While Tesla remains the king of popular electric cars, brands like Kia and Hyundai are rapidly catching up with their own models, the EV6 and the Ioniq 5, respectively.
These two cars are quite similar in many ways, actually being built on the same platform, as Kia and Hyundai are sister companies under the Hyundai Motor Group. But if you had to choose one, which would be better? Let’s put the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head to see how they compare.
Despite sharing a platform, the EV6 and Ioniq 5 take different paths when it comes to design.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 taps into nostalgia with its ’80s-inspired look, thanks to Hyundai’s Pixel Light design. It’s a hatchback with sharp lines and comes in various colors.
On the other hand, the Kia EV6 has a more sporty appearance. It features a large light bar on the back, sloped headlights at the front, and an angled roof. While it offers a more unique look compared to the Ioniq 5, both vehicles have distinct and appealing designs. Ultimately, it boils down to personal taste.
Winner: Tie
Inside, both cars also have many similarities.
The Ioniq 5 boasts two 12.3-inch displays upfront—one for infotainment and the other as a digital instrument cluster. It uses lighter materials throughout, including the seats. While there are no physical climate controls, capacitive buttons are available, saving you from navigating through menus.
The EV6 is modern too, featuring two 12.3-inch displays at the front. Unlike the Ioniq 5, the EV6 includes physical knobs for climate control, which provides a more tactile experience for those who prefer it. Both cars support CarPlay and Android Auto, though you’ll need to plug in a cable to use these features.
The tech in both cars is strikingly similar, making this a close contest.
Winner: Tie
When it comes to performance, both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer various options.
The Ioniq 5 can come with either a single or dual motor setup, delivering up to 601 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque in the Ioniq 5 N model. However, this high-end model is not available until 2024. The base model, Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range, has 168 horsepower.
In comparison, the Kia EV6 GT model offers up to 576 horsepower and is currently available in single or dual motor configurations. The base model, EV6 Light, features 167 horsepower.
While their base models are nearly identical, the EV6 edges out slightly due to the Ioniq 5 N not being available yet.
Winner: Kia EV6
Since the two cars are built on the same platform, they share similar range and charging capacities.
The Ioniq 5 offers a range between 220 miles and 303 miles, while the Kia EV6 offers a range between 232 miles and 310 miles. Both support 350-kilowatt fast charging, allowing a full charge in under 20 minutes, making them some of the fastest-charging electric cars available.
Though the difference is minor, the Kia EV6 takes the win for its slightly higher range.
Winner: Kia EV6
Both the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can be purchased now, except for the upcoming Ioniq 5 N.
The base model of the Ioniq 5 starts at $41,450, ranging up to $52,600 for the Limited model. The Kia EV6 starts at $42,600 for the EV6 Light, going up to $61,600 for the EV6 GT.
Despite the EV6 GT’s higher price, the Ioniq 5 will have a comparable high-end model with the Ioniq 5 N. However, the base Ioniq 5 being over $1,000 cheaper than the base EV6 gives it the edge here.
Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5
In summary, the Kia EV6 narrowly wins the comparison thanks to its slightly higher range and performance. But these differences are minor. Ultimately, your choice should come down to which design you prefer. If you like the EV6’s sporty look, go for it. If the retro feel of the Ioniq 5 appeals to you more, that’s your car. Both are excellent options, and you really can’t go wrong with either.