Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Kia EV6: Korean bespoke EVs compared [Update]

Update: ‘2022 Sales’ section added.

Hyundai Motor Group’s EV offensive has intensified and entered phase II with the launch of models developed as EVs from the outset. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the Genesis GV60 are the first of the lot. While the GV60 is a luxury model, the mass-market siblings intend to make EVs the ‘new normal’ for personal commuting. In this story, we compare the Ioniq 5 and EV6 in detail to help you make an informed decision for getting keys to one of the two.

Design

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have a unique design and look like no other model on sale today. They may not look so from these pictures, but they’re compact crossovers, not hatchbacks. The EV6 has a sporty design with a coupe-like profile and plenty of curvy elements, and its high rear deck complements that sporty theme. The Ioniq 5 is sharper and features a retro theme inspired by Hyundai’s Pony Coupe from 1974. The sci-fi headlamp and rear light design are sure to turn heads.

The Kia EV6 looks sporty and dynamic, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an aggressive and futuristic design. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

On the inside, it’s the opposite, with the Ioniq 5 featuring many rounded elements and the EV6 angular parts instead. The Hyundai model has futuristic vibes, thanks to the simplistic door panels, the light and bright color scheme, and the specially designed dual cockpit. The dual cockpit is a white panel that houses two screens with a white background, and it blends with the rest of the cabin. The EV6 interior is relatively conventional, but it looks sportier because of the dark colors and the edgy elements.

Features

Both Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have loads of styling, comfort, convenience, and safety features, many of which are pretty similar.

Exterior Features

On the outside, the Ioniq 5 flaunts parametric pixel lights at front and rear, Active Air Flap (active air intakes), virtual mirrors/digital mirrors (S. Korea-only), super-sized 20-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles, a rear spoiler with two openings, and a solar roof (S.Korea).

The EV6 features dual LED headlights with a sequential dynamic light pattern, 21-inch alloy wheels (in yet-to-be-launched GT variant), flush door handles, a wing-type roof spoiler with two openings, and a high rear deck that serves as its lower spoiler. Virtual mirrors/digital mirrors and a solar roof are not available in this model.

Interior Features

An interesting interior feature on the Ioniq 5 is a ‘Universal Island’ moveable center console. This innovative center console allows sliding it back and forth 5.5 inches.

Unlike the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 can equally appeal to the open- and traditional-minded with its minimalist interior in a comparatively conventional design. Image: Hyundai Motor Group

Yet another feature we would like to highlight here is a magnetic board, which is the left-most portion of the dual-cockpit panel. Customers can post pictures and notes just like on a refrigerator. Clearly, the designers have gone to great lengths to make the driver and passengers feel right at home, an attribute that matches the interior’s ‘Living Space’ theme.

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, AR-HUD, column-type shift-by-wire, sliding (5.3 inches forward) and reclining second-row seats, ‘Vision Roof’ panoramic sunroof without cross members, 15-watt wireless smartphone charger, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system are some additional noteworthy interior features of the Ioniq 5.

Hyundai has made extensive usage of eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as plant-based yarns and natural wool yarns, recycled PET bottles, bio paint with plant extracts, and eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts.

The EV6 isn’t short on the list of attractive features by any standards. 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, AR-HUD, rotary gear selector (on the fixed floor console), 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system,100% vegan leather surfaces, and a regular panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality are among the main talking points of the EV6 in this aspect.

Connected Car Features

The Ioniq 5 comes with Hyundai’s Bluelink car services, including connected routing, Remote Charging, last-mile navigation, Remote Start Enhancements, Remote Profile Management, and more. The EV6 packs similar connected car solutions under Kia’s UVO suite.

Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 5 with a plethora of ADAS features. The Ioniq 5 is the brand’s first model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 can maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead and keep the vehicle centered in the lane, even around a curve, by taking control of the steering wheel. It can also automatically change the lane when the driver switches on the turn signal. Moreover, it looks out for close-range low-speed cut-ins by other drivers and responds by maneuvering automatically if needed.

