Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup has once again made waves in the automotive industry, as the IONIQ 6 takes the crown as Car and Driver’s “2023 EV of the Year.”
The IONIQ 6’s exceptional design and outstanding performance set it apart from the competition, solidifying Hyundai’s position as a leader in the EV market.
Power, Range, Charging Speed, and Pricing propel IONIQ 6 to victory
The IONIQ 6, with its sleek and captivating appearance, exudes a level of sophistication that is distinctive for Hyundai vehicles.
However, Car and Driver recognized not only its eye-catching aesthetics but also its remarkable capabilities.
Car and Driver’s evaluation of the IONIQ 6 focused on four key areas: value, mission fulfillment, technology advancement, and fun-to-drive factor.
Hyundai’s electric sedan excelled in all these aspects, impressing the judges with its power, range, charging speed, and pricing.
Below are the Hyundai IONIQ 6’s C/D test results:
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 | Results |
| 60 mph | 4.3 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 13.1 sec @ 104 mph |
| Braking 70–0 mph | 182 ft |
| Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad | 0.86 g |
| Highway Range | 270 mi |
Car and Driver’s editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga highlighted the IONIQ 6’s power and range, stating that it competes directly with Tesla.
The vehicle’s 800-volt architecture also reduces charging times, enhancing the overall ownership experience. Above all, the IONIQ 6 stands out as a car that excites and delights its drivers.
While the starting price of the IONIQ 6 is $41,600, positioning it within the average range for new cars, its value proposition is notable.
However, it is worth mentioning that, unlike some Tesla models that qualify for the full $7,500 US EV tax credit, Hyundai EVs do not benefit from the same incentive.
This achievement follows the success of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, which secured the “2022 EV of the Year” title from the same publication.
“Securing two consecutive Car and Driver EV of the Year awards is a tremendous accomplishment.
This prestigious award acknowledges the remarkable efforts required to develop groundbreaking EVs like the IONIQ 6 that deliver industry-leading aerodynamics, charging speed, innovative features, and driving range. This recognition further bolsters our pursuit of global electrification leadership and provider of smart mobility solutions.”
José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor North America President and CEO
Other notable EV contenders fall short as IONIQ 6 takes the crown
Competing against other prominent electric vehicles, the IONIQ 6 emerged victorious in Car and Driver’s three-week rigorous testing process.
The contenders included Audi, BMW, Cadillac, GMC, Genesis, Kia, Lexus, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, and VinFast models. These models are the following:
- Audi Q4 E-tron
- BMW i7
- Cadillac Lyric AWD
- GMC Hummer EV SUV
- Genesis Electrified GV70
- Kia EV6 GT
- Kia Niro EV
- Lexus RZ450e
- Lucid Air Pure
- Mercedes-Benz EQE350
- Nissan Ariya e-4orce
- Toyota bZ4X AWD
- VinFast VF8
Hyundai indicated that the thorough evaluation involved “instrumented testing, subjective evaluation, and side-by-side comparison in both practicality and entertainment value.”
Hyundai-Kia-Genesis group leads the way in mainstream EV market
Car and Driver’s recognition of the Hyundai IONIQ 6 extends beyond its aesthetics and performance. It signifies the broader success of the Hyundai-Kia-Genesis group in the EV market, with the Genesis Electrified GV70 and the Kia EV6 GT also earning praise.
In addition, this achievement further establishes the group as a frontrunner in the EV space, catering to a wide range of consumers with compelling electric vehicle offerings.
Car and Driver also lauded Hyundai’s decision to introduce a dedicated electric sedan, highlighting the IONIQ 6’s distinction in a market often dominated by mid-size crossovers.
See Also:
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 dominates the 2023 World Car Awards, winning 3 top honors
- EPA has given the Hyundai Ioniq 6 outstanding range scores
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 got historic high 37,445 in first-day presales
- Ioniq 6 expanded Hyundai US BEV sales in April 2023
- S sales for Hyundai Ioniq 5 jumped 56% in January 2023
With the Hyundai IONIQ 6 securing the title of “2023 EV of the Year,” Hyundai reinforces its commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation.
The accolade not only recognizes the exceptional qualities of the IONIQ 6 but also signifies Hyundai’s dedication to providing consumers with attractive, practical, and high-performing electric vehicles.
As the automotive industry increasingly embraces the electric future, Hyundai’s remarkable EV lineup continues to stand out as a frontrunner, setting new standards for excellence in the field of sustainable mobility.
