Update: ‘Specifications,’ ‘Price’ and ‘Sales’ sections updated.
Hyundai Motor Group’s EV offensive has intensified and entered phase II with the launch of models developed as EVs from the outset. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the Genesis GV60 electric crossovers are the first of the lot. While the GV60 is a premium model, the mass-market siblings intend to make EVs the ‘new normal’ for personal commuting. In this story, we compare the Ioniq 5 and EV6 in detail to help you make an informed decision about getting keys to one of the two.
Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have unique designs and look like no other model on sale today. They may not look so from these pictures, but they’re compact crossovers, not hatchbacks. The EV6 has a sporty design with a coupe-like profile and plenty of curvy elements, and its high rear deck complements that sporty theme. The Ioniq 5 is sharper and features a retro theme inspired by Hyundai’s Pony Coupe from 1974. The sci-fi headlamp and rear light design are sure to turn heads.
On the inside, it’s the opposite, with the Ioniq 5 featuring many rounded elements and the EV6 angular parts instead. The Hyundai model has futuristic vibes, thanks to the simplistic door panels, the light and bright color scheme, and the specially designed dual cockpit. The dual cockpit is a white panel that houses two screens with a white background, and it blends with the rest of the cabin. The EV6 interior is relatively conventional, but it looks sportier because of the dark colors and the edgy elements.
Features
Both Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have loads of styling, comfort, convenience, and safety features, many of which are pretty similar.
Exterior Features
On the outside, the Ioniq 5 flaunts parametric pixel lights at front and rear, Active Air Flap (active air intakes), super-sized 20-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles, and a rear spoiler with two openings. The camera-based digital mirrors and the solar roof are not available in the U.S.
The EV6 features dual LED headlights with a sequential dynamic light pattern, 21-inch alloy wheels (in the GT variant), flush door handles, a wing-type roof spoiler with two openings, and a high rear deck that serves as its lower spoiler. Kia doesn’t equip the EV6 with virtual mirrors/digital mirrors or a solar roof anywhere globally.
Interior Features
An interesting interior feature on the Ioniq 5 is a ‘Universal Island’ moveable center console. This innovative center console allows sliding it back and forth 5.5 inches.
Yet another feature we would like to highlight here is a magnetic board, which is the left-most portion of the dual-cockpit panel. Customers can post pictures and notes just like on a refrigerator. Clearly, the designers have gone to great lengths to make the driver and passengers feel right at home, an attribute that matches the interior’s ‘Living Space’ theme.
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, AR-HUD, column-type shift-by-wire, sliding (5.3 inches forward) and reclining second-row seats, ‘Vision Roof’ panoramic sunroof without cross members, 15-watt wireless smartphone charger, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system are some additional noteworthy interior features of the Ioniq 5.
Hyundai has extensively used eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as plant-based yarns and natural wool yarns, recycled PET bottles, bio paint with plant extracts, and eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts.
The EV6 isn’t short on the list of attractive features by any standards. 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, AR-HUD, rotary gear selector (on the fixed floor console), 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system, 100% vegan leather surfaces, and a regular panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality are among the main talking points of the EV6 in this aspect.
Connected Car Features
The Ioniq 5 comes with Hyundai’s Bluelink car services, including connected routing, Remote Charging, last-mile navigation, Remote Start Enhancements, Remote Profile Management, and more. The EV6 packs similar connected car solutions under the Kia Connect suite.
Safety Features
Hyundai has equipped the Ioniq 5 with a plethora of ADAS features. The Ioniq 5 is the brand’s first model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 can maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead and keep the vehicle centered in the lane, even around a curve, by taking control of the steering wheel. It can also automatically change the lane when the driver switches on the turn signal. Moreover, it looks out for close-range low-speed cut-ins by other drivers and responds by maneuvering automatically if needed.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Machine Learning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA) are some of the other main ADAS features of the Ioniq 5.
