Hyundai and Kia are changing the car industry with their advanced technology and bold designs as the innovative 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 hit the market. These two electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot in common since they were both developed by Hyundai Motor Group. However, they also have distinct styles, features, and performance traits that set them apart. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the IONIQ 5 and EV6.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 both have unique and eye-catching exterior designs. They take inspiration from retro-futuristic styling, but each has its own look. The IONIQ 5 has a boxy, angular shape like the classic Hyundai PONY hatchback from the 1970s. It has sharp creases, flush door handles, and unique pixel-inspired lights that give it a bold appearance. Even though it's compact, the IONIQ 5 has a strong SUV-like presence.
On the other hand, the Kia EV6 has a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile. It has a sloping roofline and sweeping character lines that make it look more like a sports car than the IONIQ 5. The EV6 also has flush door handles, a prominent front grille, and a distinctive rear light bar that contribute to its striking, innovative look.
In terms of size, the IONIQ 5 and EV6 are quite similar. The IONIQ 5 measures 182.5 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 63 inches tall. The EV6 is slightly longer at 184.3 inches but a bit narrower at 74 inches wide and shorter at 60.8 inches tall.
Interior Features and Trims
The IONIQ 5's interior feels more open and airier, with a flat floor and a minimalist, tech-forward design. Two large 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard — one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The center console has a sliding design that can be moved forward for more legroom or back for additional storage. The IONIQ 5's front seats are especially noteworthy. They include reclining backrests and extendable leg rests, allowing passengers to relax while the vehicle is charging. The rear seats also slide and recline for added comfort.
In contrast, the EV6's interior has a more driver-focused layout. It has a prominent center console that houses the gear selector, drive mode controls, and other key functions. The EV6 also has dual 12.3-inch displays, but the overall cabin design feels more conventional and less open than the IONIQ 5's.
Both vehicles use sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their interiors. The IONIQ 5 features recycled plastic, while the EV6 uses a mix of synthetic and cloth upholstery. The attention to detail and premium feel of the interiors are impressive, especially considering their relatively affordable prices. In terms of cargo space, the IONIQ 5 provides up to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the EV6 offers up to 50.2 cubic feet. The IONIQ 5 has a bit more overall interior volume and passenger space, but the EV6 counters with its sportier, driver-focused layout and available high-performance GT variant.
Performance and Range
2024 Hyundai Ioniq Battery and Range
The base IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range model has a single rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup can take the IONIQ 5 from zero to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. The IONIQ 5 SE, SEL, and Limited trims with the larger 77.4 kWh battery pack increase power to 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, dropping the time to get from zero to 60 mph to 7.4 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) IONIQ 5 models produce 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, sprinting from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
On the Kia side, the EV6 Light rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 58 kWh battery pumps out 167 horsepower. The EV6 Light Long Range RWD, Wind RWD, and GT-Line RWD with the 77.4 kWh battery produce 225 horsepower, while the AWD EV6 models with dual motors come in at 320 horsepower. The top-of-the-line EV6 GT is the performance champ, with a dual-motor AWD setup generating a whopping 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. This allows the EV6 GT to rocket from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest electric SUVs available.
In terms of driving range, the IONIQ 5 can last up to 303 miles on a single charge, while the EV6 reaches up to 310 miles. Both vehicles offer impressive fast-charging capabilities, able to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes when using a 350 kW DC fast charger. The IONIQ 5 and EV6 both provide engaging driving dynamics, with responsive acceleration, precise steering, and well-tuned suspensions that balance comfort and agility. However, the IONIQ 5 leans a bit more toward a comfortable, refined ride, while the EV6 has a sportier, more dynamic character.
Safety and Technology
Both vehicles come standard with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. They also feature automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The IONIQ 5 and EV6 have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In addition to the standard safety features, both vehicles offer optional driver-assistance technologies. The IONIQ 5 can be equipped with a Blind Spot View Monitor, which displays a video feed of the vehicle's blind spots in the digital instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. The EV6 is available with a similar system.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a starting MSRP of $43,175 for the SE Standard Range model, while the top Limited trim begins at $53,500. On the Kia side, the EV6 Light RWD starts at $42,600, with the range-topping EV6 GT coming in at $61,600. Both are priced very competitively in the electric SUV and crossover segment, undercutting rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4. Potential buyers may also be able to take advantage of incentives and tax credits available for EVs.
Experience the Future of Electric Mobility at Huffines Hyundai Plano
Visit Huffines Hyundai Plano in Plano, Texas, to experience the cutting-edge Hyundai IONIQ 5 and learn more about the exciting world of EVs. Our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you navigate the transition to electric mobility. Get preapproved instantly or explore the Hyundai EV Hub for more information on Hyundai's impressive lineup of EVs.
