The Hyundai Kona Electric and Hyundai Ioniq 5 belong to different segments and thus have different market positioning. Both the EVs are popular in their own right. However, some customers and EV enthusiasts mistakenly see them as rivals. A critical difference between the two is their platform. The Hyundai Kona Electric is a conversion BEV, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is based on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform. Let’s delve deeper into the differences between the two EVs.
Dimensions
Measuring 165.6 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 61.2 inches tall, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a sub-compact SUV. At 182.5 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 63 inches tall, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a compact SUV. Thanks to its bespoke EV platform, the latter is noticeably bigger and significantly more spacious. Its wheelbase is almost four inches longer than the Palisade—the biggest model Hyundai offers in the United States.
DimensionHyundai Kona Electric SpecificationHyundai Ioniq 5 SpecificationLength165.6 in.182.5 in.Width70.9 in.74.4 in.Height61.2 in.63.0 in.Wheelbase102.4 in.118.1 in.Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Up/Rear SeatsFolded Down)19.2 cu ft/45.8 cu ft27.2 cu ft/59.3 cu ftFront Cargo (Frunk) Capacity–0.85 cu ftPassenger Interior Volume–106.5 cu ft
U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 and U.S.-spec Kona EV’s dimensions
Design
The Kona is sculpted and modern, whereas the Ioniq is squarish and beautifully blends traditional and futuristic design elements. Images: Hyundai
The Hyundai Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 are both soft-looking crossovers. The Kona is sculpted and modern, whereas the Ioniq is squarish and beautifully blends traditional and futuristic design elements. The Ioniq 5 looks like an EV designed to make it appear futuristic, while the Kona EV seems more conventional in its form factor.
It would be technically incorrect to describe the Ioniq 5 neo-retro. In addition to the old elements derived from the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept—the same model that influenced the iconic DeLorean DMC 12—it’s more futuristic than the current era. The pixelated headlamps and rear combination lamps, V-shaped positioning lamps, and, in select markets, camera-based, fender-mounted ORVMs and the solar roof give the Ioniq 5 a futuristic appearance.
The cabins of both the cars are unique. The Ioniq 5 is minimalist, while the Kona Electric reminds us of other Hyundai cars. Images: Hyundai
The Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5 have a minimalist yet well-appointed cabin. The latter elevates it with two-spoke steering, a dual-screen panel, a slimmer dashboard, and a smaller center console panel. It’s also more practical because it’s a bespoke EV. The front center console, for example, moves back and forth 5.5 inches. The rear seats are also more versatile, slidable forward up to 5.3 inches, and reclinable.
Specifications
The Ioniq 5 outshines the Kona Electric when it comes to the underpinnings. The small SUV is built on a modified ICE platform, whereas the compact SUV is built on the EV-specific Electric-Global Modular Platform. E-GMP is currently one of the most advanced EV platforms for mainstream brands and is also used by the Kia EV6 and the Genesis GV60.
The MY2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes with a single 77.3 kWh battery option with 303 miles of maximum range (EPA). Images: Hyundai
The U.S.-spec Kona Electric comes with a single configuration. It’s powered by a single front-axle mounted electric motor that’s good for 150 kW (201 hp) and 291 lb-ft. The energy is supplied by a 64 kWh battery pack manufactured by LG Chem. It has a range of 258 miles (EPA est.). Level 2 charging (10-100 percent SoC) takes approximately 9 hours 15 minutes, while Level 3 charging (10-80 percent SoC) takes about 47 minutes.
The MY2022 Ioniq 5 currently offers two powertrain configurations: Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD. All variants are powered by a 77.4 kWh battery pack which provides an excellent 303 miles range on a single charge, according to EPA estimates.
With 225 hp/258 lb-ft, the RWD variant packs ample power and torque. Customers who want an outstanding balance between range and performance should go for this variant. The AWD model has a dual-motor powertrain with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque and a range of 256 miles (EPA est.). This one is for driving enthusiasts who can compromise on the range for increased performance.
AspectHyundai Kona ElectricHyundai Ioniq 5Drivetrain LayoutFWDRWD/AWDNo. of MotorsOne (Front)One (Rear)/Two (Front and Rear)Motor Max. Power201 hpUp to 320 hpMotor Max. Torque291 lb.-ft.Up to 446 lb.-ft.Top Speed104 mph115 mphBattery Pack Energy Content64 kWhUp to 77.4 kWhRange (EPA)258 milesUp to 303 milesOn-Board Charger10.5 kW Three-Phase10.5 kW Three-PhaseOperating voltage356 volts800 voltsDC Fast-Charging Time (10 to 80% SoC)~47 minutes18 minutes
U.S.-spec Hyundai Kona Electric vs. U.S.-spec 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
According to Hyundai’s product guide, level 2 charging (10-100 percent SoC) in the Ioniq 5’s 77.4 kWh variants takes 6 hours 43 minutes. Thanks to its 800-volt charging capability, these variants of the Ioniq 5 can charge to Level 3 in just 18 minutes.
In contrast to the Kona EV, the Ioniq 5 also supports bidirectional charging. Customers can use the energy stored in the Ioniq 5’s battery pack to power their home, power tools, portable electronics, and even another EV. Hyundai has termed bi-directional charging as Vehicle-to-load or V2L, and the same is also offered on other E-GMP-based models like the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.
The Ioniq 5 is naturally the better EV of the two, but it also demands a premium price tag that all potential customers may not be willing to shell out. Images: Hyundai
Price
This is not a comparison where one vehicle trumps the other to take the top spot. Our comparison points out key differences between two EVs from the same brand. Needless to say, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 outperforms the Hyundai Kona EV in every way. And with greater capabilities comes a higher asking price.
While the Kona Electric costs between USD 34,000 and USD 42,500, the MY2022 Ioniq 5 costs between USD 43,650 and USD 50,600. In addition to being more expensive, the supply of the loniq 5 is extremely limited. Furthermore, it is only available in a few states, which are listed below:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sales
Hyundai Motor America had a positive 2022 so far. Its Q1 2022 sales stand at 159,676 units, a 1.4% increase from Q1 2021. While the Ioniq 5 continued to garner accolades from the motoring press based in America, its sales performance showcased its increasing popularity, which is only restricted by its limited availability. The brand sold 6,244 units of the Ioniq 5 in Q1 2022, while 15,536 units of the Kona model range were sold. Hyundai Motor America hasn’t revealed how many of the Kona units sold were pure electric.
Featured Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group
Keyword: Hyundai Kona Electric vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Specs comparison