Kia has also equipped the EV6 with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA) are some of its other main ADAS features. Interestingly, while Kia mentioned Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) in the EV6 U.S. announcement in May 2021, it doesn’t state it in the product guide.
Specifications
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 sit on the E-GMP platform and feature a tunnel-free, flat floor. Both models have a front trunk for storing small items. Another common technical feature is a heat pump that scavenges waste heat from the vehicle’s coolant system and uses it to warm the cabin in winters.
Dimensions
The Ioniq 5 measures 182.5 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 63.0 inches in height, and it has a 118.1-inch-long wheelbase. Its passenger volume is 106.5 cubic feet, which is better than that of the VW ID.4 (99.9 cubic feet) and even the Ford Mustang Mach-E (101.1 cubic feet).
| Aspect\Dimension | Ioniq 5 Dimensions | Kia EV6 Dimensions |
| Length | 182.5 in. | 184.3 in. (GT-Line/GT: 184.8 in.) |
| Width | 74.4 in. | 74.0 in. (GT-Line/GT: 74.4 in.) |
| Height | 63.0 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in. | 114.2 in. |
| Turning Circle Diameter | 39.3 ft. | To Be Announced |
| Turning Circle Radius | To Be Announced | 19.1 ft. (GT: 19.6 ft.) |
| Ground Clearance | 6.1 in. | 6.1 in. |
| Head Room (w/o sunroof) | Front – 39.8 in. Rear – 38.7 in. | Front – 39.0 in. Rear – 38.0 in. |
| Head Room (with sunroof) | Front – 39.1 in. Rear – 37.5 in. | Front – 36.8 in. Rear – 38.0 in. |
| Leg Room | Front – 41.7 in. Rear – 39.4 in. | Front – 42.4 in. Rear – 39.0 in. (GT: 39.6 in.) |
| Shoulder Room | Front – 57.7 in. Rear – 57.7 in. | 57.8 in. (front)/55.6 in. (rear) |
| Hip Room | Front – 53.9 in. Rear – 53.6 in. | 54.9 in. (front)/53.2 in. (rear) |
| Passenger Interior Volume | 106.5 cu. ft. | 103.0 cu. ft. (GT: 103.8 cu. ft.) |
| Frunk Capacity | 0.85 cu. ft. | To Be Announced |
| Luggage Capacity (rear seats upright) | 27.2 cu. ft. | 24.4 cu. ft. |
| Luggage Capacity (rear seats folded) | 59.3 cu. ft. | 50.2 cu. ft. |
Powertrain Configurations
The Ioniq 5 is available in a 125 kW (168 hp)/258 lb.-ft. single-motor RWD variant with a 58 kWh battery pack, a 168 kW (225 hp)/258 lb.-ft. single-motor RWD variant with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, and a 239 kW (320 hp)/446 lb.-ft. dual-motor AWD variant with a 77.4 kWh battery pack. Let’s call these Standard Range RWD, Long Range RWD, and Long Range AWD configurations, respectively, for ease of understanding.
The EV6 was available in the same three configurations in the first model year, but Kia discontinued the Standard Range RWD configuration with the MY2023 update. However, the company introduced a high-performance GT variant with the same update. Hyundai will launch a high-performance N variant with the MY2024 update.
The EV6 GT sports two motors generating 430 kW (576 hp) of combined power, but it has the same 77.4 kWh battery pack. A 0-60 mph sprint takes 3.5 seconds. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N may have similar specs.
