Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD Vs Other EV Crossovers/SUVs: Best Value?

The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Ioniq 5 appears to be one of the best electric crossovers/SUVs on the market.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Tesla Model Y
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Audi Q4 e-tron
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Volkswagen ID.4
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Nissan Ariya

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer in the U.S. has electrified customers as the MSRP pricing appears to be very competitive.

We have already compared the all-wheel-drive version with other crossovers/SUVs, but now let’s take a look at the less expensive, rear-wheel-drive version with the 77.4 kWh battery, which appears to be one of the top value propositions.

For the comparison we selected several crossover/SUV models (from Tesla, Ford, Audi, VW and Nissan), with a single motor and/or range or about 300 miles, that might be cross shopped with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Tesla Model Y

First on the list is the Tesla Model Y, which in the U.S. is available only in the all-wheel drive version (this is the only AWD model in this comparison). However, as the Tesla Model Y is by far the most popular electric car on the market (see sales results here), it’s the starting point for any discussion.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE RWD has a similar battery to the Tesla Model Y LR AWD, and it seems that both cars with 19″ wheels have a pretty similar range. 303 miles (488 km) of EPA range in the case of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a really good result.

Tesla’s advantage will be 8% more EPA range, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, probably better acceleration, better top speed, and of course, access to the Supercharging network.

However, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an outstanding fast charging capability – one of the best on the market as long as there are high-power 800 V chargers (10-80% SOC in 18 minutes) – and a big advantage in terms of MSRP price – 26% or over $15,000.

Because Tesla is no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective difference is at almost 38% or almost $23,000. That’s a very big difference that allows adding some options or even selection of a better-equipped trim.

We assume that if one does not need the AWD and better acceleration, but would like about 300 miles of range, the price difference makes it a very serious competitor.

The unknown is the availability (it might be limited) and dealer markups, which would affect the price difference between the two.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Ford Mustang Mach-E

The next EV on the list is the Ford Mustang Mach-E (the latest 2022 model year) in the base Route 1 Extended Range RWD version.

The Mach-E has noticeably bigger battery (by some 22%), but it has basically the same EPA range, even with smaller 18″ wheels. The 19″ wheels in Premium trim ($2,325 more) decrease the range a bit to 300 miles EPA.

The biggest difference appears to be the price – much more attractive in the case of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (by over 19% of $9,000 effectively). The Ioniq 5 also has a better charging curve.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Audi Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 40 e-tron (RWD) is similarly priced, but despite a slightly bigger battery, it has a noticeably lower EPA range. Acceleration is expected to be better in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has a higher top speed and better fast charging characteristics.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Volkswagen ID.4

The comparison with the Volkswagen ID.4 is very similar to the previous one, but the ID.4 is less expensive (effectively, by 11%). We are also waiting for the numbers for the 2022 model year.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs Nissan Ariya

The last model on the list is the upcoming 2023 Nissan Ariya (see more info here), which in its entry-level Venture+ version (front-wheel drive), appears to be interesting.

The Ariya has a noticeably bigger battery, but the EPA range is expected to be basically the same – about 300 miles. The power output is similar, so the performance might also be quite similar.

The price of the Ariya is only slightly higher. That’s a good sign because the well-equipped Platinum+ trim (AWD) starts at an MSRP of $58,950 (much more expensive than the AWD Ioniq 5).

The problem with the Nissan Ariya is its fast charging rate (only up to 130 kW), and the availability – it will be launched in Fall 2022. A lot might change in a year from now.

* estimated/unofficial values

Summary

It seems that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD significantly undercuts the Tesla Model Y and beats others in terms of price and/or specs, which should attract a lot of customers. Feel free to leave us a comment as to which 300-mile crossover/SUV would be the best for you. And remember, soon the Kia EV6 will join the party.

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