A Vision of Voltage: Hyundai Ioniq 6 is Car and Driver’s EV of the Year

Walking away with a title that is “prizefighter grade” is the goal of every new car that rolls eagerly off the line! As consumers are now paying close attention to the models that the industry’s brightest minds prefer, many stars have been born. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is Car and Driver’s EV of the year, firmly claiming its winning stance. 

Hyundai Ioniq 6 is Car and Driver’s EV of the Year

The Genesis Electrified GV70 and the Kia EV6 GT were also a few of the notable mentions with a compelling showing. The editors immediately remarked that they saw a resemblance to the Mercedes CLS in the Ioniq 6’s sloping profile. The 1930 Stout Scarab was also credited by the design team as an influence. This was a model so far ahead of its time, and conceptualized as an “office on wheels!” 

From Sketch to Street: Mastering the Coefficient Game

Some of the savviest car experts who have laid their eyes on the Ioniq 6 have claimed it is like something from a “fever dream!” It took a brilliant team many hours to result in a low drag coefficient of just .22. Another solid reason for this accolade is the fact that the Ioniq 6 is a sedan and not a run-of-the-mill crossover.

The car shows up dressed to impress with a single rear motor cranking out 145 or 225 horsepower. This is dependent on size, with most versions coming equipped with the 77.4 kWh battery. This crew’s testing model was a dual-motor Limited, EPA-rated at 270 miles of range. The single-motor SE startled many this year with its 361-mile range estimate. 

The Ioniq 6’s Vigorous Velocity:

The Ioniq 6’s 800-volt architecture allows for recharging at up to 800 kilowatts. This makes for some of the fastest charge times this team has ever recorded from any EV. The dual-motor version sprints excitedly up to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. When they encountered aging and lumpy pavement, the Ionic 6’s solid structure weathered it with ease.

Hyundai has also done a fantastic job of mastering the “regen balance factor.” The driver can customize just how much works for them, with none at all being among the choices. The Ioniq 6 is equipped with the “new norm” of the noisemaker, which emulates the sounds of gas-powered grandeur. 

The Ioniq 6’s Timely Arrival + Well-Executed Appeal:

As the future of electrification is now gracing the car models of today, some brands have gone overboard making things substantially current. The Car and Driver crew loved that Hyundai did not completely reinvent the infotainment system to mesh with the plug-in persona. The Motor Trend review team had immediately deemed the Ionic 6 “A competitor with true staying power”. 

Beneath the skin is a car that offers so much more than just a striking profile, with its engaging dynamics and attractive interior consistently stealing the show. Motor Trend had also awarded the Ioniq 5 with their “SUV of the Year” honors, and they had one glowing fine point that stood out. In a climate that demands efficiency, the Ioniq 6 adds an incredible range in just 15 minutes.

A Range-Topping Spot Due to Solid Engineering:

During Motor Trend’s testing for the all-important range claim, an Ioniq 6 SE Long Range added 193 miles in just 15 minutes. This is what the industry is going to be leaning toward when it comes to the “hard sell”. Those who were a bit leery about the premise of electrification are now looking intently at these numbers. 

The Ioniq 6 is a glowing example of excellent engineering on all fronts. It offers an engaging drive, which many review professionals have admitted that the EV6 does as well. It was able to stand on its laurels and jump firmly ahead of others due to its ability to work well for EV natives along with complete newbies. 

Affordable, Accessible, Yet Still Amazing:

The Ioniq 6’s inside features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The passenger of today has a penchant for being consistently connected, and here the Ioniq 6 over delivers. There’s a USB-data A data/charging port, and four USB-C charging ports to keep things properly juiced. 

Head-up displays are in a state of flux: they once just beamed out the essentials and always looked good doing it, but expectations are now much higher. The Ioniq 6’s head-up display now has an innovative augmented-reality mode. Here essentials are shown such as speed limit, driver-assist warnings, and images of surrounding vehicles.

The Ioniq 6’s Esteem-Driven Engine: Timely, or Tedious? 

Car and Driver pose many great reasons for selecting the Ioniq 6 as the year’s top EV contender. Do you think that it is as star-studded as they do, or are some of the competing models more your type? Tesla vehicles always have a sense of clout, but are pricier. Let us know what you think in the comments below, or check out another article about the Ioniq 5.