Kia EV6 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5: New Electric Crossover Showdown
Kia and Hyundai have quietly played roles in the development and forward movement of the electric vehicle with their respective EV models. These include the Kia Niro EV, Hyundai KONA Electric, and a handful of plug-in hybrid models.
However, with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E pushing the electric SUV to new heights, Hyundai and Kia, which both fall under the Hyundai Motor Group, knew it was time to get serious. With this came the announcement of the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5.
With shared platforms to help reduce cost — something these brands do across their lineups — these EV crossovers have a lot in common. However, plenty still sets them apart, as they target distinct buyer types.
Kia EV6 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
Let’s look at the Kia EV6 vs the Hyundai IONIQ 5 to see how they differ and which may be better for you.
Exterior Design
While the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 share the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), these electric vehicles have dramatically different looks. This is a common theme across these Korean sister brands, as their respective models share many platforms and components but look nothing alike.
The Kia EV6 boasts a sleek and swoopy design that features a fast-sloping nose highlighted by Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille and sharp LED headlights. Around back, the EV6 continues its sportier ways with a forward-raked rear glass and C-pillar, flared rear wheel arches, and raised taillight section.
This lends the EV6 well to younger buyers who seek a sporty look with family car credentials.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 still looks sharp, but it takes a far more traditional crossover utility vehicle (CUV) design approach that melds together an SUV and hatchback.
The IONIQ 5 boasts smoother sheet metal than the EV6, but it still has a few sharp creases and body lines to catch the eye. The C-pillar and rear glass feature a forward rake similar to the EV6, but the more traditional-set taillights give it a far less dramatic look.
This design gives the masses an approachable electric CUV that’s not too over the top.
Interior Design
Inside, these sister CUVs again go in vastly different directions, despite a few mild similarities.
The Kia EV6 features a pair of 12.3-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screens — one for the infotainment system and one for the instrument cluster — that combine to make one 24.6-inch curved screen extending across the dash. This screen sits behind the now-signature two-post Kia steering wheel and atop a swoopy dash.
The EV6 also features a relatively typical center console with a rotary shifter and the ignition button mounted near the front. This console and the curved 24.6-inch screen that angles slightly toward the driver gives the EV6’s cabin a more driver-focused feel, making it feel like the sportier of the two models.
The IONIQ 5 features a pair of 12.3-inch screens that form one larger curved screen, just like the EV6. However, this setup is more central and usable by the passenger and driver.
The IONIQ 5 continues its more passenger-focused feel with a minimalist center console that gives the cabin an airy and open feel, and a thin dash that’s out of the way and again opens up the cabin.
The IONIQ 5‘s design clearly contrasts the EV6’s sporty setup by feeling more open and welcoming to passengers.
Which one has more legroom, headroom, and cargo room? The IONIQ edges out the EV6 in most categories. Here’s a breakdown, with the bolded number representing the winner in each category:
| 2022 IONIQ 5 | 2022 EV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front legroom | 41.7 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Rear legroom | 39.4 inches | 39 inches |
| Front headroom | 39.8 inches | 39 inches |
| Rear headroom | 38.7 inches | 38 inches |
| Front shoulder room | 57.7 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Rear shoulder room | 57.7 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Front hip room | 53.9 inches | 54.9 inches |
| Rear hip room | 53.6 inches | 53.2 inches |
| Cargo room (seats up) | 27.2 cubic feet | 24.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo room (seats folded) | 59.3 cubic feet | 50.2 cubic feet |
Powertrain Performance
Because these crossovers share the E-GMP platform, their powertrains are virtually identical. The Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 start with a single electric motor that produces 168 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque and ships it to the rear wheels.
Both models also have two optional powertrains, a single-motor setup with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a dual-motor setup with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
EV Range and Charging
These electric cars also share their available battery packs, starting with their standard 58 kilowatt-hours (kWh) lithium-ion polymer battery that delivers 232 miles of range in the EV6 and 220 miles in the IONIQ 5.
In the EV6, this battery pack takes anywhere from 18 minutes to 51 hours and 5 minutes to charge, depending on the charger it’s connected to. Hyundai has yet to release the charging times for the IONIQ 5 with the standard battery.
| Charger type | EV6 58-kWh battery charging time | IONIQ 5 58-kWh battery charging time |
|---|---|---|
| 120 volt at 12 amps (household plug) | 51 hours and 5 minutes | Not available |
| 240 volt at 48 amps (Level 2 in-home wall box) | 5 hours and 50 minutes | Not available |
| 50-kW DC fast charger | 63 minutes (10% to 80%) | Not available |
| 350-kW DC fast charger | 18 minutes (10% to 80%) | Not available |
All other EV6 models and the entire IONIQ lineup come standard with a 77.4-kWh battery. In the IONIQ 5 lineup, this battery pack delivers 303 miles of range in RWD models and 256 miles in all AWD models. In the EV6, this battery pack delivers 310 miles of all-electric range in RWD models and 274 miles in AWD models.
