Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE vs. SEL

Discover the intricacies of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 trims in this Ioniq 5 SE vs SEL guide, which provides an in-depth side-by-side comparison of the two cars. Are there any significant differences between these two trims that look similar? Well, on the surface, the only remarkable contrast is that the SEL has Hyundai's trademark H-tex leather seats, while the SE features cloth canvas seats. However, there are other differences, albeit few, explaining why one model has a higher MSRP than the other. In this guide, we’ll highlight all these differences in detail and help you find the perfect trim for your needs. Let’s go!

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE vs SEL Performance

The two Hyundai Ioniq trims are similar in performance, with a 168kW permanent magnet synchronous motor and a rear wheel drive (RWD) power output of 225 horsepower and a torque of 258 lb.-ft. This means they are a notch better than the lower SE standard Range with a power output RWD of 125 kW (168 hp). Both cars also sport 74-/165-kW permanent-magnet synchronous dual motors on a 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery with a voltage output of 697V, which is a significant upgrade on the SE standard range that runs on a 58-kWh battery providing 522.7 V. 

The Hyundai SE and SEL batteries generate an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) power output of 320 horsepower and a guaranteed torque of 446 lb.-ft., translating to 2,300 pounds of towing capacity via a four-pin trailer prewire. Notably, the output torque on the RWD for both cars is slightly lower at 258 lb.-ft. Their battery power output is also similar at 272kW; essentially, you’re not getting any difference between the two cars regarding their overall engine performance. But how about their range? Well, this is where there’s a slight difference. 

For the SE, you get miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) of 132 miles when cruising in the city, 98 miles on the highway, and 114 miles combined. But for the SEL, you’re getting an MPGe of 113 miles in the city, 90 miles on the road, and 101 miles combined. Again, this is not too significant anyway, considering the SE stats are on the RWD while those of the SEL are in AWD mode, which will undoubtedly consume more power. With the 2024 SE model also sporting a HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) option, expect a similar MPGe to the SEL. Both have an EPA-estimated all-electric range of  303 miles, so there’s not much difference in these parameters. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE vs SEL Interior and Exterior Design

Exterior Design

The Ioniq SEL edges the SE slightly on the exteriors, primarily because it comes with bumper sensors that you won’t find on the SE. However, expect similar features on the car's sides; the trims and cuts are the same, with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors on both, and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Both vehicles also have blind spot assist on side mirror turn signal indicators, and they both lack a sunroof, which is a feature you’d find on the Limited trim of the Ioniq. 

Also notable is that they both have rear bumper sensors, cameras, and LED taillights. They also have automatic-retracting flush door handles, which perfectly blend with the sleek appearance of both vehicles. Expect Solar front glass (front doors and windshield) and rear privacy glass, ensuring that it is impossible to see the vehicle’s occupants from the back in both trims. 

So is that all? Well, to some degree, you’d be right to conclude that you have the same features for the exteriors. However, the SEL goes a notch better with a handsfree power liftgate as opposed to the manual liftgate on the SE. The automatic liftgate in the SEL also comes with adjustable height settings, giving you the autonomy to determine how high you’d like it to open. 

Interior Design

In the boot, you get quite a lot of room to store your stuff, and both vehicles match up in size, so you can expect similar cargo space. Therefore, both trims make great vehicles for high-capacity packing when going on expeditions that require carrying quite a lot of stuff. The seating space is also similar, with both cars accommodating five passengers. The interior space is also ample, as highlighted in the table below: 

One of the main differences you’ll notice in the front area is that the Ioniq SEL comes with ambient lighting speakers, a feature lacking in the SE. Also, the SEL has a wireless charging pad, which is again absent on the SE. Finally, you notice the H-Tex leather seats on the SEL, which differ from the cloth canvas material on the seats. Moreover, the SEL sports a heated steering wheel that is unavailable on the Ioniq SE, and finally, you get power windows with front auto-down/up, and the Hyundai Digital on the SEL but not on the SE.  

Apart from these apparent differences, everything else is the same, and the shared interior features include the following: 

• 60/40-split folding rear seats featuring recline and a sliding mechanism. 
• Dual automatic temperature control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an EV Technology ultrasensitive Touchscreen Display. 
• Two 12 V USB charging ports and a rear-view monitor system
• An eight-way power passenger seat and a power lumbar support
• Highly durable steering wheel thanks to a leather strapping all around 
• Audio, cruise, and Bluetooth control on the steering wheel for easy and quick access while driving. 
• An HD radio and up-to-date incident data on the traffic flow
• Ventilated/Heated front seats and Dual Climate Controls
• Sports, Eco, and Normal drive modes giving you an array of options depending on your mood and terrain. 
• An armrest room for storing personal items like water bottles is also available for easy access. 

The car trims are available in various interior color options, including Black Cloth and Black Leatherette if you prefer dark shades. Still, there’s also the brighter Gray 2-tone Cloth and Gray 2-tone Leatherette for those who love vibrant interiors. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE vs SEL: How to Choose

Deciding which of the two best trims fits you depends on your budget and the functionalities you want in your car. The SEL is undoubtedly the pricier option at $47,250, which is obvious given the range of features of the vehicle. But as we’ve discussed in the previous sections, the SE doesn’t do too badly, and therefore, it's a viable choice, especially if you’re operating on a lean budget. The SE has an MSRP of $45,700, which is quite, on average, the price of other similar midsize electric SUVs. 

In terms of performance, there’s no real tiebreaker, although you get the premium H-tex leather seats for the SEL compared to the SE’s cloth canvas. Notably, the Hyundai H-tex leather is not real leather but rather an improvisation of polyvinyl chloride to provide the feel and touch of animal leather. But it’s still durable and more attractive, although the cloth fiber also performs exceptionally well but for aesthetics, the H-tex leather takes the day. 

Shopping with the SEL is also blissful because it saves you the hassle of manually operating the liftgate when packing stuff to the cargo cabin. However, the SE is just as good regarding boot size, sitting area, and other specifics. You can also make it without the wireless charging with the SE because it still has the 12 V USB charging outlets if you don’t want to break the bank for the SEL.  

Here’s our verdict: Go with what stirs up your nerves because there isn’t much separating the two cars. Still, the SEL is a premium version of the SE, so it’s worth every additional dollar in price. 

Conclusion

Hyundai is a force to reckon with in the world of EVs, and the style and class of the Ioniq SE and SEL testify to this. Although traded as different trims, from our analysis above, there aren’t significant contrasts between the two, especially for the 2024 versions. Both have similar powertrain and engine capabilities, and the only fundamental differences are in a few areas, such as wireless charging, hands-free liftgate, and leather seats for the superior SEL. Otherwise, both are highly rated models with modern SUV class and premium features.