We spent a full day range‑testing the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE RWD (77.4 kWh pack) in mild spring weather, running controlled city, mixed suburban, and steady 70‑mph highway loops. The goal: translate the EPA number into actionable miles for commuters and road‑trippers, with clear methodology and repeatable results.
Test car: Ioniq 6 SE RWD on 18‑inch aero wheels, single‑motor 225 hp/258 lb‑ft, heat pump, and EPA rating of 361 miles. Curb weight is just over two tons, and aerodynamics are a standout (Cd ~0.22). We ran tires at 42 psi cold. The E‑GMP 800‑V platform supports up to 235 kW DC fast charging; we logged charge curves post‑run to assess trip viability.
Protocol and conditions: Start at 100% SoC, preconditioned overnight. Ambient 57–68°F, light wind (5–8 mph). HVAC set to 70°F Auto, driver plus passenger and gear totaling ~360 lb. We used an OBD logger and GPS for consumption; trip computer proved accurate within 1–2%.
Three loops: (1) urban 25–40 mph with frequent stops, (2) suburban mixed at posted limits up to 55 mph, and (3) a 70‑mph highway out‑and‑back to cancel wind/grade. Highway, 70 mph: From 100% to 1% SoC, the Ioniq 6 covered 289 miles at an indicated 257 Wh/mi (3.9 mi/kWh). Net energy drawn calculates to ~74.4 kWh, aligning with a ~74 kWh usable window. Cruise control and lane centering kept speed discipline, and the car’s low drag helped stability in mild crosswinds.
Noise levels stay low; HVAC load at these temps was modest. Expect roughly 290 miles at a true 70 mph in similar conditions. Suburban and city: On the mixed suburban loop we ran 90% to 10% SoC, logging 268 miles on 59.4 kWh used (4.5 mi/kWh), extrapolating to ~333 miles full‑to‑empty. The city loop, sampled from 70% to 20% SoC, returned 5.1 mi/kWh with heavy regen and gentle accelerations; scaled to full, that’s ~378 miles.
The trip estimator grew more accurate after 15–20 miles, and Eco climate with seat heaters minimized compressor spikes during low‑speed operation. Cold/wet sensitivity and charging: A shorter highway repeat at 38°F with light rain (HVAC 72°F, seat heat level 2) produced 3.4 mi/kWh, extrapolating to ~250 miles at 70 mph—about a 13–15% hit from temperature/aero drag and wet pavement. After the warm‑weather highway run, we arrived at a 350‑kW charger with 5% SoC; with battery conditioning active, we peaked at 228 kW and recorded 10–80% in 19 minutes, with 80–90% taking an additional 8 minutes. Takeaways: The Ioniq 6 meets or exceeds its reputation in real use.
Plan on ~290 miles at a steady 70 mph in mild weather, ~330–350 miles in mixed/city driving, and ~250 miles in cold rain at highway speeds. Keep speeds to 65–68 mph, use Eco climate and seat heaters, and stick with the 18‑inch wheels to maximize range. For long trips, its ultrafast charging meaningfully shortens stops, making this a confident road‑trip EV.