Some features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, such as digital side mirrors (DSM) with 3D pixel turn indicators and OLED monitors, and a solar roof, are not available in the U.S. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Machine Learning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA) are some of the other main ADAS features of the Ioniq 5.

Kia has also equipped the EV6 with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA) are some of its other main ADAS features. Interestingly, while Kia mentioned Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) in the EV6 U.S. announcement in May 2021, it doesn’t state it in the product guide.

Specifications

The EV6 is more efficient than the Ioniq 5. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 sit on the E-GMP platform and feature a tunnel-free, flat floor. Both models have a front trunk for storing small items. Another common technical feature is a heat pump that scavenges waste heat from the vehicle’s coolant system and uses it to warm the cabin in winters.

Dimensions

The Ioniq 5 measures 182.5 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 63.0 inches in height, and it has a 118.1-inch-long wheelbase. Its passenger volume is 106.5 cubic feet, which is better than that of the VW ID.4 (99.9 cubic feet) and even the Ford Mustang Mach-E (101.1 cubic feet).

The Ioniq 5 offers more cargo space than the EV6, thanks to its boxier body and longer wheelbase. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

AspectDimensionIoniq 5 DimensionsKia EV6 DimensionsLength182.5 in.184.3 in. (GT-Line: 184.8 in.)Width74.4 in.74.0 in. (GT-Line: 74.4 in.)Height63.0 in.60.8 in.Wheelbase118.1 in.114.2 in.Turning Circle Diameter39.3 ft.To Be AnnouncedTurning Circle RadiusTo Be Announced19.1 ft.Ground Clearance6.1 in.6.1 in.Head Room (w/o sunroof)39.8 in. (front)/38.7 in. (rear)39.0 in. (front)/38.0 in. (rear)Head Room (with sunroof)39.1 in. (front)/37.5 in. (rear)36.8 in. (front)/38.0 in. (rear)Leg Room41.7 in. (front)/39.4 in. (rear)42.4 in. (front)/39.0 in. (rear)Shoulder Room57.7 in. (front)/57.7 in. (rear)57.8 in. (front)/55.6 in. (rear)Hip Room53.9 in. (front)/53.6 in. (rear)54.9 in. (front)/53.2 in. (rear)Passenger Interior Volume106.5 cu. ft.103.0 cu. ft.Frunk Capacity0.85 cu. ft.To Be AnnouncedLuggage Capacity (rear seats upright)27.2 cu. ft.24.4 cu. ft.Luggage Capacity (rear seats folded)59.3 cu. ft.50.2 cu. ft.

U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 and EV6 dimensions

Powertrain Configurations

The Ioniq 5 is available in a 125 kW (168 hp)/258 lb.-ft. single-motor RWD variant with a 58 kWh battery pack, a 168 kW (225 hp)/258 lb.-ft. single-motor RWD variant with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, and a 239 kW (320 hp)/446 lb.-ft. dual-motor AWD variant with a 77.4 kWh battery pack. Let’s call these Standard Range RWD, Long Range RWD, and Long Range AWD configurations, respectively, for ease of understanding.

AspectSpecificationHyundai Ioniq 5 SR RWDHyundai Ioniq 5 LR RWDHyundai Ioniq 5 LR AWDDrivetrain LayoutRWDRWDAWDNo. of Motor(s)OneOneTwoBattery Pack Voltage522.7 V697 V697 VBattery Pack Capacity58 kWh77.4 kWh77.4 kWhPower125 kW (168 hp)168 kW (225 hp)239 kW (320 hp)Torque258 lb.-ft.258 lb.-ft.446 lb.-ft.Top Speed115 mph115 mph115 mphCurb WeightTBA4,200 – 4,414 lbs.4,464 – 4,662 lbs.Gross WeightTBA5,357 lbs.5,600 lbs.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 specifications

