In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles, where style is as critical as range, Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Launched in 2022 as a sleek, futuristic sedan, it promised to redefine EV design with its aerodynamic curves and retro-modern flair. But three years later, the question on everyone’s lips is: Is it us, or is the Ioniq 6 getting uglier by the minute? Spoiler: it’s not just us. This car’s design isn’t just polarizing—it’s aging faster than a meme coin in a crypto crash.
A Bold Swing That Missed the Mark
Hyundai billed the Ioniq 6 as a daring departure from the norm, a “streamliner” that blends retro cues with sci-fi ambition. On paper, it’s a vibe: a low-slung silhouette, pixelated LED headlights, and a ducktail spoiler that screams “look at me.” But in the harsh light of reality, the Ioniq 6 looks less like a visionary EV and more like a design experiment gone rogue. The front end is a featureless void, as if the car forgot to emote. Those pixelated lights? They’re giving budget arcade vibes, not high-tech chic. And the rear? That spoiler and those taillights look like they were ripped from a 1980s sci-fi flick—think Tron, but with less charm.
The proportions are where things really unravel. The elongated roofline aims for aerodynamic glory but ends up shouting “cramped rear headroom” and “stretched Prius cosplay.” Chrome accents and fussy creases clutter the body, making it feel like Hyundai couldn’t decide between Porsche Taycan elegance and quirky Kia Soul energy. The result? A car that tries to be everything and ends up being… well, a lot.
Aging Like Milk in the sun
Here’s the real tragedy: the Ioniq 6 is barely three years old, yet it’s aging like a smartphone from the flip-phone era. While its sibling, the Ioniq 5, continues to charm with its retro-cool boxiness, the Ioniq 6 is already looking like it belongs in a “What Were They Thinking?” time capsule. Most new cars enjoy a grace period where their design feels fresh, even timeless. Not this one. The Ioniq 6’s quirky styling is fading faster than skinny jeans in 2025, and its attempt to stand out feels more like a cry for help.
Compare it to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2, which have designs that feel cohesive and enduring. The Ioniq 6, by contrast, is a mishmash of ideas that don’t quite gel. Those swoopy lines and retro-futuristic details might’ve turned heads at its debut, but now they’re turning stomachs. The interior, with its dual 12.3-inch screens and minimalist layout, tries to redeem the package, but it’s like putting a gourmet meal on a paper plate—it can’t distract from the exterior’s sins.
The Internet’s Verdict: Ouch
A quick dive into X reveals the Ioniq 6’s design is a hot topic—and not in a good way. One user quipped, “The Ioniq 6 looks like a Tesla had a midlife crisis and decided to wear bell-bottoms.” Another called it “the automotive equivalent of a mullet: business in the front, bad party in the back.” Even professional reviews tread lightly, with outlets like Car and Driver calling the design “polarizing” and MotorTrend diplomatically labeling it “an acquired taste.” Translation: they’re trying not to say it’s ugly.
Fans of the Ioniq 6 praise its 361-mile range, fast charging, and smooth ride, but even they admit the styling is a hurdle. Web searches turn up forums where EV enthusiasts debate whether the Ioniq 6’s looks are “boldly unique” or “just plain weird.” The consensus leans toward the latter, with one Redditor summing it up: “It’s like Hyundai saw the Ioniq 5’s success and said, ‘Hold my beer, let’s get extra.’”
Hyundai’s Missed Opportunity
Here’s the real sting: Hyundai knows how to nail design. The Ioniq 5 is proof—a boxy, retro-futuristic gem that’s still turning heads years after its debut. So how did the Ioniq 6 go so wrong? It’s as if Hyundai aimed for a home run but swung at a piñata instead. The tech is solid—361 miles of range, 320 horsepower in the dual-motor version, and 18-minute fast charging—but it’s wrapped in a package that’s harder to love than a software update that bricks your phone.
In the crowded EV market, where standing out is everything, the Ioniq 6’s design feels like a misstep. It’s not just that it’s unattractive; it’s that it’s aging so poorly it’s practically collecting dust on dealer lots. Hyundai, take note: the Ioniq 6 needs a refresh, stat. Ditch the arcade taillights, rethink that squinting front end, and give us a sedan that looks as good as it drives. Until then, we’ll be over here, trying to unsee that spoiler.
Final Verdict: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 isn’t just a design misfire—it’s a cautionary tale about trying too hard. Here’s hoping Hyundai’s next EV learns from this electric eyesore.
Do you agree or disagree with our take?