It’s no secret that Kia and Hyundai share a lot of the same components, technology, and platforms. So, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise to hear that both South Korean automakers have come out with all-new electric vehicles that share similar powertrains, the same E-GMP platform, and high-tech features.
While the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 have a lot of similarities, the two electric vehicles are different vehicles from two different automakers. So, they have different styling, different trim levels, and performance. The two electric cars are also priced differently.
If you’re cross-shopping the EV6 against the IONIQ 5, you’re probably questioning which option you should go with. That’s what we’ll answer in this comparison.
What the Kia EV6 Gets Right
Before you consider the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, the EV6 stands out as the more affordable option of the two. Pricing for the EV6 starts at $42,115 (prices include destination) for the Light trim with rear-wheel drive. At the time of the IONIQ 5’s launch, the most affordable model is the SE that's priced at $44,895. That’s a price difference of $2,780 in favor of the EV6. Hyundai is coming out with a more affordable IONIQ 5, but that model isn’t on sale yet.
When properly equipped with the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack and RWD, the EV6 is rated to have up to 310 miles of range. The same configuration in the IONIQ 5 results in a range of up to 303 miles. We believe the difference comes down to aerodynamics, as the EV6’s curvier design helps it flow through the air, while the IONIQ 5’s boxier look is less aerodynamically efficient. Seven extra miles of range isn’t a world of difference, but the gap between lower trims is as large as 12 miles depending on the configuration.
Kia has plans to come out with a high-performance GT model before the end of 2022. The EV will have a dual-motor configuration with up to 576 horsepower and a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Pricing for the EV6 GT hasn’t been announced yet, but Hyundai hasn’t said anything about a performance version of the IONIQ 5.
Read Our Overview of the Kia EV6
What the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Gets Right
The IONIQ 5 is the more powerful EV of the two in its base trim. The base IONIQ 5 comes with a standard 58-kWh battery pack and an electric motor on the rear wheels for 225 horsepower. The base EV6 is available with the same standard 58-kWh battery pack, but its base electric motor makes just 167 hp.
Thanks to its boxy design, the IONIQ 5 is a more spacious vehicle than the EV6. The IONIQ 5 has more passenger volume, which results in more front and rear headroom, rear legroom, and rear shoulder room over the EV6. When it comes to cargo space, the IONIQ 5 also has more total cargo capacity than the EV6 with up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to 50.2 cubic feet.
While the EV6 features a sporty exterior design, the IONIQ 5 has retro styling that’s polarizing but is far bolder than the EV6. The chunky design, angular lines, and pixelated lighting make the IONIQ 5 feel like it’s from a previous generation. In our eyes, the EV6 doesn’t look bad, especially its rear end that has a built-in spoiler with a rear taillight that follows the curvature, but the IONIQ 5 feels special.
Read Our Overview of the Hyundai IONIQ 5
Want Something Sporty?
This isn’t really a fair comparison, as the EV6 and IONIQ 5 are available in different trims at the moment. The main difference between the two models is that Kia will be coming out with a high-performance GT model, while Hyundai hasn’t said anything about a sporty IONIQ 5 trim yet.
If you want a sporty EV, the upcoming EV6 GT is the only way to get performance, as the IONIQ 5 doesn't offer much in the way of athleticism.
Our Verdict
Since the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 are being offered in different trims, we won’t harp on their performance and range differences too much. Beyond those two things, the IONIQ 5 still wins with its larger cabin, more unique design, eco-friendly interior, and available sliding center console.
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