Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in the last half-decade or so, and while Tesla remains the biggest name in the space, it’s far from the only option. In fact, some of today’s best all-electric daily drivers aren’t sporting a Tesla badge. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just looking for something practical and affordable, the right EV can check all the boxes, and you might find that the perfect one doesn’t come from Elon.
The challenge for buyers today isn’t just finding an EV anymore, it’s finding the right EV and choosing from a seemingly ever-growing list of options. From range to comfort to tech, the newest EVs are proving that you don’t have to spend luxury money to get a solid all-around electric car. One such model from Hyundai is especially worth a closer look. It costs less than any Tesla currently on sale and still delivers the kind of features and everyday practicality that make it perfect for daily driving.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including fueleconomy.gov.
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The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Is The Perfect Non-Tesla EV For Everyday Driving
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 lineup starts at $37,850 for the SE Standard Range trim, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. The SE trim with the extended battery begins at $42,800, while the SEL starts at $45,600. At the top of the range, the Limited trim costs $51,100 and comes loaded with all sorts of creature comforts and amenities. With the Tesla Model 3 starting at $42,490 for the most affordable trim, you’ll save over $4,500 opting for the Ioniq 6.
Pricing Breakdown
|
Trim Level |
Starting Price |
|
SE Standard Range |
$37,850 |
|
SE |
$42,800 |
|
SEL |
$45,600 |
|
Limited |
$51,100 |
The Ioniq 6 Has Plenty Of Tech And Comfort Features
Even in its base form, the Ioniq 6 delivers plenty of tech and other niceties. Every trim includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a matching 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A proximity key with push-button start comes standard, along with USB charging ports in both rows, solar front glass for added insulation, and a robust suite of driver-assistance systems.
At the other end of the Ioniq 6 spectrum, the top-spec Limited trim includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and H-Tex synthetic leather upholstery. There’s also a head-up display, ambient interior lighting, and a Bose premium audio system. Practical upgrades like wireless device charging and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability add convenience and utility, making the Ioniq 6 feel like a tech-savvy daily driver that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
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It Offers Up To 320 Horsepower And 342 Miles Of Range On A Single Charge
Performance Specifications
|
SE Standard Range |
SE, SEL, and Limited |
|
|
Motor |
Single electric motor |
Single or dual electric motors |
|
Horsepower |
149 HP |
225-320 HP |
|
Torque |
259 LB-FT |
258-446 LB-FT |
|
Battery Capacity |
53.0 kWh |
77.4 kWh |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
RWD or AWD |
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers a few different powertrains that each have their place in the lineup. The SE Standard Range comes with a single motor producing 149 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 53.0 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Stepping up to the SE, SEL, or Limited trims unlocks more power and flexibility.
These versions offer up to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. Even the single-motor models in these trims make a respectable 225 horsepower with the larger 77.4 kWh battery packs, giving drivers the choice between efficiency and performance.
Range, Efficiency, And Charging
|
SE Standard Range |
SE |
SEL and Limited |
|
|
Range |
240 Miles |
316-342 Miles |
270-291 Miles |
|
Fuel Economy (CMB) |
135 MPGe |
121-132 MPGe |
103-111 MPGe |
|
DC Fast Charging to 80% |
18 minutes |
18 minutes |
18 minutes |
Alongside its sleek design and solid performance, the Ioniq 6 is also impressively efficient. The SE Standard Range delivers 240 miles of range and up to 135 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). Opting for the larger battery in the higher trims bumps range to as high as 342 miles with up to 132 MPGe in the SE model.
The SEL and Limited trims offer slightly less range, between 270 and 291 miles, but maintain strong efficiency at up to 111 MPGe. All versions support DC fast charging, allowing a recharge from 10 to 80 percent in about 18 minutes at 235 kilowatts (kW), making long trips far more manageable with fewer stops at the charging stations.
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Specifications Comparison
|
Hyundai Ioniq 6 |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
Lucid Air |
|
|
Motor |
Single or dual electric motors |
Single or dual electric motors |
Single, dual, or triple electric motors |
|
Horsepower |
149-320 HP |
168-320 HP |
430-1,234 HP |
|
Torque |
258-446 LB-FT |
258-446 LB-FT |
406-1,430 LB-FT |
|
Battery Capacity |
53.0-77.4 kWh |
63.0-84.0 kWh |
84.0-118.0 kWh |
|
Driveline |
RWD or AWD |
RWD or AWD |
RWD or AWD |
|
Range |
240-342 Miles |
245-318 Miles |
406-512 Miles |
|
Fuel Economy |
103-135 MPGe |
98-115 MPGe |
105-146 MPGe |
|
Starting Price |
$37,850-$51,100 |
$42,600-$55,500 |
$69,900-$249,000 |
Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 5 share nearly identical powertrains and platforms, which means both offer similar performance, charging capability, and efficiency. However, the Ioniq 5, as a compact SUV, houses slightly larger battery packs and offers a roomier cabin with more cargo space. It also features an off-road-inspired XRT trim, giving it a unique angle among electric crossovers.
Where the Ioniq 6 pulls ahead is affordability. Its starting price undercuts the Ioniq 5 by nearly $5,000, which is a big deal for EV buyers on a budget. For those who prioritize comfort, style, and value in a sedan form, the Ioniq 6 makes a strong case. That said, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the top non-Teslas on the market, and it was our second choice.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs. Lucid Air
I’ll be honest, as much as I love the Ioniq 6, this comparison is a bit of a mismatch on paper. The Lucid Air is in an entirely different league than the Hyundai when it comes to performance, range, and luxury. With up to 1,234 horsepower and over 500 miles of range in the top trims, it’s easily one of the most impressive EVs ever built. Even the base model offers power and luxury that far surpasses what the Ioniq 6 can offer. But it doesn’t come cheap.
The most affordable trim, the Lucid Air Pure, is more than twice the price of the Ioniq 6 SE Standard Range, and the price of the Lucid just goes up and up from there. And while the Lucid might be a dream car, it’s not a realistic daily driver for most buyers, including myself. The Ioniq 6, by contrast, is affordable, efficient, and easy to live with. For running errands, going to work and back, and other typical daily driving needs, the Hyundai makes far more financial sense than the top-of-the-line Lucid Air.
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Does The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Makes A Good First EV?
Buying your first EV can feel like a big leap, especially if you’re used to gas-powered cars like the ones we’ve all grown up with. Things like range, charging speed, and access to home or public chargers suddenly become part of the decision-making process. You also need to think about long-term EV maintenance costs, driving habits, and how an EV fits into your daily routine. Fortunately, models like the Ioniq 6 are designed with accessibility and everyday use in mind.
As with any major purchase like this, another important factor is cost. First-time buyers are often cautious about how much to spend, especially if they’re not sure how well an EV will work for their lifestyle. That’s where the Ioniq 6 really shines, with its low starting price, solid driving range, and enough tech and comfort to feel like a modern upgrade, perfect for first-time EV buyers.
Why You Should Buy A Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 checks nearly every box that matters in a daily driver. It’s efficient, well-priced, comfortable, and comes packed with features. Whether you’re commuting to work or cruising to the golf course on the weekend, the cabin is quiet and comfortable, there’s plenty of tech to help along the way, and there’s enough range to keep charging stress to a minimum and avoid unnecessary range anxiety.
For anyone looking to make the switch to electric transportation, the Ioniq 6 offers a near-perfect balance of affordability and functionality. It may not be the flashiest EV on the road, but it might just be the most practical one that offers the best bang for your buck.
