Today, we’re putting the two most popular electric vehicles from the Korean manufacturer Hyundai head-to-head: it’s the showdown between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Which one is the better fit for you?
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly numerous in the market, and finding the perfect car isn’t easy. Today, we’ll focus on two standout models from the same manufacturer, but with some significant differences.
On one side, the newcomer in the world of electric sedans, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, must prove that it is an excellent vehicle to become the primary means of transportation for a household.
On the other side, we have the well-known Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has managed to win people over with its unique look and recognized qualities for families. Comparing design, interior space, driving behavior, and pricing, let’s see which of the two is the better electric car.
Technical Specifications: Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
| Specification | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 (77 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Ioniq 6 | Ioniq 5 (77 kWh) |
| Category | Sedans | SUV |
| Horsepower | 229 hp | 325 hp |
| Power (kW) | 168 kW | 239 kW |
| 0 to 62 mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Autonomy level | 2 | 2 |
| Top speed | 185 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | N/C |
| Android Auto | Yes | N/C |
| Main screen size | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Car-side sockets | Type 2 Combo (CCS) | Type 2 Combo (CCS) |
| Length | 4850 mm | 4635 mm |
| Height | 1495 mm | 1605 mm |
| Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Base price (USD) | 52,200 USD | 41,900 USD |
Dimensions, weight, and exterior design
Hyundai’s designers take liberties when crafting their electric models, and that’s a good thing. Indeed, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out from the ordinary, with a bullet-like appearance that is quite appealing.
The sloping hood at the front emphasizes a somewhat aggressive look, and the rear light signature highlights the sedan as it should. Some even say it bears a slight resemblance to a Porsche 911.
At 22 centimeters longer than the Ioniq 5 (4.63 meters), the Ioniq 6, with its 4.85 meters, is a very imposing car. We will see further down whether this additional length is an asset or not for interior space and trunk volume.
Although the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is shorter, it is also taller: 1.60 meters compared to 1.49 meters for the Ioniq 6. Indeed, we are dealing with an electric SUV, and its dimensions remind us of that.
The neo-retro design of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 undoubtedly has its appeal, with a pixelated effect for the rear light signature that remains very successful.
In terms of weight, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ranges from 1905 to 2095 kilograms, while the Ioniq 6 ranges from 1985 to 2113 kilograms.
Thanks to its unique neo-retro look, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 wins the design aspect.
Inside
With its 4.85 meters in length, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers generous space for both front and rear passengers. However, the headroom for rear passengers could be improved.
Tall passengers may feel uncomfortable during long journeys in the back, but apart from that, the sense of space is excellent. While the interior feels impressive overall, it’s not the same story when opening the trunk: we can better understand the compromises that had to be made for this sports sedan.
Indeed, only 401 liters of useful volume are available once the trunk is opened, which is too little for a sedan of this size. In comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a useful volume of 527 liters in the rear trunk, making family outings much easier.
The interior space of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is quite generous both in the front and the back, where passengers will be better off thanks to the possibility of reclining the rear seat for more comfort.
It is difficult to declare a winner for the interior, as the offerings are different. The Ioniq 6 has a more modern dashboard and center console, but the Ioniq 5 has more trunk and rear vehicle space. Therefore, it’s a tie in terms of interior space and ambiance.
Embedded technologies
Both vehicles are on equal footing in terms of embedded technologies, with an impressive list of gadgets and driving aids, more or less common in vehicles of this range.
The essential Android Auto and Apple Carplay are part of the package, as is the companion mobile app or of course the profile memory seats for the first row.
Where we find less common innovations is particularly at the level of cameras as mirrors, which are now available on both Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 as an option.
A 360-degree augmented reality view and a head-up display are added to the list of precious features for technophiles. Finally, driving aids are well present in the form of the classic combination following: an adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, ensuring level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
On the Road
During our test of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, we particularly appreciated the silence that reigned aboard the electric sedan. Only high-speed rolling noises are felt, but in urban or suburban areas, traveling in Ioniq 6 is done in a cathedral silence.
Regarding regenerative braking, good news: one-pedal driving is available on both Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 5, and steering wheel paddles can also modulate the braking level at the driver’s request.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is also very comfortable, with slightly less sporty road behavior due to its higher position on the road. But the performance is totally similar between the two vehicles, as is the silence aboard.
It is naturally a draw on the road between the two Hyundai electric vehicles.
Different Available Powertrains
Two versions of the Ioniq 6 are in the Hyundai catalog:
- Rear-wheel drive with a 77 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds, maximum speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- All-wheel drive with a 77 kWh battery: front and rear motor, 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, maximum speed of 185 km/h(115 mph).
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available in three different powertrains:
- Rear-wheel drive with a 58 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, maximum speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- Rear-wheel drive with a 73 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds, maximum speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- All-wheel drive with a 73 kWh battery: front and rear motor, 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, maximum speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).
Autonomy, Battery, and Recharge
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in France with a 77 kWh battery, with a range of up to 614 kilometers in WLTP mixed cycle. Fast charging is one of the great strengths of Ioniq 6, thanks to its 800-volt battery architecture.
Indeed, it only takes 18 minutes to go from 10% to 80% battery, making it clearly one of the best cars for long trips. Its built-in 11 kW charger ensures a full battery in about 7 hours on a home charging station. Expect about 40 hours for the same exercise on a standard power outlet.
Everything is substantially the same for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 77 kWh in terms of charging. However, differences in range should be sought, since the most enduring versions of the Korean SUV display only 507 kilometers in mixed WLTP cycle.
Also available with a 58 kWh battery, the entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 has only a range of 384 kilometers. Therefore, it is not necessarily comparable to the Ioniq 6, which has a 77 kWh battery.
Price
Available from 53,300 USD, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is excluded from the ecological bonus program. The higher-end versions can be exchanged for up to 65,300 USD (HTRAC 325 horsepower version).
The Ioniq 5, on the other hand, starts at 46,600 USD with the 58 kWh battery, just below the ecological bonus threshold. With the largest battery, you have to spend at least 51,300 USD, and up to 64,400 USD for the highest-end.
Which one to choose between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
When it comes to concluding the versus, we notice that there are a lot of similarities between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. This is quite normal, as they both incorporate the characteristics that have made the strength of the manufacturer: an 800-volt battery architecture, innovative design, and very complete equipment in terms of embedded technologies.
The main difference is to be found in the shape of the car. Those who are looking for an electric SUV will inevitably be drawn to the Ioniq 5, while if an electric sedan interests you, the Ioniq 6 will have your favor.
Still, the smaller trunk of the Ioniq 6 can be a deterrent for some, while the Ioniq 5 is more generous. However, this means sacrificing some range, which is more important on the Ioniq 6. In any case, at the end of this comparison, there is no clear winner between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5: it’s a draw.