AspectSpecificationKia EV6 SR RWDKia EV6 LR RWDKia EV6 LR AWDKia EV6 GT LR AWDDrivetrain LayoutRWDRWDAWDAWDNo. of Motor(s)OneOneTwoTwoBattery Pack Voltage522.7 V697 V697 VTBABattery Pack Energy58 kWh77.4 kWh77.4 kWh77.4 kWhPower125 kW (168 hp)168 kW (225 hp)239 kW (320 hp)576 hpTorque258 lb.-ft.258 lb.-ft.446 lb.-ft.TBATop Speed115 mph115 mph117 mphTBACurb Weight4,017 lbs.4,255-4,398 lbs.4,539-4,661 lbs.TBAGross Weight5,004 lbs.5,335 lbs.5,556 lbs.TBA

Kia EV6 specifications

The EV6 is available in the same three configurations, but Kia has already confirmed the launch of a high-performance GT variant for late-2022.

The EV6 GT will sport two motors generating 430 kW (576 hp) of combined power, but it will have the same 77.4 kWh battery pack. A 0-60 mph sprint will take 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, Hyundai is developing an Ioniq 5 N, which it may launch with similar specs around the same time.

Acceleration

Hyundai hasn’t disclosed the 0-60 mph acceleration time(s) of the Ioniq 5. Kia’s EV6 can finish the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.0 seconds in the Standard Range RWD configuration, 7.2 seconds in the Long Range RWD configuration, or 5.1 seconds in the Long Range AWD configuration.

Top speed

Back to the normal Ioniq 5 and EV6, these EVs have slightly different top speeds. The Ioniq 5, irrespective of the configuration, maxes out at 115 mph. The EV6 achieves the same top speed in the Standard Range RWD and Long Range RWD configurations, but in the Long Range AWD configuration, it can touch 117 mph.

Towing

Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 can tow 1,650 lbs in the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD configurations, but it does not recommend towing in the Standard Range RWD configuration. Kia says that the EV6 can haul 2,300 lbs in the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD configurations but possesses “no towing capability” in the Standard Range RWD configuration.

Range & Charging

ConfigurationIoniq 5 RangeIoniq 5 EfficiencyEV6 RangeEV6 EfficiencyStandard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh)220 miles31 kWh/100 miles232 miles29 kWh/100 milesLong Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)303 miles30 kWh/100 miles310 miles29 kWh/100 milesLong Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)256 miles34 kWh/100 miles274 miles32 kWh/100 miles

EPA-est. range figures of Ioniq 5 and EV6 prove that Kia has the more efficient vehicle.

The Ioniq 5 can deliver an EPA-est. range of up to 220 miles, while the EV6’s maximum EPA-est. range is 310 miles. Across configurations, the latter is more efficient and can travel a longer distance. Both models have a 10.9 kW on-board charger, and below are the EPA-est. Level 2 240V charging times:

ConfigurationIoniq 5 AC Normal Charging TimeEV6 AC Charging TimeStandard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh)6.3 hours6.3 hoursLong Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)8.5 hours8.7 hoursLong Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)8.5 hours8.4 hours

EPA-est. Level 2 charging times of Ioniq 5 and EV6

The Ioniq 5 and EV6 are the most advanced mainstream EVs in the market, as they have the world’s first multi-high-speed charging system that supports 400-volt and 800-volt DC charging. They support 800V ultra-fast charging, and thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), even multiple vehicle-to-load (V2L) functions, including charging another EV. Both models can provide up to 1.9 kW of power, although Kia mentions a lower, 1.1 kW rating in the case of vehicle-to-vehicle charging with the EV6.

ConfigurationIoniq 5 DC Fast Charging Time (10-80% SoC)EV6 DC Fast Charging Time (10-80% SoC)Standard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh)To Be Disclosed18 minutesLong Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)18 minutes18 minutesLong Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)18 minutes18 minutes

Company-stated DC fast-charging times of Ioniq 5 and EV6

With a 350 kW charger, it takes just as little as 18 minutes to charge both Ioniq 5 and EV6 from 10 to 80% SoC. However, it is worth noting that the EV6 cannot take the maximum benefit of a 350 kW DC charger, and we expect the same to be the case of the Ioniq 5. The EV6’s supported maximum DC charging power input is 180 kW in the Standard Range RWD variant and 240 kW in the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD variants. Hyundai hasn’t disclosed the peak DC charging power of the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 yet.

