The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is shaping up to be a really popular car because it looks really cool and it offers lots of range without costing a ton of money. Such a striking design language can’t often be seen on cars that come with such an affordable price tag which is sure to attract buyers from all price groups. However, the Ioniq 6 is not the only car in this segment that can offer you a lot.
As such, we are going to mention cars similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and tell you what you can expect from each. The Tesla Model 3 is its natural rival as it is likely the most popular relatively affordable electric four-door sedan. The Polestar 2 is also often pitched against the Ioniq 6 and these three electric sedans are all relatively similar.
We also need to mention the recently revealed Volkswagen ID. Aero which is basically VWs take on what a family electric sedan of the future is supposed to look like. There are some more expensive electric sedans out there such as the Mercedes EQE or the Audi e-Tron, but these are luxury EVs while the Ioniq 6 is not.
As such, we are going to go in-depth with all four of these and try to make you understand why one is better than the other. So, if you are in the market for a family electric sedan, you are likely going to enjoy this.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is likely going to start somewhere between $45,000 and $60,000 depending on the model, the trim level, and the powertrain. The Ioniq 6 is offered with two battery choices, a smaller 53kWh battery with 220 miles of range or the larger 77kWh battery with an estimated 320 miles of range. However, the most notable thing about the Ioniq 6 is its looks, its attractive price, and a fair bit of range.
Some people are not going to like the overly digitalized driver’s experience as it might not be easy to understand for everyone. The Ioniq 6 is also less practical compared to its cheaper brother, the Ioniq 5. Essentially, it is an Ioniq 5 wrapped into shiny paper with more style, and hopefully more substance.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 starts at around $48,000 while the top-spec Performance model starts at $65,000. You can buy the Model 3 with battery sizes ranging from 52kWh to 82kWh with the former having 200 miles of range while the latter larger battery model offers up to 310 miles of range, both of which are really similar to the Ioniq 6.
The Model 3 is the most fun to drive out of all of these, especially in its Performance trim. It is also one of the most technologically advanced cars here with superior autonomous driving technologies and the best factory infotainment system. The fit and finish could be better and the interior could be a bit more ordinary and fun.
Polestar 2
For $50,000 you can buy the entry-level Polestar 2 while top-spec models go for over $75,000 which makes the Polestar 2 the most expensive car here. This is understandable to some degree as the Polestar 2 uses the highest quality materials here and feels the most luxurious. With its 75kWh battery, the Polestar 2 can do 270 miles which is a really good result.
The Polestar 2 deals with bumps really well and has a really nice finish on the interior. The range could be a bit better and AWD is to be expected with such a high entry price. It is reasonable to expect that no other car here feels as luxurious as the Polestar 2, but many of them are better EVs.
Volkswagen ID. AERO
The last car we are going to mention here is the upcoming VW ID. Aero which might be the pick of the litter is everything VW says actually comes to fruition. For starters, the ID. Aero could easily start under $37,000 which would make it the cheapest car here. Top spec models could also start at around $50,000 which is also impressive.
With its 77kWh battery, VW says the ID. Aero can do 385 miles on a single charge which would make it the best car here. Space-wise, the ID. Aero could also steal the crown and be the most spacious out of all cars in its segment. Things are looking up for the ID. Aero, but we will have to wait and see how this plays out in a few months when the first test cars start hitting the roads.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 the best car in its segment?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 certainly is a really interesting car with many benefits to its name. For starters, the Ioniq 6 looks great inside and out and has lots of technology. However, the Model 3 Performance is likely to be the most popular car in this segment for a while and it is also the most fun to drive with the best handling.
The VW ID. Aero is the cheapest car here and hopefully the one with the best range. The Polestar 2 is likely the most luxurious car which means that all four of these cars are amazing and choosing one to take the crown is impossible.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a luxury car?
At first glance, the Ioniq 6 might look like a true luxury car which is a really good thing, but in reality, it can’t really touch “true” luxury EVs. This is apparent the moment you take a look at its price and the fact that Hyundai is not really a luxury car brand.
When can I buy the Hyundai Ioniq 6?
Hyundai says that you can order your Ioniq 6 starting in November of 2022 while the very first cars should roll out sometime in early 2023. It is not yet clear how long the waiting lists are going to be, but it is reasonable to expect that one should wait 6 months for an Ioniq 6 if the Ioniq 5 delivery times are anything to go by.