| Aspect\Specification | Hyundai Ioniq 5 SR RWD | Hyundai Ioniq 5 LR RWD | Hyundai Ioniq 5 LR AWD |
| Drivetrain Layout | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| No. of Motor(s) | One | One | Two |
| Battery Pack Voltage | 522.7 V | 697 V | 697 V |
| Battery Pack Capacity | 58 kWh | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh |
| Power | 125 kW (168 hp) | 168 kW (225 hp) | 239 kW (320 hp) |
| Torque | 258 lb.-ft. | 258 lb.-ft. | 446 lb.-ft. |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| Curb Weight | 3,968 lbs. | 4,200 – 4,414 lbs. | 4,464 – 4,663 lbs. |
| Gross Weight | TBA | 5,357 lbs. | 5,600 lbs. |
| Aspect\Specification | Kia EV6 LR RWD | Kia EV6 LR AWD | Kia EV6 GT AWD |
| Drivetrain Layout | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| No. of Motor(s) | One | Two | Two |
| Battery Pack Voltage | 697 V | 697 V | 697 V |
| Battery Pack Energy | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh |
| Power | 168 kW (225 hp) | 239 kW (320 hp) | 430 kW (576 hp) |
| Torque | 258 lb.-ft. | 446 lb.-ft. | 545 lb.-ft. |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 117 mph | 161 mph |
| Curb Weight | 4,255 lbs. | 4,502 lbs. | 4,795 lbs. |
| Gross Weight | 5,335 lbs. | 5,556 lbs. | 5,732 lbs. |
Acceleration
Hyundai hasn’t disclosed the 0-60 mph acceleration time(s) of the Ioniq 5. Kia’s EV6 can finish the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds in the Long Range RWD configuration, 5.1 seconds in the Long Range AWD configuration, or just 3.4 seconds in the GT variant.
Top speed
Back to the normal Ioniq 5 and EV6, these EVs have slightly different top speeds. The Ioniq 5, irrespective of the configuration, maxes out at 115 mph. The EV6 achieves the same top speed in the Standard Range RWD and Long Range RWD configurations, but in the Long Range AWD configuration, it can touch 117 mph. In the high-performance GT variant, it goes all the way up to 161 mph!
Towing
Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 can tow 2,300 lbs. (braked)/1,650 lbs. (unbraked) in the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD configurations, but it does not recommend towing in the Standard Range RWD configuration. Kia says that the EV6 can haul 2,300 lbs. with trailer brakes across the range.
Range & Charging
| Configuration | Ioniq 5 Range | Ioniq 5 Efficiency | EV6 Range | EV6 Efficiency |
| Standard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh) | 220 miles | 31 kWh/100 miles | NA | NA |
| Long Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 303 miles | 30 kWh/100 miles | 310 miles | 28 kWh/100 miles |
| Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 266 miles | 34 kWh/100 miles | 282 miles (252 miles with 20″ wheels) | 31 kWh/100 miles (34 kWh/100 miles with 20″ wheels) |
| GT (430 kW/545 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | NA | NA | 206 miles | 42 kWh/100 mi |
The Ioniq 5 can deliver an EPA-est. range of up to 303 miles, while the EV6’s maximum EPA-est. range is 310 miles. Overall, the latter is more efficient and can travel a longer distance. Both models have a 10.9 kW on-board charger, and below are the EPA-est. Level 2 240V charging times:
| Configuration | Ioniq 5 AC Normal Charging Time | EV6 AC Charging Time |
| Standard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh) | 5 hrs 50 mins | NA |
| Long Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 7 hrs 10 mins | 7 hrs 10 mins |
| Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 7 hrs 10 mins | 7 hrs 10 mins |
| GT (430 kW/545 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | NA | 7 hrs 10 mins |
The Ioniq 5 and EV6 are the most advanced mainstream EVs in the market, as they have the world’s first multi-high-speed charging system that supports 400-volt and 800-volt DC charging. They support 800V ultra-fast charging, and thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), even multiple vehicle-to-load (V2L) functions, including charging another EV. Both models can provide up to 1.9 kW of power, although Kia mentions a lower, 1.1 kW rating in the case of vehicle-to-vehicle charging with the EV6.
| Configuration | Ioniq 5 DC Fast Charging Time (10-80% SoC) | EV6 DC Fast Charging Time (10-80% SoC) |
| Standard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh) | 18 minutes | NA |
| Long Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 18 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | 18 minutes | 18 minutes |
| GT (430 kW/545 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | NA | 18 minutes |
With a 350 kW charger, it takes just as little as 18 minutes to charge both Ioniq 5 and EV6 from 10 to 80% SoC. However, it is worth noting that the EV6 cannot take the maximum benefit of a 350 kW DC charger, and we expect the same to be the case with the Ioniq 5. The EV6’s supported maximum DC charging power input is 240 kW across the range. Hyundai hasn’t disclosed the peak DC charging power of the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 yet.