Charging times with the larger battery pack are as follows.
| Charger type | EV6 77.4-kWh battery charging time | IONIQ 5 77.4-kWh battery charging time |
|---|---|---|
| 120 volt at 12 amps (household plug) | 68 hours | Not available |
| 240 volt at 48 amps (Level 2 in-home wall box) | 7 hours and 10 minutes | 6 hours and 43 minutes |
| 50 kW DC fast charger | 73 minutes (10% to 80%) | Not available |
| 150 kW DC fast charger | Not available | 25 minutes (est.) (10% to 80%) |
| 350 kW DC fast charger | 18 minutes (10% to 80%) | 18 minutes (10% to 80%) |
Fuel Economy Equivalents
While fuel economy is out the window on electric vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed fuel economy equivalents, known as MPGe, for comparison’s sake.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5’s fuel economy equivalents are as follows.
| Model | City MPGe | Highway MPGe | Combined MPGe | Annual fuel costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONIQ 5 RWD Standard Range | 127 | 94 | 110 | $600 |
| IONIQ 5 RWD Long Range | 132 | 98 | 114 | $600 |
| IONIQ 5 AWD Long Range | 110 | 87 | 98 | $650 |
The 2022 EV6 fuel economy equivalents are all superior to the IONIQ 5, saving you about $50 per year in fueling costs.
| Model | City MPGe | Highway MPGe | Combined MPGe | Annual fuel costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV6 RWD Standard Range | 136 | 100 | 117 | $550 |
| EV6 RWD Long Range | 134 | 101 | 117 | $550 |
| EV6 AWD Long Range | 116 | 94 | 105 | $600 |
Special Charging Equipment Requirements
The Kia EV6 can charge via a 120-volt power outlet, but it will require a special charging cable you can purchase separately from the Kia parts department. However, charging an EV6 via a household plug will take nearly two days.
As for the Hyundai IONIQ 5, it has no recommended 120-volt charging times, meaning the automaker doesn’t recommend charging it in this manner.
So, for both vehicles, you should consider a Level 2 240-volt wallbox charger at 48 amps. This setup will charge each vehicle overnight, leaving you with a full battery for your morning commute.
While Kia and Hyundai haven’t released pricing on their preferred Level 2 chargers, you can buy them separately for $400 to $700, plus professional installation.
For added flexibility, you can buy a Level 2 charger cable for $200 to $400, plus the professional installation of a 240-volt outlet if needed. Some houses already have this outlet in the garage, or you can simply unplug your electric clothes dryer when it’s not in use and plug the Level 2 charger in there. Keep in mind, you may need to purchase an adaptor, as your Level 2 plug may be a different format than your 240-volt outlet. These generally cost $10 to $30.
The Ideal Customer
The Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5, while closely related, cater to different customer styles. The EV6, with its more aggressive design inside and out, caters to a younger clientele seeking a sporty look and feel. But with its capable cargo area, the EV6 also touches the more mature side that realizes they need to mix some functionality with the fun.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, on the other hand, has more room and a simpler design, giving it a more mature, family-focused feel. However, the dual-motor setup has a wild side that will satiate the speed demon within.
How to Save Money on a Kia EV6 or IONIQ 5
There are no lease offers on the Kia EV6 or IONIQ 5, as they aren’t in showrooms yet. Both are expected to have slow releases throughout 2022. The EV6 will be available in all 50 states, but the IONIQ 5 will only be available in zero-emission states plus Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Virginia, and Washington.
Also, since the EV6 and IONIQ 5 are not on sale yet, no pre-owned models are available to help with your initial savings. Keep in mind, though, Kia and Hyundai are still eligible for up to a $7,500 federal tax credit for qualifying buyers, so you could get a large piece of the upfront cost back come tax time.
Speaking of the upfront cost, the 2022 Kia EV6 MSRP range is as follows:
- EV6 Light RWD: $40,900
- EV6 Wind RWD: $47,000
- EV6 GT-Line RWD: $51,200
- EV6 Wind AWD: $50,900
- EV6 GT-Line AWD: $55,900
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 MSRP range is as follows:
- IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range RWD: $39,700
- IONIQ 5 SE RWD: $43,650
- IONIQ 5 SEL RWD: $45,900
- IONIQ 5 Limited RWD: $50,600
- IONIQ 5 SE AWD: $47,150
- IONIQ 5 SEL AWD: $49,400
- IONIQ 5 Limited AWD: $54,500
Kia EV6 vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5: Final Thoughts
These Hyundai Motor Group siblings share many mechanical similarities, but they’re clearly catering to a different crowd. The Kia EV6, with its youthful and sporty look, caters to the younger, hipper crowd. The Hyundai IONIQ 5, with its more traditional CUV shape and interior and roomier cabin, is more for buyers who prefer function to form.
Buyers shopping purely based on mileage will find that despite their shared underpinnings, the EV6 is far more efficient and will save you about $50 per year on charging,
Though you can’t find these vehicles used yet, you can find many other used electric vehicles for sale to save big while helping protect the environment.
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