We spent a full day range‑testing the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Long Range (RWD, 18-inch wheels) in mixed conditions to see how far it really goes beyond the lab cycle. With measured energy use, controlled loops, and a DC fast‑charge session, this test focuses on practical outcomes buyers can expect in everyday driving.
The Ioniq 6 SE Long Range uses a 77.4 kWh battery (about 73–74 kWh usable) feeding a single rear motor rated at 168 kW (225 hp) and 258 lb‑ft. EPA range is 361 miles on 18-inch wheels. On the charging front, its 800V architecture supports up to ~235 kW DC fast charging and an ~10.9 kW onboard AC charger. Our car rode on 225/55R18 all‑season tires at 42 psi cold.
Conditions: 62–68°F ambient, light wind (5–8 mph), dry roads, two occupants (approx. 340 lb combined) plus ~50 lb gear. HVAC set to Auto 70°F, fan mid, seat heaters off. We ran four routes: an urban stop‑and‑go loop (25–45 mph), a bidirectional freeway loop at a GPS‑verified 70 mph, a mixed suburban/rural loop (35–60 mph with traffic), and a mountain segment with ~3,000 ft cumulative climb and descent.
We targeted 100% to ~10% state of charge (SOC) per loop and extrapolated to full‑to‑empty using logged kWh. City loop: The trip computer reported 5.5 mi/kWh; our back‑calculated figure from kWh used matched within 2%. Extrapolated using 73.5 kWh usable, the urban full‑to‑empty range pencils to ~405 miles. Low-speed aero drag and frequent regen (i‑Pedal mode) favored efficiency; the brake pedal remained mostly untouched, and stop‑start smoothness was excellent.
Cabin noise was low, and climate control impact at these temps was minimal. Highway: At a steady GPS 70 mph on an out‑and‑back to neutralize wind/grade, we averaged 4.0 mi/kWh, yielding an estimated ~295 miles per full charge. At 75 mph, consumption increased to 3.7 mi/kWh (~272 miles). The car tracks straight, and lane centering reduced fatigue but occasionally hugged lane edges in construction zones.
Crosswinds nudged consumption by roughly 3–4%; holding 65 mph instead of 75 mph netted about a 10–12% range gain. Mixed and hills: Our mixed route returned 4.6 mi/kWh (~338 miles). The mountain segment netted 4.1 mi/kWh (~301 miles) over the full climb/descent, with regen recovering 7–9% SOC on the way down. Thermal management kept power consistent; no noticeable power derate appeared on long grades.
We also tested charging: arriving at 10% SOC with battery preconditioned, a 350 kW charger delivered 10–80% in 19 minutes, adding ~50 kWh (avg ~158 kW), peaking near 228 kW before taper. AC charging at 240V/48A showed ~10.2–10.6 kW, projecting roughly 7 hours from 10–100%. Takeaways: The Ioniq 6 comfortably exceeds 400 miles in city use, delivers ~295 miles at a true 70 mph cruise, and lands ~300–340 miles in typical mixed driving—credible, repeatable numbers for shoppers. To maximize range, stick with the 18-inch wheels, moderate freeway speeds, and enable preconditioning before fast charging.
Cold weather, headwinds, and larger wheels will reduce these figures, but the car’s efficiency, fast charging, and calm road manners make it an excellent long‑distance EV choice.