The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 epitomize affordable electric automobiles with unique aesthetics, spacious interiors, and a range of performance alternatives. They present a different challenge to the popular Tesla Model Y, with each offering an entry-level variant featuring a smaller 58-kwh battery pack, as well as high-performance options like the Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT.
Both vehicles are based on the same E-GMP platform, allowing the manufacturers to create these distinctive designs that are optimized for efficiency and space utilization, evident in every aspect.
Despite not being flawless, the Ioniq 5 and EV6 are part of a select group of intelligently designed electric vehicles that offer a comprehensive set of features. They are capacious, secure, comfortable cars with excellent performance and advanced technology. Continue reading to discover how they compare.
Kia EV6 GT-Line, red, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited
Comparison of Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 prices and features
The base model of the EV6 starts below $44,000
The high-performance EV6 GT currently has no equivalent in the Hyundai lineup
The warranty coverage is similar
Kia EV6 Pricing Details
Kia was formerly positioned as a more budget-friendly brand than Hyundai, but it now has a more premium image and is less focused on providing value for money.
The base Light variant of the EV6 is available only in select West Coast markets, starting at $43,925, inclusive of a $1,325 destination charge. The Light version features a 58-kwh battery pack with rear-wheel drive, offering a range of 232 miles, and includes a large 12.3-inch touchscreen system, as well as heated and cooled front seats. Throughout most of the country, shoppers will find the EV6 lineup consisting of Light, Wind, and GT-Line models with the larger 77.4-kwh battery pack, available in either rear-wheel drive with a range of 310 miles or all-wheel drive with up to 282 miles. The Light Long Range model with rear-wheel drive costs around $3,300 more than the base Light, with an additional $3,900 charge for adding a second motor for all-wheel drive on Light and Wind trims, increasing to $4,650 for the GT-Line. The breakdown is as follows:
- EV6 Light Long Range RWD: $47,275
- EV6 Light AWD: $51,175
- EV6 Wind RWD: $50,025
- EV6 Wind AWD: $53,975
- EV GT-Line RWD: $54,275
- EV GT-Line AWD: $58,925
Wind models come with heated and cooled front seats, a hands-free tailgate, and a wireless smartphone charger, among other features, while the GT-Line includes aero door handles, a sunroof, a head-up display, parking assistance, and an auto-lane-change function.
The high-performance GT AWD model boasts larger motors, adjustable dampers, a rear limited-slip differential, and 21-inch performance tires on alloy wheels, starting at $62,925.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Pricing Details
The Ioniq 5 is available in SE RWD Standard Range, SE, SEL, and Limited models. The base SE Standard Range, equipped with a 58-kwh battery pack and 220 miles of range, is priced at $43,175, including a $1,375 destination fee, and is solely rear-wheel drive. The larger battery pack allows for rear- or all-wheel drive variants of the Ioniq 5, offering a range of 303 miles or 260 miles, starting at $46,925 and $50,725, respectively. The addition of a second motor incurs a lower cost on SE and SEL trims compared to the Kia EV6, with the premium for the top-tier Limited model being less as well.
The long-range lineup is priced as follows:
- Ioniq 5 SE RWD: $47,225
- Ioniq 5 SE AWD: $50,725
- Ioniq 5 SEL RWD: $48,775
- Ioniq 5 SEL AWD: $52,275
- Ioniq 5 Limited RWD: $54,875
- Ioniq 5 Limited AWD: $58,775
SEL models feature a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a more advanced driver-assistance system. The top-of-the-line Limited model includes remote park assist, a head-up display, cooled front seats, and a Vehicle to Load (V2L) system that enables AC output of up to 3.6 kw.
The V2L port is a standard feature in all trim levels of the EV6, offering a few features that may rationalize the price differential for some buyers.
The performance-driven Ioniq 5 N is set to launch as a 2025 model, with a base price of $67,475.
