- How are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 similar?
- Here’s why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 scored higher than the Kia EV6 overall in Consumer Reports testing
- But the Kia EV6 outperformed its cousin in some areas
One of the most exciting electric SUVs is the all-new Kia EV6, and Consumer Reports recently tested it. Interestingly, although the 2022 Kia EV6 is almost identical in build to the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Consumer Reports preferred the latter. Here’s a look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 and why CR testers like the Hyundai EV better.
How are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 similar?
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (top) and 2022 Kia EV6 | Hyundai Motor Company; Kia
Hyundai and Kia work closely with each other, and although the two brands are independent, sometimes they share platforms and technologies. That’s the case with the Ioniq 5 and the EV6. Both are fully electric compact crossover SUVs built on the Hyundai E-GMP, Hyundai’s EV platform.
So when it comes to aspects such as powertrains, the two EVs are similar. Both offer two battery options — a standard 58-kWh battery and a 77.4-kWh long-range version. The electric motors that power the two EVs are also similar, with a single-motor option making 168 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a dual-motor option producing 321 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, according to Consumer Reports.
Here’s why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 scored higher than the Kia EV6 overall in Consumer Reports testing
Though the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 share the same platform and offer similar powertrain options, they’re different in many other ways, and it’s why Consumer Reports likes the Hyundai more. Both are great crossover SUVs, and both received the coveted CR Recommended checkmark, but the Ioniq 5 performed slightly better on its road test than the EV6. Not only that, but also the Ioniq 5, starting at about $40,000, is cheaper than the EV6, starting at around $41,400.
In addition to being less expensive, the Ioniq 5 exhibited fewer issues and was more comfortable during CR testing. Once again, it was a close race, but the Ioniq 5 earned a better rear seat comfort score than the EV6. Consumer Reports said outright the Ioniq 5 “feels a lot more comfortable than the EV6.” Furthermore, the Kia has “awkward exterior door handles,” which isn’t an issue on the Hyundai model.
But the Kia EV6 outperformed its cousin in some areas
Despite their similarities, the Kia EV6 is significantly more efficient than the Ioniq 5. The EV6 gets about 105 MPGe combined, while the Ioniq 5 gets 98 MPGe combined. Because the two SUVs have the same battery options, that also means the Kia has slightly more range. The EV6 has a max range of 310 miles, while the Ioniq 5 tops out at 303 miles.
The driving dynamics of the two cars are different, too. Though both handle well, the EV6 has a better braking score than the Ioniq 5. Furthermore, while the two EVs share many of the same powertrain options, the EV6 boasts one option the Hyundai doesn’t offer: The EV6 GT’s two electric motors harness 576 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, making this Kia EV ridiculously quick.
The EV6 GT can zip from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. For comparison, both the standard Ioniq 5 and the standard EV6 need 4.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Unfortunately, the EV6 GT is not available in America yet, but it should arrive by the end of 2022.
Keyword: Here’s Why Consumer Reports Prefers the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Over the Kia EV6