Hyundai has emerged as one of the best electric automakers in the market. The South Korean brand introduced the IONIQ 5 SUV as an all-new model for 2022 and followed it up with the IONIQ 6 sedan for 2023. While the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are different body styles, they represent some of the better choices in the all-electric segment.
In this comparison, we’ll compare the IONIQ 5 SUV to the IONIQ 6 sedan when it comes to pricing, size, range, horsepower, and cargo capacity to name the better option for most buyers. While there are some obvious differences between the two, like how one’s an SUV and the other is a sedan, this comparison will also go into detail in areas where the two are similar to one another.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. IONIQ 6 Price
The IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are incredibly similar to one another when it comes to pricing. While it’s not listed on Hyundai’s website yet, the IONIQ 6 Standard Range model will start at $42,715 compared to the IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range which costs $42,785. That’s only a difference of $60 between the two models.
Comparing range-topping trims to one another reveals a small price difference in the IONIQ 6’s favor. The sedan’s Limited trim starts at $53,715. That’s $220 less than the IONIQ 5 Limited which costs $53,935. An extra $220 won’t sway many consumers, but saving money is always a good thing.
While the IONIQ 6 is slightly more affordable than the IONIQ 5, the latter is available with better lease deals. Additionally, with the IONIQ 6 being such a new vehicle, Hyundai is offering better financing deals for the IONIQ 5 than it is with the IONIQ 6.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs. IONIQ 5 Size
This is where the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 differ from one another. The boxy IONIQ 5 is classified as an SUV and has a wheelbase that’s longer than Hyundai’s midsize Palisade. The IONIQ 5’s wheelbase is roughly two inches longer than the IONIQ 6’s, but the IONIQ 6 is 8.6 inches longer overall than the IONIQ 5.
While both EVs are similar in size, there’s a big difference when it comes to interior space. The IONIQ 5 has 106.5 cubic feet of passenger space, while the IONIQ 6 is 3.5 cubic feet behind. Despite the difference, the IONIQ 6 is the roomier of the two options. The IONIQ 6 has more front legroom, front shoulder room, front hip room, and rear headroom. The IONIQ 5 has more front headroom and rear legroom.
Shoppers that expect to have passengers sitting in the back consistently will want to go with the IONIQ 5. For shoppers that don't expect to have a full car all the time, the IONIQ 6 stands out as the better choice.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. IONIQ 6 Range
Hyundai currently offers the IONIQ 5 with two different powertrains. The Standard Range model features a 58-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor on the rear wheels for up to 220 miles. The IONIQ 5 is also available with a 77.4-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor for up to 303 miles of range. Adding a second motor into the mix for all-wheel drive results in a range of 266 miles.
While Hyundai only offers the IONIQ 6 with a single layout on its website currently, the sedan is expected to be available with multiple powertrains. The base configuration will consist of a single electric motor and a 53-kWh battery pack. This configuration will be able to travel up to 240 miles. A larger 77.4-kWh battery pack is available that bumps range up to 361 miles. Dual-motor vehicles have a maximum of up to 316 miles of range.
With a maximum range of up to 361 miles, the IONIQ 6 offers 58 more miles of range than the IONIQ 5.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs. IONIQ 5 Horsepower
Both the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are available with multiple powertrains, though both EVs share similar electric motors. Both EVs come with a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels. In the IONIQ 5, the electric motor makes 168 horsepower, while it’s rated at 149 hp in the IONIQ 6. This is the only difference between the two EVs. Hyundai offers a more powerful single electric motor that produces 225 hp on both the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. Both EVs are also available with dual-motor configurations that produce up to 320 hp.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. IONIQ 6 Cargo Space
This is where the IONIQ 5 pulls a noticeable gap over the IONIQ 6. Thanks to its boxy SUV body, the IONIQ 5 offers up to 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The IONIQ 6 sedan doesn’t have the same cargo capacity, with up to 11.2 cubic feet of space in its trunk. Both EVs have a small cargo area in the front trunk.
Which Is Better: IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6?
Choosing between the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 mainly comes down to what body style you want. If you’re after an SUV, the IONIQ 5 is an outstanding option. For shoppers that want a sedan, the IONIQ 6 is Hyundai’s best option. Since both are so similarly equipped, priced comparably, and are available with parallel powertrains, it really does come down to body style.
With a range of up to 361 miles, a slightly lower price tag, and a stunning design, our vote goes to the IONIQ 6. But if you’re shopping between the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, there’s really no bad choice.