Initially, Hyundai restricted the availability of the Ioniq 5 to certain states, but it is now available in nearly every state. All Kia dealerships in the U.S. sell the EV6. Both models provide robust warranties—a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, along with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Advantage: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes with a slightly lower price point.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Kia EV6 dimensions, seating capacity, and cargo space. The EV6 is slightly longer; the Ioniq 5 is marginally taller. In terms of cargo room and passenger space, the Ioniq 5 offers more based on numerical comparisons. The seating positions and driving posture resemble those of a crossover
At 182.5 inches in length for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 184.8 inches for most of the Kia EV6 lineup, these models have very similar overall dimensions. However, due to slightly different proportions (the EV6 leans more towards a sport-wagon style, while the Ioniq 5 leans towards a Euro-hatch style), they distribute space in slightly different ways that may influence your decision on which to purchase in both and comparing to see which one is the most suitable for you.
In a nutshell, the EV6 has a lower and sleeker design, resulting in a slightly longer cabin that may feel somewhat restrictive. On the other hand, the Ioniq 5 is taller overall with more side windows and a more upright packaging, utilizing space in a way that can benefit families.
The EV6 is longer by 2.3 inches compared to the Ioniq 5, but it has a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, while the Ioniq 5 stands 1.2 inches taller. Regarding passenger space, the Hyundai offers 106.5 cubic feet in the cabin versus Kia’s 103.0 cubic feet, with cargo space behind the rear seats measuring 27.2 cubic feet in Hyundai and 24.4 cubic feet in Kia. Additionally, both models come with a small front trunk providing less than 1 cubic foot of additional storage space, sufficient for a few small items.
Both vehicles can accommodate five passengers comfortably, with generous legroom. However, the driving position is somewhat elevated, resembling that of an SUV, which taller drivers may find a few inches higher than ideal.
Getting in and out of the Ioniq 5 is slightly easier compared to the EV6, thanks to the Ioniq 5’s simpler door cuts and higher stance. Although both vehicles sport a crossover form factor, they are easier to load and access compared to most traditional cars.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 fast-charging – Lacey, WA
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Kia EV6 range and charging
Other than the GT version, the EV6 offers a range of 232 to 310 miles.
The Ioniq 5 provides a range spanning from 220 to 303 miles.
With 18-minute DC fast-charging capability, these models redefine road-trip convenience if you have access to high-power charging stations.
AWD versions are equipped with heat pumps that enhance range in cold weather conditions.
Among the Kia EV6 lineup, the rear-wheel-drive versions boast the highest driving range of 310 miles with a 77.4-kWh battery. Larger wheels usually result in reduced range; therefore, all-wheel-drive versions cover 282 miles with 19-inch wheels or 252 miles with 20-inch wheels.
Surprisingly, the model with the shortest range is not the base version with the smaller 58-kWh pack, offering 232 miles. Instead, the top-performance GT model, featuring the larger 77.4-kWh pack, provides a range of 206 miles, indicating lower efficiency compared to the rest of the range.
The Ioniq 5 offers comparable range ratings, with rear-wheel-drive versions achieving 303 miles and all-wheel-drive versions covering 256 miles. The entry-level SE Standard Range models reach a range of 220 miles with the smaller 58-kWh pack.
A noteworthy feature is that the U.S. models of Kia and Hyundai include heat-pump technology exclusively in the all-wheel-drive versions, which potentially mitigates a decrease in range during winter. While AWD variants hold a slightly lower official EPA range, they tend to experience a less drastic drop in range in colder climates.
Both models share similar battery packs and charging hardware, allowing for rapid road-trip charging compared to most other EVs, owing to their 800-volt technology. With the larger battery pack, they can charge from 10-80% in 18 minutes (at a maximum 235 kW) using a 350-kW DC fast charger, or around 25 minutes with a 150-kW charger. They can reach a full charge in under six hours with the smaller pack and a little over seven hours with the larger one using optimized 48-amp, 240-volt home AC charging.
Image Source: ginger_polina_bublik @ Shutterstock
