Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5: identical twins?
Despite their radically different designs, the electric SUVs from Hyundai and Kia share major components, but present minor distinctions. So what sets the two Korean models apart?
Atypical designs in their own way
Proportionally, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are almost identical, but their design strategies vary considerably. Hyundai gives the Ioniq 5 a distinctive retro hatchback feel vintage styling, a trend that is becoming increasingly popular.. It's a trend that's becoming increasingly popular both inside and outside the electric car sector. We also find this "80s with 8-bit pixel lights and avant-garde panels. But will the Ioniq 5's design age gracefully? That's a good question!
Kia, for its part, has decided to associate the EV6 with visual agility, with curvaceous bodywork and contemporary lighting signatures. Both electric car aesthetics are appreciable, and the effort made in this area by both manufacturers is clearly evident. The design of both electric vehicles is sure to suit everyone's tastes and colors.
The Hyundai makes better use of space thanks to its squarer shape, and offers more passenger and cargo volume. It also drives more smoothly and filters out road imperfections more effectively than the Kia, which is more likely to drive rather abruptly, and risks making its occupants feel the bumps and potholes.
Both very stylish, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 boast a very modern and futuristic design, but always in their own way. While the Ioniq 5 impresses with its protruding, strict bodyworkthe EV6 is a little more curvaceous, offering an elegant rear coupe.
Close in size, but a game-changer
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an SUV electric SUV yet it's true that its dimensions can be confusing, making it appear smaller than it actually is. With a length of 4.64 metersand a width of 1.89 meters and a height of 1.61 metersIt's close to the average exterior dimensions of an SUV, but with an extra 16 centimetres less ground clearance.
For its part, the Kia EV6 is also an elevated car like its competitor. It measures 4.68 meters in length, 1.88-meter wide and 1.55 meters high. At first glance, its dimensions are very similar to those of the Ioniq 5. But the difference is in the ground clearance ground clearance, much lower than its rival (160 mm versus 170 mm for the Ioniq 5). This detail, which at first glance may seem insignificant, is important, because given its dimensions, the Kia EV6 cannot be considered an SUV. .
Find out more in the Kia EV 6 video test:
A functional and spacious interior
Inside, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 features airy styling to match its original exterior. Front seats are available with heating and ventilationSoft-touch materials adorn most surfaces, and a sliding center console expands storage options. The EV6's sporty, elegant interior will seem more familiar to new electric vehicle owners, perhaps not quite yet accustomed to the rather futuristic design of today's clean-energy vehicles.
The front seats are also available with heating and ventilation, but are flanked by a fixed center console clad in hard plastics - materials that are notoriously poor quality, especially for a car interior.
Looking at the exterior dimensions, there's no doubt that the interior dimensions of both vehicles will delight passengers and even families. But what about on-board equipment? Do they live up to occupants' expectations?
| Kia EV 6 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|
|
2 12-inch screens (one for multimedia, the other for other car functions) |
All-LED lighting with distinctive signature |
|
Flush door handles |
Flush door handles |
|
21-inch wheels |
20-inch wheels |
|
Remote parking function |
Sliding center console |
|
LED headlights |
Multiconfigurable front seats |
|
Semi-automatic highway driver
|
Movable rear bench seat |
|
Head-up display with augmented reality |
12-inch screen |
|
Integrated battery charge control (for charging other devices) |
SmartSense driver assistant |
Often one of the most important parameters when buying an electric vehicle, and even more so for families, trunk space is always an interesting parameter to consider. Customers want to have enough space to store their shopping or even their vacation luggage, to make their journey as comfortable as possible. In terms of practicality, both models have two dedicated luggage compartments. The main compartment is traditionally located behind the second row of seats, while the secondary compartment, the boot, is in front of the driver's cab.
L'Hyundai Ioniq 5 scores here with 531 liters in the boot and 57-liter in the trunk. With the rear seats folded down, customers can store 1 587 liters in the rear luggage compartment. With the Kiathe minimum trunk volume is 480 to 490 liters. The side compartment in front of the cab can accommodate up to 52 liters. If the rear seats are folded down, there are 1,300 liters of space at the rear.
Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: technical specifications
| Kia EV6 GT Line | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Intuitive | |
|---|---|---|
|
Motor power |
168 kW |
168 kW |
|
Number of horses |
229 hp |
229 hp |
|
490 - 510 km |
476 - 507 km |
|
|
Battery power |
77 kWh |
77 kWh
|
|
AC wallbox load power |
11 kW |
11 kW |
|
AC recharge time |
6 h |
6 h |
|
DC fast charge power |
250 kW |
175 kW |
|
Fast recharge time
|
18 min |
17 min
|
|
0 to 100 km/h
|
7.3 sec |
7.3 sec |
|
Fuel consumption (WLTP)
|
18 kWh/100 km |
17 kWh/100 km |
|
Maximum speed |
185 km/h
|
185 km/h |
|
Rate |
59 790 € |
51 200 € |
Performance: the two Koreas neck and neck
A glance at the engine performance of the two electric cars quickly reveals that the Kia EV6 is the faster model. The Korean brand's top-of-the-range version even offers an impressive sports version with 325 hp named "GT-line.
Coming back to the engine, the rivals share the load and offer their customers an entry-level engine. The Kia EV6 "Air Active is equipped with a 170 hp and a 58 kWh battery, l'Hyundai Ioniq 5 "Intuitive" with a 229 hp and a 77 kWh battery. This enables the cars to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. In terms of range the Hyundaiis 384 kmfor the Kia EV6, offers a range of 394 km.
For the most powerful models, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 "Executive" and Kia EV6 "GT Line are equipped with a 325 hp powered by a 77 kWh battery. This enables the models to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds or so. Top speed remains 260 km/h for both. On a full charge, the Hyundai can travel up to 481 kmwhile the EV6 easily exceeds 500 km (510).
At Hyundai, this engine is compatible with three different trim levels: Intuitive in entry-level trim, Creative and Executive for the top-of-the-range version . There are only two different trim levels available from the Korean manufacturer Kia : Air Active, Air Design and GT Line. In addition to rear-wheel drive, Hyundai and Kia also offer all-wheel drive variants. At Hyundai, customers can choose between 235 and 305 hp. The faster variant comes with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 secondswhile the slower version takes 6.1 seconds.
With both engines, top speed is limited to 185 km/h. Two engines are also available for Kia's all-wheel drive system. These are connected to a raw battery of 77 kWh that can be charged to 350 kilowatts (DC) for the most powerful and rapid recharging. If customers choose the 325 hpvariant, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes in 5.2 seconds. Top speed is 185 km/h and a combined range of 450 km.
If you're a speed enthusiast, buy the GT Line version of theEV6with its 325 hp and 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds. What's more, the models have a top speed of 260 km/h. A full charge should be enough for around 400 km . Recharging the Kia EV6 from a household socket can take over 30 hours to charge from 10% to 100%. With alternating current on the wall box, the time is approximately six hours.
Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: verdict and recap
| Kia EV6 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|
|
+ Chic coupé look
|
+ Large trunk, even with rear seats up |
|
+ Sport interior available |
+ Spacious interior |
|
+ Good autonomy and recharging capacity |
+ Excellent suspension comfort |
|
+ Large luggage space |
+ High-quality infotainment system |
|
+ Heated and cooled seats |
+ Small additional 57-liter front trunk in 4X2 configuration |
|
+ High-quality infotainment system
|
+ Good soundproofing |
|
- No roof rack |
- Large size for an electric city car |
|
- Low-power stereo system |
- An interesting and daring design, but not sure to age well over time |
|
- Uncomfortable suspension |
- Material quality not always perfect |
For this comparative test, it's difficult to position oneself and choose which crossover is the winner here. Basically, the models are very similar; the differences lie mainly in the point of view and what the customer expects from an electric car in this range. The Ioniq 5 with its raised body can still be counted among the SUVs, whereas the EV6 has no place here. It makes greater use of all-wheel drive for power and a better driving experience in fast bends.
As they say, tastes and colors are not up for discussion. The electric car that's right for you depends above all on your personality, not that of others. If you're looking for a fast and lively sports car, go for a Kia EV6, whereas if you're looking for an electric electric SUV for everyday usethen the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is just what you're looking for.
In terms of price, the Ioniq 5 is probably the best choice. The clean-energy car is offered at a lower entry price than its rival, which also facilitates its entry into the highly competitive world of electric cars. What about you? What do you think of the two cars, and which one would you choose, or perhaps the Tesla Model Y is a more suitable model for you?
We look forward to hearing from you!
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