Is the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 a Better Value Than a Tesla Model 3 After Its Price Cut?

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has received a significant price reduction of up to $4,100, making Hyundai's award-winning electric sedan a more compelling value proposition in the competitive EV market. This strategic move enhances the Ioniq 6's position against rivals like the Tesla Model 3, offering a blend of exceptional driving range, advanced standard safety features, and a sleek design at a more accessible price point. For 2024, the vehicle remains unchanged mechanically, focusing on delivering the same praised performance with improved affordability.

What Are the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6's Trim Levels and Powertrain Options?

The Ioniq 6 is available in three primary trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. The entry point is the SE Standard Range, which features a 53-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack and a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 149 horsepower. For most buyers, the models equipped with the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack will be the focus. These are available with a single 225-horsepower rear-mounted motor for rear-wheel drive (RWD). An all-wheel drive (AWD) option adds a front motor, boosting total system output to 320 horsepower. It's important to note that AWD is an additional $3,500 on all trims except the SE Standard Range, which is RWD only.

How Much Range Does the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Get?

The EPA-estimated range of the Ioniq 6 is highly dependent on the battery pack, drivetrain, and most notably, the wheel size. The SE Standard Range model is rated for 240 miles. The efficiency of the long-range models showcases the impact of accessories; the RWD model with the 77.4-kWh battery and efficient 18-inch wheels achieves an impressive 361 miles of range. However, opting for the SEL or Limited trims with their standard 20-inch wheels reduces the range due to increased weight and rolling resistance. Based on our assessment experience, real-world range will vary with driving style, weather, and terrain.

What Safety Features Come Standard on the Ioniq 6?

Every 2024 Ioniq 6 comes with Hyundai's Standard Safety Shield suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This comprehensive package includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Includes automatic emergency braking and can even detect pedestrians and cyclists during left-hand turns.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Monitors the vehicle's blind spots and can provide steering intervention if a lane change is attempted while a vehicle is detected.
• Lane Following Assist: Actively centers the vehicle in its lane.
• Highway Driving Assist: Combines adaptive cruise control with Lane Following Assist for semi-autonomous driving on highways.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Alerts and can brake if reversing into the path of an approaching vehicle.

Higher trims add more capabilities. The SEL trim enhances the system with Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects a camera feed of your blind spot into the instrument cluster when you use the turn signal, and Highway Driving Assist II, which can make automatic lane changes. The Limited trim adds a surround-view monitor for low-speed maneuvering and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Which 2024 Ioniq 6 Trim Offers the Best Value?

Determining the "best" trim is subjective and depends on your priorities for range, features, and budget.

• For Maximum Range on a Budget: The Ioniq 6 SE Long Range RWD is the standout choice. Starting at $43,565, it delivers the headline-grabbing 361-mile range and includes the essential safety features and a solid set of comfort amenities.
• For a Balance of Luxury and Tech: The SEL trim is a strong contender. While its 20-inch wheels reduce the range to 305 miles (RWD), it adds significant comfort and technology features, including the enhanced blind-spot monitor and automated lane change, for a price of $46,365.
• For the Top-Tier Experience: The Limited trim offers the most premium experience with leather seating, a premium audio system, and the full array of parking assistance cameras, starting at $51,265.

The 2024 price cut makes the Ioniq 6 an even smarter buy. The key takeaway is that the SE Long Range RWD model presents an exceptional value, combining industry-leading range with a competitive price. When configuring your vehicle, remember that selecting larger wheels will noticeably impact your maximum driving range.