The battle for the title of best 2022 Electric Car gets more competitive when adding the latest entrants from Kia and Hyundai. So let's look at this Edmunds EV SUV comparison featuring the 2022 Kia EV6 and the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 2022 Kia EV6 Similarities
In the Edmunds Cars video review, we'll see that the two cars under consideration are more similar than they are different. Both test cars feature upgraded models featuring bigger batteries and all-wheel-drive, which adds about $16,000 to the base price of each model, both produce 320hp, both have 0-60 mph times of 4.7 seconds, and 20 miles driving range separate the two cars as tested. As a result, Mark Takahashi from Edmunds recommends the Kia EV6 for drivers seeking a firm ride and sporty handling and the Hyundai Ionic 5 for those that seek comfortable transportation and a bit more cargo space.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 First Impressions
The standard range Ioniq 5 SE delivers 168 hp to the rear wheels via a single electric motor. Priced at $40,925, the Ioniq 5 SE boasts a range of 220 miles. Its unique styling is quirky, fun, and undoubtedly appealing to many consumers. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 provides a spacious, well-appointed cabin, but falls behind the class with 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
As tested, the Hyundai Ionic 5 Limited MSRP is $55,920 and includes an extended range battery and all-wheel-drive that achieved 256 miles on a full charge. In addition, the Ioniq 5 offers three levels of brake regeneration controlled by paddles adjacent to the steering wheel. The lowest level allows the car to free-wheel, much like a bicycle, upon releasing the accelerator pedal. The highest level nearly allows for driving using only one peddle, even in traffic.
While driving the Ioniq 5, Takahashi mentions some body roll when cornering, but it is still athletic enough for most people's driving style.
2022 Kia EV6 First Impressions
The Kia EV6 Light trim offers 167 hp and a 232-mile driving range with an MSRP of $42,115. Like the Ioniq 5, the EV6's interior is spacious and provides adequate comfort to adults in the back seat, but offers less cargo space than the Ioniq 5 with 24.4 cubic feet. In addition, the EV6's drive selector located on the center console wastes valuable real estate and is less intuitive than the steering column-mounted selector found in the Ioniq 5.
As tested, the Kia EV6 has an MSRP of $58,105. With 320 hp, 0-60 acceleration in 4.7 seconds, and 274 miles on a full charge, the EV6 exhibits sporty handling and is Takahashi's favorite to drive. The only negatives Takahashi mentions relate to the input required to overcome the lane-keep assist feature and the distracting side view camera projections.