I’m Considering an Ioniq 6 Limited, But Reddit Has Me Worried About the Bose Sound System, Here’s What I Discovered

Is the Bose sound system in the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited a dealbreaker or is it just misunderstood? Find out what real owners are saying and share your own experience.

While strolling through the "Hyundai Ioniq 6" Facebook group this evening, I came across an interesting post by Paul Robertson. Paul is considering purchasing a Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited but is feeling unsure about the Bose sound system after seeing mixed opinions on Reddit. He explains:

"I'm considering an Ioniq 6 Limited but feel unsure about the Bose sound system after seeing mixed opinions on Reddit. Some say it's awful, others say an update improved it, and some never had an issue. I'm not an audiophile, but I love the system in my current car and dislike the one in my non-JBL RAV4. Since I was only able to test drive an SEL with the base six-speaker setup, I need reassurance before making the switch."

Paul’s concerns aren’t unique. Many car buyers prioritize sound quality in their vehicle purchase decisions. After all, whether you're commuting or taking a road trip, a good sound system can elevate the driving experience. But is the Bose system in the Ioniq 6 Limited as disappointing as some claim, or is it just a matter of expectations? To get a clearer picture, I examined feedback from actual owners.

The Verdict from Ioniq 6 Owners

Some people left comments under Paul’s post, offering diverse perspectives on the Bose system in the Ioniq 6.

The Audiophile’s Disappointment

Martian Brooks, a former recording engineer, didn’t mince words:

"As a former recording engineer, I believe the Bose sound system in the Ioniq 6 is completely subpar. Hyundai should be embarrassed to have included such a system in a car of this price class, it always sounds distorted to me, and despite the tweeters in the upper frame, it lacks high-end frequency response. There are far better sound systems in other cars of its class. I'm surprised by how poor it sounds because I’ve heard other Bose systems that, while inaccurate, are at least pleasant enough. Adjusting the EQ helps only slightly, and to make matters worse, the EQ interface displays a five-band equalizer yet only offers three bands of adjustment. Had I known how bad the sound system was beforehand; I probably wouldn’t have purchased the car. That said, the source does make a difference, music stored on your phone at a high bitrate sounds far better than FM radio or SiriusXM. However, my $100 earbuds plugged into my smartphone sound exponentially better than the car’s audio system. I wish it were easier to replace the components, but since the head unit can’t be swapped out, I’m unsure if upgrading the power amp (located under the rear seat) or speakers would be worth the effort. Replacing the speakers would be a major undertaking, and I’m not sure who I’d even trust to do the job. Additionally, given the Ioniq 6’s frequent 12V battery issues, I’d be hesitant to install anything that consumes more power."

The Music Producer’s Perspective

David M. Eyrie, a musician and music producer, provided a contrasting view:

"As a sometime music producer and musician, I must say the criticism is likely down to the flatter frequency response of this system, something I'm used to as it is something studio monitors aspire to. Trouble is most commercial sound systems have frequencies boosted here and there. You can use the EQ to do that and get in the same ballpark. Distortion-wise, it doesn't seem any worse than most car systems."

These two perspectives highlight a crucial point, expectations matter. Someone accustomed to high-end sound systems may find the Ioniq 6’s Bose system lacking, while an average listener might find it perfectly fine.

How Does It Compare to Competitors?

The Ioniq 6 Limited’s sound system competes with those in similar EVs like the Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model 3, and Polestar 2.

Read more about the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited LR AWD to understand how it stacks up in the right environment.

For a detailed comparison, check out Nissan Ariya vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6 and see which one suits your needs best.

Potential Solutions for Dissatisfied Owners

If you buy an Ioniq 6 Limited and find the Bose system lacking, there are some potential solutions:

• Adjust the EQ settings: Many owners say tweaking the settings can significantly improve sound quality.

• Use high-bitrate audio sources: Streaming services with lossless quality or downloaded high-bitrate files may enhance performance.

• Consider aftermarket upgrades: While complicated, replacing speakers or amplifiers may be an option.

The Moral of the Story

Car audio is subjective. Some people expect deep bass and bright highs, while others prefer a neutral, balanced sound. The best way to know if the Ioniq 6’s Bose system meets your expectations is to test it with your favorite music before purchasing. And if you’re coming from a vehicle with a premium sound system, be prepared for some trade-offs.

For more insight, check out this review on how the Ioniq 6 compares to the Tesla Model 3.

Be aware of potential software issues like this recall patch that affected range.

You might also want to read about annoying dialog box issues while charging.

For those considering alternatives, see how the Ioniq 5 N stacks up as a 4-door sports car.

Check out why the 2023 Ioniq 6 reset the EV sedan bar.

Finally, if you own an Ioniq, get the ICCU recall work done as soon as possible.

What Do You Think?

1. Have you experienced the Bose sound system in the Ioniq 6? If so, do you find it satisfactory or underwhelming?

2. Would you be willing to upgrade your car’s audio system if you weren’t happy with it, or is that a deal-breaker for you?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.