Back in 2021, Hyundai came out with the Ioniq 5, and it is safe to say that the Ioniq 5 took the world by storm. All EV enthusiasts were quick to talk about how the Ioniq 5 looks and how it can steal lots of customers from the Tesla Model 3 camp. However, Hyundai wants the Ioniq series to be much larger, which is why they recently came out with the Ioniq 6.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 looks like a huge departure from the Ioniq 5 as it looks a lot sleeker and streamlined with not too many similarities between the two. That might be the case for most aspects of the Ioniq 6, but they still do share the same ethos when it comes to the interior, the powertrain, and the lighting systems.
The main differences between the Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6 are down to exterior design, aerodynamics, efficiency, driver assistance systems, and price. In this article, we are going to go in-depth with all of these differences and tell you all you need to know about the upcoming Ioniq 6.
All in all, these two aren’t as different as they may seem from the outside as most parts are shared between the two. In due time, we are also going to see the Ioniq 7 which is going to be a large luxury SUV with up to seven seats.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Design
Probably the most obvious difference between these two models is the design. The Ioniq 5 is something of a mixture between a hatchback, a crossover, and an SUV, but with a really long wheelbase which makes the Ioniq 5 look unique, both in regard to other Hyundai models and the rest of the car industry.
The Ioniq 6 is a sleek 4-door coupe with a boat-like rear end that aims to be as streamlined as possible. The Ioniq 5 is also characterized by strong creases and sharp corners while the Ioniq 6 is much softer in its design approach. The interior design is more or less identical, except for the cameras that replace the rearview mirrors with the Ioniq 6.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics has become a really popular aspect of the modern-day auto industry because a good aerodynamic profile leads to better efficiency, a quieter ride, and better performance. As such, the Ioniq 5 has a drag coefficient of 0.288 while the Ioniq 6 has a drag coefficient of 0.21 which is one of the best ratings in the car industry.
Only the Mercedes Benz EQS offers a better aerodynamic profile than the Ioniq 6 at an impressive 0.20.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Efficiency
Thanks to a better aerodynamic profile, a slightly larger top-end battery, optimized software, and next-generation semiconductors, the Ioniq 6 is going to offer a range of up to 380 miles which is in stark contrast to the 303 miles you get with the current Ioniq 5 Long Range model.
However, some say that the Ioniq 6 is going to be able to last even more than 380 miles, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Driver assistance systems
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is somewhat of a development continuation from the Ioniq 5 which means that it builds upon many learnings achieved with the Ioniq 5. Even though the Ioniq 5 gets loads of impressive assistance systems, the Ioniq 6 will offer even more.
For example, the Ioniq 6 is going to get advanced lane changing technologies, junction crossing technologies, and remote smart parking, all of which are unavailable with current Ioniq 5 models.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Price
The last differentiating factor between these two EVs is the price because the Ioniq 6 is likely going to cost between $3,000 and $5,000 more than the Ioniq 5. A fully equipped Ioniq 6 is going to cost up to $10,000 more than a fully-loaded Limited spec Ioniq 5.
Either way, we will have to wait and see as the Ioniq 5 is not yet available for purchase. However, many credible sources state that the Ioniq 6 is going to be more expensive than the Ioniq 5 and that the Ioniq 7 is going to be much more expensive than the Ioniq 6.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 better than the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
It depends on what type of car you like more. If you are mostly interested in practical, easy to live with, and easy-to-drive cars, the Ioniq 5 is likely going to be your pick. However, the Ioniq 6 does come with its fair share of benefits, some of which are substantial (range and efficiency).
We could also one day get a performance version of the Ioniq 6 that is going to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3 performance. As such, if you like sporty driving experiences, the Ioniq 6 is likely the one for you.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 more practical than the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
It is still unclear as to how practical the Ioniq 6 truly is as there are no customer cars out yet. However, judging by the design profile and how the Ioniq 6 manages available space, it’s safe to say that the Ioniq 5 is going to be the more practical one of the two.
The trunk space on the Ioniq 6 could prove to be more useful due to its design and because it goes deeper than the one found with the Ioniq 5.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a luxury car?
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not a luxury car as the luxury EV segment is characterized by much more expensive and faster cars. For example, if you want a 4-door sleek luxury EV sedan, you are likely going to have to go for the Audi E Tron GT or the Porsche Taycan, both of which cost a lot more money than the Ioniq 6.
