The electric car segment has been growing exponentially over the recent few years. More buyers and manufacturers than ever before are embracing the shift in the market, and the future is undeniably electric. As gas-powered cars are slowly going to fade into the sunset, electric cars are going to dominate every segment, from commuters, to SUVs, sports cars, and even supercars. Leading the charge as two of the best EVs in 2022 are Hyundai's Ioniq 5 and Kia's EV6. These sister brands from Korea have built their respective EVs on the same platform from Hyundai, but the cars are quite different from each other.
The decision to pick one from the two is not an easy one, as both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 excel and falter in different aspects. However, that's what we are here for. If you're thinking of bringing home a battery-powered electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5 and the EV6 are undoubtedly on your shortlist. Thus, here are 5 things we love about the Kia EV6, and five reasons why we'd prefer the Hyundai Ioniq 5 over it.
10 The Kia EV6 Offers More Range
Truth be told, there isn’t a lot separating the Kia EV6 from the Hyundai EV6, but when two cars are so evenly matched, the slightest difference counts. Any electric vehicle today has to get its range right, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers around 300 miles of range in its base variant.
The Kia EV6, however, one-ups that figure, as it retails with only one single battery pack as opposed to Hyundai’s standard and long-range options. On the other hand, the Kia EV6 delivers 340 miles of electric range, edging out the Ioniq.
9 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Has More Cargo And Storage Space
Neither the Hyundai Ioniq 5 nor the Kia EV6 have class-leading cargo space. However, when pitted against each other, the Hyundai comes out on top with more room in the boot as well as the front boot under the bonnet.
With 27.2 cubic feet of cargo room, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 beats the Kia EV6’s 24.4 cubic-feet. On the front, the EV6 comes with either 50 or 20 liters of trunk space, depending on RWD or 4WD, and the Ioniq 5 offers 57 or 24 liters depending on the powertrain.
8 Kia's EV6 Is A Lot More Stylish
Styling is one department where the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 couldn’t be more different. Kia has certainly styled the EV6 to be a futuristic-looking car, and it has a sporty and muscular stance.
The star of the show, however, is easily the rear-end of the EV6, which houses one single light bar running across the rear which functions as the tail light. Almost Aston Martin-esque in design, it is truly an eye-catcher, and makes the EV6 look extremely stylish and modern.
7 The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Subtle Styling Will Make It Age Better
While Kia has styled the EV6 to be every bit as futuristic, high-tech, and stylish as they could, Hyundai has gone for a retro approach when styling the Ioniq 5. It is also a move that works, as the design language of the Ioniq 5 is rather endearing.
The Ioniq 5 has a distinct steampunk look, with its squared-off headlights and tail lights, and stylish yet subtle curves on the body. Overall, it looks more elegant than the exterior of the EV6. As the years go by, modern styling trends will definitely change but the Ioniq 5’s retro will always remain retro.
6 Kia Has Given The EV6 More Features Throughout The Lineup
Kia’s EV6 comes with more features than the Hyundai Ioniq 5. While the base variants of both the cars are quite neck-and-neck in features, the middle of the EV6 lineup clearly has better standard features.
Furthermore, only the Kia comes with heated rear seats. Plus, all trims of the Kia EV6 except the base model come with front captain seats as standard, while that feature is only available on the top-end Ioniq 5 Limited, and even then it is optional.
5 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Has A More Elegant Interior
The interiors of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 are just as unique and contrasting as their exteriors. Where the Hyundai goes for a more minimalist, subtle, and elegant interior, the Kia goes for a sporty-looking dash and driver’s cockpit.
However, the Ioniq 5’s cabin is a lot more neatly laid out, which we definitely prefer over the Kia. The infotainment display also gets its dedicated row of buttons and knobs to operate, which is always better than an all-touch control center that the EV6 houses.
4 The Kia EV6 Feels A Lot Sportier And Responsive To Drive
The ride quality of both cars definitely mimics the way they look. The Kia EV6, clearly the more sporty-looking and feeling of the two, also has a sportier and more responsive drive experience.
Any imperfections in the road are simply shrugged off by the EV6 as it darts through on the tarmac, with its suspension tuned perfectly between firm and soft, while the Ioniq 5 definitely falters as it leans too much on the latter side.
3 The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Proves Better Value For Money
When both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 are compared solely by their base prices, Ioniq 5 comes cheaper, and also offers a lot more value for the money you spend. It also comes with a larger battery and more powerful rear-wheel motor than the EV6.
If you’re looking for an EV that will take care of all your needs while remaining mostly in use in the city, then the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is truly one of the best options on the market. Even the base variant is pretty good for covering almost a week of daily commute for less money than the Kia EV6.
2 The Top-Spec Kia EV6 Is Faster Than The Top-Spec Ioniq 5
Things change in the performance department between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 as we go higher up the trim ladder. The top-spec Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited takes just about 4.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60, which is mighty impressive and definitely sports car numbers.
However, when the EV6 GT-Line comes to play, it blows the Ioniq 5 Limited out of the water with a phenomenal 3.4 seconds, beating the Ioniq 5 by a whole second. Of course, with Hyundai’s N-Line due for complete electrification soon, the story might change, but for now, the EV6 is a lot faster.
1 Rear-Seat Occupants Are Far More Comfortable In The Hyundai Ioniq 5
Both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 are impressive vehicles. Occupants in both cars will be impressed with the interiors and plush cabin. However, the rear seat of the Kia EV6 sits lower than that of the Ioniq 5, leaving little to no underthigh support for rear-seat passengers. This is especially troublesome over large distances.
The Ioniq 5, however, has a higher rear seat, which angles upward as well, offering more underthigh support and thus being more comfortable to be in. It also allows passengers to stretch out their legs under the back of the front seats. This might sound too common to be notable, but is remarkable in this comparison because the EV6 does not have any room to slide your feet under the front seats.