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    Talking Cars 407: Driving the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

    Plus, we delve into whether a tire-sealant kit is an acceptable alternative to a dedicated spare tire

    Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first driving impressions of the all-new, all-electric 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6. It’s based on the same mechanicals as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60—which we’ve already tested—but the Ioniq 6 is a swoopy four-door sedan.

    Our panelists discuss the Ioniq 6’s EV tech, such as its driving range and charging capabilities, along with its acceleration, handling, ride, cabin comfort, and usability of the controls. We also provide some insights into how we think it will stack up against competitors such as the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3

    And although styling isn’t something we rate at Consumer Reports, we had to address the Ioniq 6’s polarizing design. Hint: One of us compares it to an Infiniti from the 1990s. Can you guess which model?

    We wrap up our discussion by choosing which we’d pick for ourselves: the more practical Ioniq 5 or the sleeker Ioniq 6. (Read our Ioniq 6 first drive review.)

    Audience question: 
    I’ve noticed that some of the new cars I’ve been looking at provide a flat-tire repair kit instead of an actual spare tire. Do you think it’s wise for people to be driving around without a spare tire?

    Talking Cars 407 panel
    "Talking Cars" panelists (from left) Gabe Shenhar, Jon Linkov, and Mike Monticello.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    As with other “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

    Have a Question?

    We’d love to include it in a future show. Upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our TalkingCars@icloud.com account.

    Talking Cars Archive

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Mike Monticello

    Mike Monticello is the manager of road tests and reviews for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2016. Mike has been evaluating and writing about cars for nearly 25 years, having previously worked at Road & Track magazine and Edmunds.com. On the weekends, he usually switches from four wheels to two, riding one of his mountain bikes or motorcycles. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMonticello.