the forward-thinking car still lacks some of the technological polish of Tesla and other competitors.
Here are the pros and cons of using the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 after shuttling the kids around town and running errands for a week.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Pros: The Ioniq 6’s design is outstanding
At best, the Model 3 is clean and inoffensive, at worst it’s boring and anonymous. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 looks very cool and its design is functional to boot. It is more aerodynamic than the Model 3 and is one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in production today. Its streamlined design has a front end that is said to take cues from the Porsche Panamera and GM EV1. The rear of the car is reminiscent of the Infiniti J30 and is completed with a ducktail spoiler. The signature Ioniq Chiclet LED lights front and rear are intricate, neat details that are eye-catching.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Disadvantages: Aerodynamics costs some space
Taller front occupants will be fine, but the slippery design will seriously impact rear headroom. It’s the fast roofline at the back that’s causing the problem. At 5-foot-10, my head skimmed the headrest. Anyone 6 feet tall or taller will have issues with comfort, let alone bumps in the road.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Pros: Hyundai combines function with form
The Ioniq 6 features a low dashboard and hood for excellent visibility, a glass wall with two 12.3-inch screens including a digital gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, and multiple panels. Neat bitmap squares around the interior to match the exterior lighting elements. But unlike the Model 3, it also has buttons, knobs, and toggles for essential functions like climate and audio controls.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Cons: Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 materials are a mixed bag
The Ioniq 6 doesn’t have shiny piano black plastic that scratches easily, which is nice. And the center console in my test car has a matte-finished plastic surround that feels like concrete. It’s neat. But the Ioniq 6 Limited Long Range with 20-inch wheels, as tested, costs $55,010, and the dashboard, door tops and other trim don’t match the price and are mostly made of hard plastic. The Tesla Model 3 receives a refresh has upgraded the car’s interior materials to at least half a level compared to this level.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Pros: The Ioniq 6 product line goes far with its competitive price
The Ioniq 6 has an EPA-rated range of up to 361 miles and is priced at $43,600 including a $1,150 destination charge. This is much higher than any Tesla Model 3. There’s the base model Ioniq 6 priced at $38,050, which is less than the Model 3, but it only has 240 miles of range. The Tesla tuning factor applied to calculate most official EPA range numbers means you’re more likely to see the Ioniq approach these numbers in real-world driving.
The long-range dual-motor Ioniq 6 has an EPA rating of 270 miles. In good weather, I saw an average of over 3.0 miles/kwh, while in cold weather with temperatures hovering in the mid to low 30s with this vehicle, I saw that speed drop to 2.0 miles/kwh. .6 or 2.7 miles/kwh in mixed suburban driving. Neither one matches its EPA numbers, but that’s competitive.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 2024
Cons: Hyundai EV infotainment and apps
Somehow, Hyundai’s future vehicle doesn’t feature wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Both require a wired USB-A connection, which is confusing.
The Hyundai iOS app for controlling the car is fine, but certainly not in the same class as what Tesla has developed or even what Rivian and Lucid are running. Even Ford’s app for Mustang Mach-E more polished and faster. The iOS app is slow, loads intermittently, then asserts functions like thermal start ahead of time. It’s bulky and feels one step behind its competitors.
For now, the Tesla Model 3 may be easier to use thanks to the Supercharge network and a better app experience, but both of these advantages are fleeting. The Ioniq 6 delivers style, range and efficiency in a compact package at a competitive price. It should be on the shopping list.
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2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD long range
Basic price: $43,600, including $1,150 destination charge
If only it had been tested: $55,010
Power transmission system: 320 combined horsepower, dual-motor AWD
EPA range: 270 miles
Hits: Stylish design, efficiency, real buttons, good range and price
missed times: Mediocre iOS apps, wired CarPlay, some cheap plastic, rear headroom