Price

The Ioniq 5 is available in a wider range of variants compared to the EV6 in the U.S. market. Kia has positioned its EV at a slight premium. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s prices in the U.S. start at USD 39,700 and go up to USD 54,500. Its line-up consists of SE Standard Edition, SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The Kia EV6’s prices start at USD 40,900 and reach USD 55,900 (USD 58,500 for the fully-reserved 1st Edition). The EV6 is available in Light and Wind trims, as well as a sportier-looking GT-Line variant.

Both Ioniq 5 and EV6 are temporarily unavailable to order because of a supply shortage. Deliveries of reserved Ioniq 5 units have started, while the EV6 deliveries will begin by March 2022.

ConfigurationIoniq 5 SE Standard EditionIoniq 5 SEIoniq 5 SELIoniq 5 LimitedStandard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh)USD 39,700Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableLong Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)Not AvailableUSD 43,650USD $45,900USD 50,600Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)Not AvailableUSD 47,150USD 49,400USD 54,500

Hyundai Ioniq 5 U.S. prices range from USD 39,700 to USD 54,500.

ConfigurationEV6 LightEV6 WindEV6 GT-LineEV6 1st EditionStandard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh)USD 40,900Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableLong Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)Not AvailableUSD 47,000USD 51,200Not AvailableLong Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh)Not AvailableUSD 50,900USD 55,900USD 58,500

Kia EV6 U.S. prices range between USD 40,900 and USD 58,500.

Availability

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be cheaper and available in more configurations, but it’s not easy to buy. Hyundai states on its U.S. website that the availability is “extremely limited.” Moreover, the company is offering it only in 19 states. Add to that the fact that not every dealership can sell the Ioniq 5. Only EV-certified dealerships, those which have a public charging facility, at least one salesperson qualified to sell EVs, EV service capability, and meet Hyundai’s other necessary requirements, have the Ioniq 5.

The Kia EV6, on the other hand, is a relatively easier grab in the States, as it is available across the country. Kia has 775 dealerships in the U.S., and 725 sell EVs. The longer experience of Kia dealerships handling EVs (since 2014, starting with the Soul EV) adds to hope that you get a better after-sales service experience. However, unlike in the case of ICE cars, after-sales service is not a deal-breaker for an EV which has fewer moving parts and less wear.

Dealer markups

Some Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis dealers in the U.S. are taking undue advantage of the short supply and increased demand by applying excessive markups on the MSRP. AutoNews reported on February 23, 2022, that Hyundai and Genesis are calling out dealers to avoid such malpractices that could harm the brand’s image in the long term. The high markups can jeopardize the brands’ ability to retain loyal customers and attract new buyers.

Carbuzz reported on February 17, 2022, that a Kia dealership in California applied a markup of USD 27,286 on the EV6, which has an MSRP of 59,945, asking customers to cough up USD 87,231! KiaEVForums.com forum member voxel revealed on February 4, 2022, that a Florida dealership is asking customers to shell out an additional USD 15,000 across the EV6 range. If such practices continue, HMG might consider blocking shipments to those dealers in the future.

2022 Sales

Hyundai Motor America reported a 241% increase in electrified vehicles sales in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. Hyundai Motor America sold 6,244 units of the Ioniq 5 in Q1 2022, while Kia America delivered 5,281 units of the EV6. In March 2022, however, the EV6 bested the Ioniq 5 with 3,156 deliveries compared to 2,700 units sold by the Hyundai BEV, setting up an interesting battle for the rest of the year.

Featured Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group. All images in this story are from Hyundai and Kia media centers.

Keyword: Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Kia EV6: Korean bespoke EVs compared [Update]