Here’s a showdown between two Korean electric cars: the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Kia EV6. Which of the two will be considered the best electric car? Find the answer in this comparison.
Korean automakers’ electric vehicles are appreciated for their reliability and excellent price-to-performance ratio. Various models available may catch your attention, which is why we often put them head-to-head to help you make your choice.
Today, we have selected the Hyundai Ioniq 6, recently arrived in USA and Europe, and the 2022 Car of the Year, the Kia EV6. We will examine the similarities and differences in all areas so that you can more easily determine the best one according to your criteria.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 Specifications
Dimensions, Weight, and Exterior Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 undoubtedly turns heads as it passes by. With its Porsche 911-like appearance, Hyundai’s electric sedan knows how to stand out. Its bullet-like shape ensures aerodynamic performance, which is an asset for long trips.
The rear lighting signature is very distinctive, and we can applaud Hyundai’s designers for their boldness in creating a model that looks like no other electric car.
At 4.85 meters long, maneuvering the Ioniq 6 is not the easiest task, especially in urban areas or tight parking spaces. The Kia EV6 is slightly shorter (4.68 meters), which can be an advantage in some situations.
The Kia crossover also has a distinctive look, with a concept-car style that is not unappealing. As for weight, the Kia EV6 ranges between 1875 and 2200 kilograms, compared to 1985 and 2113 kilograms for the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
We give the edge to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for design, thanks to its unique bullet-like appearance.
Inside the Cars
The interior of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is spacious, even very spacious, and it is clear that the vehicle’s length is used effectively. A large center console is located between the two front passengers, while the dashboard, composed of two screens (one behind the steering wheel and one in the center), allows the driver to control everything.
Rear passengers are well-accommodated, although taller individuals may find headroom to be an issue. Lastly, as the Ioniq 6 is a sedan, it has a trunk instead of a hatchback, and the usable trunk space is only 401 liters.
In contrast, the Kia EV6 features a more spacious hatchback, with 490 liters of storage. In practical terms, this means that the EV6 can accommodate a few extra bags during family road trips.
The Kia EV6 boasts excellent interior space due to its 2.90-meter wheelbase, with a “relax” function that even allows the front seats to recline for a quick nap during charging.
The available space in the EV6’s center console is more limited, and its dashboard is slightly less elegant than the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s. However, since the Kia EV6 has a larger trunk, it takes the point for interior space.
Onboard Technologies
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 does not skimp on onboard technologies. While some are considered standard (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, etc.), others are more innovative.
Notably, there are cameras instead of side mirrors, which are appreciated by tech enthusiasts. Additionally, a heads-up display and an augmented reality view of the vehicle to facilitate parking maneuvers are available.
Driver assistance features are quite comprehensive, with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving combining adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. The same is offered in the Kia EV6, with the optional ability to autonomously change lanes by activating the turn signal only.
It is worth noting the similar layout of two 12-inch screens in both the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 6, with one in the center of the dashboard and one behind the steering wheel for instrumentation. These screens behind the steering wheel display side camera views when the turn signal is in use, ensuring good visibility for the driver.
It’s a tie in terms of onboard technologies between the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
On the Road
Despite weighing two tons, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers a comfortable and responsive driving experience. The entry-level version is not a speed demon, taking 7.4 seconds to reach 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph), but it is sufficient for handling various driving situations.
The standout feature is its sound insulation, which is a real asset for the Korean sedan. Of course, some wind noise can be heard at high speeds, but it’s not overly bothersome.
Its urban driving comfort is excellent, with the absorption of road imperfections and speed bumps on par with the best electric vehicles in its class. Lastly, the regenerative braking management using steering wheel paddles allows for one-pedal driving, even coming to a complete stop.
The Kia EV6 also features steering wheel paddles and one-pedal driving, taking advantage of the same design platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 6. In the entry-level versions, the battle between comfort and performance leans towards comfort, but a thrilling Kia EV6 GT is also available.
With a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 3.5 seconds from a standing start, the Kia EV6 GT is a powerhouse designed for those who crave excitement. For other powertrains, the performance is very similar to that of the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Setting aside the Kia EV6 GT, the point goes to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for its sound insulation and comfort.
Different Powertrains Offered
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in two versions:
- Rear-wheel drive with a 77 kWh battery: rear motor only, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- All-wheel drive with a 77 kWh battery: front and rear motors, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).
The Kia EV6 is available in four different powertrains in USA:
- EV6 rear-wheel drive: 58 kWh battery, rear motor only (170 hp), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.5 seconds, top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- EV6 rear-wheel drive: 77.4 kWh battery, rear motor only (229 hp), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph);
- EV6 all-wheel drive: 77.4 kWh battery, front and rear motors (325 hp), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, top speed of 188 km/h (117 mph);
- EV6 GT: 77.4 kWh battery, front and rear motors (585 hp), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).
Range, Battery, and Charging
The hallmark of vehicles with an 800-volt battery is their fast-charging capability. Both the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 claim to take only 18 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, making them excellent cars for road trips without wasting time.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6, with its 77 kWh battery, has a WLTP range of up to 614 kilometers (381 miles), while the Kia EV6 reaches a maximum of 528 kilometers (328 miles) in the best-case scenario. The entry-level 58 kWh Kia EV6 battery offers a range of just 394 kilometers (245 miles).
With an AC charging station, the onboard 11 kW charger on both vehicles ensures a full battery charge overnight, allowing for maximum range every day.
Despite their similarities, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 wins due to its better range compared to the Kia EV6.
Price
As of now, the minimum price for a Hyundai Ioniq 6 is $53,300, compared to $49,140 for a Kia EV6.
However, when comparing equivalent battery sizes, the Kia EV6 starts at $53,140 with a 77 kWh battery. Therefore, the prices are very similar, as both manufacturers’ options can reach around $65,000.
Which One to Choose Between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Kia EV6?
In conclusion, determining the best electric car is not easy. With identical fast-charging capabilities and comparable driving behavior, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 do not stand out easily.
However, there is a significant difference: one is a sedan with a trunk, while the other is a crossover with a hatchback. In terms of trunk accessibility, they are entirely different, and if you regularly transport large items, the Kia EV6 will undoubtedly be more favorable.
The prices between the two Koreans are totally comparable, which does not allow us to identify a winner by only considering the financial aspect.
Finally, if autonomy is a determining factor for you, it is important to remember that the Ioniq 6 is both more autonomous, but also less energy-consuming. Its more refined aerodynamics are a big plus on the road, and that can make all the difference.
