Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6?

The first two electric vehicles to come out of the Hyundai Motor Group are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

Both are new for the 2022 model year and share a platform. For these reasons, they are highly similar, but you’ll find they are also very different. Both of these brands know how to build electric vehicles with a collection of models based on gasoline or hybrid cars. Because these two models are similar and offer the driving you expect, you’ll be pleased with how they perform, but we need to find a way to differentiate them.

Pricing and Power Across the Range Offers You Differences

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The starting point for the Ioniq 5 comes in at $40,925 for the SE Standard Range model that uses a 58-kWh battery pack. This setup offers 220 miles of driving and delivers 168 horsepower. Moving up to the SE trim at $44,895, you’ll have a 77.4-kWh battery pack that produces 225 horsepower and 303 miles of driving range. The Ioniq 5 Limited brings a second motor and AWD as part of the standard package at $55,920. This version offers you 320 horsepower and 256 miles of driving range.

Kia EV6

Going through the pricing and range differences of the EV6, you’ll find the base model begins at $42,115 for the Light tri that has a driving range of 232 miles and 167 horsepower using the 58-kWh battery pack. The upgraded EV6 Wind brings a price of $48,215 and offers 225 horsepower while returning 310 miles of driving. The Kia EV6 GT-Line has AWD and comes at $58,105 to deliver 320 horsepower and 275 miles of driving range.

These electric cars are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

We See More Differences in the Performance of These Two Cars

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are electric SUVs that offer the driving qualities you’re looking for. These two models accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is expected considering these two vehicles are so similar. After you finish this sprint, there are some distinct differences between these two vehicles.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with more comfort, lean toward the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but the Kia EV6 delivers better handling performance. The Ioniq 5 offers suspension tuning that is softer and smoother over the road abrasions you’ll find. Conversely, the EV6 is tuned for firmer driving with a stiffer suspension that works better on a winding road.

Do you want a softer and more comfortable drive or a more dynamic performance-oriented version? This is the first part of the driving experience where these two vehicles differ.

A High-Performance Model Solidifies the EV6 Personality

Sometime within the 2023 model year, the Kia EV6 will add a high-performance GT model that will bring a high-power driving experience. This version should deliver 576 horsepower and offer the capability of hitting 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, which is good enough to give competing EV models a serious scare.

The Cabin Design is Another Place. These Two are Different

These two electric SUVs deliver similar personality qualities in the cabin as you find in their driving dynamics. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a new and comfortable place, while the Kia EV6 is sportier and filled with complex plastic elements. You’ll find tons of space in either model for passengers to enjoy the drive and find a place to experience the feeling you want on the road. The Hyundai model has more soft-touch surfaces to ensure you have a much more comfortable place to enjoy an incredible drive.

Choose the Ioniq 5 and enjoy the sliding console between the front seats, giving you more storage flexibility in this area. You’ll find a flat floor in the front seat area that feels roomier than in gasoline vehicles of similar size. Looking behind the rear seats of the Ioniq 5, you’ll find 27.2 cubic feet of cargo room, which is decent but less than what you find in the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. You also won’t see a front trunk in this SUV, which is another drawback to this EV.

Turning to the Kia EV6, you find a vehicle that has a conventional fixed center console that separates the driver and passenger. You won’t see as much space or versatility in the cabin of the Kia as what you see in the Hyundai. The wireless charging pad is located on top of the console, which is a better spot than the deep well of the console in the Ioniq 5. The cargo room behind the rear seats of the EV6 only reaches 24.4 cubic feet, which makes it one of the little storage areas in this class.

The Tech is Nearly Identical Between These EV SUVs

The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have similar features with touchscreens that offer quick responses and intuitive qualities. The Ioniq 5 has some physical buttons used for the most common functions. The EV6 has a multifunction panel of touch buttons rather than physical buttons on the screen.

These SUVs can charge quickly using 350 kW DC fast charging capabilities which can take charge from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes. If you select the Hyundai model, you’ll have free 30-minute chare sessions for the first two years.

Advanced safety comes in packages that give you the alerts and warnings you need. This means you’ll have a safe and impressive ride in either version. These two electric SUVs from the Hyundai Group are advanced, modern, ready to drive, and offer unique personalities. The Kia takes on the sportiness that has become part of this brand, while the Hyundai delivers continual comfort and quality on the road.

Will you choose the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Kia EV6 when you want to take a drive every day? Whether you want comfort or sportiness, you’ll find what you’re looking for with one of these two impressive electric vehicles.