2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6: I Am Confident This Trim Has The Best Value

This week I test-drove the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV and in the upcoming days hope to publish here at Torque News a series of news opinions about my impressions of this vehicle ahead of my final review. However, in this article, I want to discuss which of the four trims that Hyundai offers in the 2023 Ioniq has the best value. In fact, Torque News automotive reporter John Goreham has already reviewed the 2023 Ioniq 6 here.

Hyundai has taken a bold step in the world of electric vehicles with the introduction of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6. This sleek and stylish sedan aims to compete head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3, offering a combination of performance, range, and technology. As a testament to its impressive attributes, the Ioniq 6 was crowned the EV of the Year for 2023, impressing automotive enthusiasts and experts alike with its unique blend of style and substance. Also, you can compare the Ioniq 6 with the Nissan Ariya.

Let's take a look at each trim level and help you decide which one offers the best value.

SE Standard Range

The SE Standard Range is the base trim level of the Ioniq 6. It's powered by a rear-wheel-drive single-motor setup that produces 149 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. This is enough power to get you from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is pretty quick for a base-model electric sedan. The SE Standard Range also has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles, which is more than enough for most people's daily commutes.

The SE Standard Range is well-equipped, even for a base model. It comes standard with features like LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The SE Standard Range starts at $42,715, which is a pretty good value for what you get. However, if you want more range or power, you'll need to step up to a higher trim level.

SE Long Range

The SE Long Range is the next trim level up from the SE Standard Range. It gets a bigger battery pack that gives it an EPA-estimated range of 361 miles. It also gets a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that produces 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This trim level can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is pretty quick for an electric sedan.

The SE Long Range comes standard with all of the features that are on the SE Standard Range, plus a few extras like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a Bose sound system.

The SE Long Range starts at $46,615, which is a bit more expensive than the SE Standard Range. However, if you want more range and power, it's worth the extra money.

SEL

The SEL is the third trim level of the Ioniq 6. It comes standard with all of the features that are on the SE Long Range, plus a few extras like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a blind spot monitoring system.

The SEL starts at $48,815, which is a bit more expensive than the SE Long Range. However, if you want all the latest features and technology, it's worth the extra money.

Limited

The Limited is the top-of-the-line trim level of the Ioniq 6. It comes standard with all of the features that are on the SEL, plus a few extras like a Nappa leather interior, a heated steering wheel, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The Limited starts at $53,715, which is a bit more expensive than the SEL. However, if you want the best of the best, it's worth the extra money.

Which Trim Level Is Right for You?

So, which trim level of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is right for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for an affordable electric sedan with good range and performance, the SE Standard Range is a great option. If you want more range and power, the SE Long Range is the way to go. And if you want all the latest features and technology, the SEL or Limited are the best choices.

I asked an opinion on which Ioniq 6 trim to buy in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Owners group on Facebook and among other answers received the following interesting reply from an Ioniq 6 owner Mark Hedeman.

I wanted an SE RWD for the long range (361 claimed), but they don’t stock rwd here and I would have had to order and wait. I got an AWD SE rated at 316, but the way I drive (and in ideal weather) I’m getting the equivalent of 400 miles (244 after 60% battery use), so I couldn’t be happier. I know it will go down in winter, but I am getting 5.6 or 5.7 kWh per charge and at 2600 miles the lifetime is 5.3.

Most people in these groups are getting SEL or Limited with 20” wheels and some have swapped for after market 18.” It’s a mystery why Hyundai decided to not offer the best fuel economy at higher trim levels, but I’m happy with what’s on the SE. You might want to consider the features you can’t get, but I’m always going to choose the max range option.

As I am reviewing the SE Long Range RWD, I think among its four trims, the SE Long Range stands out as the best value option, delivering an extraordinary driving range and impressive horsepower at a competitive price. Hyundai's Ioniq subbrand has certainly made its mark, and the Ioniq 6 is undoubtedly a remarkable addition to the world of electric vehicles.

At the end of the day, the best way to decide which trim level is right for you is to test drive a few different ones and see which one you like the best.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.