Price
The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s prices in the U.S. start at USD 41,450 and go up to USD 56,500. The line-up consists of SE Standard Edition, SE, SEL, and Limited trims. Kia EV6 prices start at USD 48,500 and reach USD 61,400 for the GT. The EV6 is available in Wind, GT-Line, and GT trims. A standard freight charge of USD 1,295 is applicable to both models.
| Configuration | Ioniq 5 SE Standard Edition | Ioniq 5 SE | Ioniq 5 SEL | Ioniq 5 Limited |
| Standard Range RWD (125 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 58 kWh) | USD 41,450 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Long Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | Not Available | USD 45,500 | USD $47,450 | USD 52,600 |
| Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | Not Available | USD 49,000 | USD 50,950 | USD 56,500 |
| Configuration | EV6 Wind | EV6 GT-Line | EV6 GT |
| Long Range RWD (168 kW/258 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | USD 48,500 | USD 52,700 | Not Available |
| Long Range AWD (239 kW/446 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | USD 52,400 | USD 57,400 | Not Available |
| GT (430 kW/545 lb.-ft. and 77.4 kWh) | Not Available | Not Available | USD 61,400 |
Availability
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be cheaper and available in more configurations, but it’s not easy to buy. Hyundai states on its U.S. website that the availability is “extremely limited.” Moreover, the company is offering it only in select states. Add to that the fact that not every dealership can sell the Ioniq 5. Only EV-certified dealerships, those which have a public charging facility, at least one salesperson qualified to sell EVs, EV service capability, and meet Hyundai’s other necessary requirements, have the Ioniq 5.
The Kia EV6, on the other hand, is a relatively easier grab in the States, as it is available across the country. Kia has over 750 dealerships in the U.S., and most of them sell EVs. The longer experience of Kia dealerships handling EVs (since 2014, starting with the Soul EV) adds to the hope that you get a better after-sales service experience. However, unlike in the case of ICE cars, after-sales service is not a deal-breaker for an EV that has fewer moving parts and less wear.
Dealer markups
Some Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis dealers in the U.S. are taking undue advantage of the short supply and increased demand by applying excessive markups on the MSRP. AutoNews reported on February 23, 2022, that Hyundai and Genesis are calling out dealers to avoid such malpractices that could harm the brand’s image in the long term. The high markups can jeopardize the brands’ ability to retain loyal customers and attract new buyers.
Carbuzz reported on February 17, 2022, that a Kia dealership in California applied a markup of USD 27,286 on the EV6, which has an MSRP of 59,945, asking customers to cough up USD 87,231! KiaEVForums.com forum member voxel revealed on February 4, 2022, that a Florida dealership is asking customers to shell out an additional USD 15,000 across the EV6 range. If such practices continue, HMG might consider blocking shipments to those dealers in the future.
Sales
| Month\Sales | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Sales | Kia EV6 Sales |
| January 2022 | 989 | – |
| February 2022 | 2,555 | 2,125 |
| March 2022 | 2,700 | 3,156 |
| April 2022 | 2,677 | 2,632 |
| May 2022 | 1,918 | 2,088 |
| June 2022 | 2,853 | 2,567 |
| July 2022 | 1,978 | 1,716 |
| August 2022 | 1,516 | 1,840 |
| September 2022 | 1,306 | 1,440 |
| October 2022 | 1,579 | 1,186 |
| November 2022 | 1,191 | 641 |
Hyundai Motor America sold 21,262 units of the Ioniq 5 between January and November 2022, while Kia America delivered 19,391 units of the EV6.
Featured Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group. All images in this story are from Hyundai and Kia media centers.
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
