The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the best-selling Hyundai electric car while the Kia EV6 is the best-selling Kia electric car which means that these two are at the forefront of the industry looking toward a brighter and decarbonized future. In this article, we are going to compare the Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 and tell you all you need to know about them.
By the end of this article, you will have a broad understanding of what you get with each of them and why you should go for one over the other. We do need to mention that these two share many parts with each other as they are part of the same group. Both are based on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modula Platform (E-GMP).
As such, we are going to focus mostly on the differences between the two, but will also cover all the necessary specifications. For the US market, the EV6 is slightly cheaper than the Ioniq 5, but the Ioniq 5 comes with more features from the factory which even out the playing field by quite a bit.
All in all, we will tell you all you need to know about the batteries, the electric motors, the technology, range, reliability, pricing, design, and practicality in this very article. So, stick around if you are in the market for any of these.
The Powertrain
Both the Ioniq 5 and the EV6 are being offered with either FWD or AWD configurations. Base models come with 167hp, mid-spec models offer 225hp, while top-end dual-motor variants offer 320hp with AWD as standard. However, the EV6 has the upper edge here because it is also available in its EV6 GT form which offers 576hp and is by far the most powerful model of the two.
When it comes to battery size, both the Ioniq 5 and the EV6 come with smaller 55kWh batteries and larger 77kWh batteries and both come with an onboard 11kW charger. You can expect to recharge both battery sizes with this charger between 6-8 hours. However, if you are able to find a 350kW DC fast charger, both batteries can be replenished in less than 20 minutes.
The EV6 has a higher estimated range across the board, but the differences are minimal. As such, you can expect around 232 miles for the standard EV6 and 220 miles for the Ioniq 5. The long-range Ioniq 5 can do 305 miles while the long-range EV6 can do up to 310 miles.
The Design and Driving
As far as the exterior design is concerned, the Ioniq 5 looks like a retro-future car from the 70s which is an acquired taste for many, but no one can say that the Ioniq 5 does not look authentic and cool. The EV6 on the other hand is sleeker and more sporty-looking which tends to be a plus for most drivers these days. The Ioniq 5 feels airier inside and does not come with a center console while the EV6 feels hunkered down and does come with a floating center console.
When it comes to driving, the EV6 feels like a more purpose-built model as it is both faster and handles better. On the other hand, the Ioniq 5 feels more polished in a way that feels more comfortable and relaxing. The Kia is likely to be more popular with younger drivers wanting more dynamics and agility while the Ioniq 5 is a more chilled-down cruise-like experience.
Technology and Space
As far as technology and special features are concerned, we do need to mention that both models come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that houses both the driver’s display and the center display. Both are almost identical when it comes to features except for a few small ones. The Ioniq 5 comes with a small magnetic board on which you can post things like on a refrigerator.
The Kia EV6 does come with more features at a lower price than the Ioniq 5. This means that you can get more out of your money with the EV6 if you are going for higher-end models. The Ioniq 5 offers 4-inches more within its wheelbase which means more legroom both front and back with the addition of more head and shoulder room as well. The Ioniq 5 also offers three more cubic feet in its trunk and trunk.
Pricing
As far as pricing is concerned, the Kia EV6 is slightly cheaper with bare equipment but is more expensive at the top end. With three standard trims across the board, pricing is almost identical with prices ranging between $41,000 and $53,000, except for the EV6 GT which should cost a lot more.
Verdict
If you are more into buying a family car, a car that is going to prioritize space, comfort, quietness, ease of use, and practicality, the Ioniq 5 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you like sports-influenced design, a more focused driving experience, and slightly better efficiency, the Kia EV6 is the one to go.
Read about more reasons to buy an Ioniq 5.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 safer than the Kia EV6?
As far as safety is concerned, there is very little to separate the two as both come with all you’d expect from a 2022 EV. This includes AEB, blind spot warning, parking sensors front to back, driver attention monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a whole load of airbags.
How long is the wait list for the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
If you are interested in buying the Hyundai Ioniq 5, be prepared to wait at least 6-18 months before getting one as these cars are in high demand all across the world and the current microchip shortage and supply chain issues certainly aren’t helping.
How long is the wait list for the Kia EV6?
It seems like you can get the Kia EV6 a bit earlier than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but this is prone to changing all the time. As such, you can expect to wait at least 6-12 months for one, but that is likely to change in the coming months as it usually does.