Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Kia EV6: Which One is Right for You?
Although Hyundai and Kia belong to the same automotive group, they have different development paths and brand positioning. The two companies share R&D resources, manufacturing plants and core technologies, especially in the field of electric vehicles, and the launch of the E-GMP platform makes them more competitive in technological innovation. Although the Ioniq 5 and EV6 share the same mechanical architecture, Hyundai and Kia have created very different product experiences through different design concepts and marketing strategies.
Hyundai was founded in 1967 and quickly rose to prominence in the global market, while Kia started in 1944 as a bicycle parts maker and did not officially enter the automotive industry until the 1970s. After joining Hyundai Motor Group, Kia transformed itself from an economy brand to a premium market by strengthening its design and brand image. Today, both brands rank among the world's major automakers and continue to make inroads in electric vehicles and sustainable mobility.
Exterior and Interior
2024 Kia EV6
The EV6 has a streamlined, sporty design, with a low roof line and sharp body edges for a dynamic posture. A unique LED light strip runs across the rear of the car, echoing the angular headlights on the front face, further enhancing the futuristic and dynamic atmosphere of the vehicle.
In terms of interior, the EV6 features a minimalist dashboard paired with two curved 12.3-inch displays to provide an immersive digital experience for the driver. The interior is made of sustainable materials, including recycled plastic and vegan leather, for an environmentally friendly and luxurious feel. The floating center console enhances the visual lightness, and provides additional underside storage. Rear passengers enjoy 39 inches of legroom and reclinable seat backs for long-haul comfort. The trunk has 24.4 cubic feet of storage space, which can be expanded to 50.2 cubic feet when the seat is lowered, thus meeting the diverse load requirements.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 has a retro-futuristic design style, with a square body paired with parametric pixel LED headlights and geometric 20-inch wheels for a technological visual impact. The body lines are clean and angular, and the overall design pays homage to the classic hatchback style while combining modern aerodynamic optimization.
The interior space features an open feel, with a flat floor design and a sliding center console providing a more flexible layout. Two 12.3-inch screens are placed on the minimalist dashboard to provide an intuitive operating experience for the driver. The cabin uses high-end recycled materials and eco-friendly textiles to create a comfortable and environmentally friendly driving environment. The front seats have built-in foot pedals that allow the driver to relax better while charging. The standard trunk storage space is 27.2 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 59.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are lowered, and an additional 0.85 cubic feet of front trunk space is available to provide a more convenient storage solution for the owner.
Performance and Range
2024 Kia EV6
The EV6 offers a variety of powertrain configurations to meet different driving needs. The base ADW version produces 320 horsepower and has a 0-60 MPH acceleration time of 7.1 seconds. If you choose the RWD version, power is boosted to 320 HP and acceleration time is reduced to 5.1 seconds. For those looking for extreme performance, the high-performance GT AWD offers 576 horsepower and 0-60 MPH acceleration in just 3.4 seconds.
In terms of range, the EV6 uses a 77.4-kwh battery pack, and ranges vary between configurations: 310 miles for the RWD model, 282 miles for the AWD model, and a relatively short 218 miles for the GT AWD model thanks to high-performance tuning. The EV6 is compatible with 800V DC fast charge and can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes under ideal conditions.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 can offers a variety of power options, with a RWD version offering 225 horsepower and a 0-60 MPH acceleration time of 7.4 seconds. The AWD version produces 320 horsepower and accelerates to 5.2 seconds. In addition, the new Ioniq 5 performance edition has a staggering 641 horsepower, 0-60 MPH acceleration time reduced to 3.3 seconds, designed for performance fans.
In terms of range performance, the Ioniq 5 still carries a 77.4-kwh battery pack, which has a range of 318 miles for the RWD model and 290 miles for the AWD model. The XRT AWD version has a range of 259 miles, which is slightly shorter than the standard version. The Ioniq 5 also supports 350 kW DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, ensuring an efficient recharge experience for long trips.
Charging
Home charging
Both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 are equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger that supports AC charging. With Level 2 home chargers, both cars can be fully charged from 10% to 100% in about 7 hours, regardless of whether the battery capacity is 58 kWh or 77.4 kWh, the charging time is basically the same. If you use a level 1 charger, the charging speed drops dramatically, increasing the range by only 3-4 miles per hour, which is only suitable for emergency situations or low speed recharge.
DC Fast charging
With an 800V architecture, the Ioniq 5 and EV6 support DC fast charges of up to 350 kW, which can be charged from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes under optimal conditions. However, the actual charging rate is usually between 175 kW and 230 kW, depending on the battery temperature and charging state. On the 150 kW charging pile, the charging time will be slightly longer, about 25 minutes can complete 80% charging. The charging curve of the two cars is relatively smooth, until the charge is close to 80%, the charging speed will gradually decrease to protect the battery life.
Pricing
The 2024 Kia EV6 starts at $42,600 and offers a variety of configuration options. The GT version packs 576 horsepower with 21-inch wheels and sports seats, while the GT-Line AWD offers 320 horsepower and advanced driver assistance. The range-first lightweight long-range AWD comes with a 77.4-kwh battery and is expected to have a range of 313 miles. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $41,800 and has a range of 220 miles for the base SE standard life version, while the SE version is upgraded to a 77.4kWh battery. The SEL version adds high-end features like leather seats, the XRT version features solid styling and all-terrain tires, and the top-of-the-line Limited version offers HUD and remote parking assistance for more high-end needs.
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2024 KIA EV6 |
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
||
|
Light RWD |
$42,600 |
SE Standard Range |
$42,500 |
|
Light Long Range RWD |
$45,950 |
SE |
$46,550 |
|
Light Long Range AWD |
$45,850 |
SEL |
$55,400 |
|
Wind RWD |
$48,700 |
Limited |
$54,200 |
|
Wind AWD |
$52,600 |
|
|
|
GT-Line RWD |
$52,900 |
||
|
GT-Line AWD |
$57,600 |
||
|
GT AWD |
$61,600 |
||
Comparison
The Ioniq 5 stands out for its spacious interior and flexible layout, with a flat floor and sliding center console offering increased utility. It uses an 800V charging architecture, which can charge the battery to 80% in 18 minutes, greatly reducing the recharge time. The EV6 focuses on a sporty driving experience, with its sport-tuned suspension giving it more flexible handling and a streamlined body design that optimises aerodynamics, giving it a slightly better range than the Ioniq 5. Both models support on-board external power (V2L), which can power external devices and even other EVs, and the power performance is excellent.
The Ioniq 5's higher roofline and square shape may make it more vulnerable to crosswinds, while the softer suspension Settings improve comfort but lack sporty feel. In contrast, the EV6's push-back roof improves the aesthetic, but sacrifices a certain amount of rear head space and trunk capacity, and the flexibility of the interior layout is slightly less than that of the Ioniq 5. Both models are in high demand and in limited supply, often selling at higher than suggested retail prices. Their touchscreen interface requires a certain learning cost, can be distracting while driving, and the rear view is limited by the body design, making parking cameras and sensors a must-have feature.
Final
The Ioniq 5 and EV6 each have advantages that make them suitable for different types of drivers and usage needs. If space and practicality are the primary concerns, the Ioniq 5 is the better choice, with its flat floor and flexible seating layout making it easier for home users to install child seats and offering more carrying space. For performance enthusiasts, the EV6 GT offers a more enjoyable driving experience with faster acceleration and sporty suspension tuning, especially for users who prefer more responsive handling.
If you're on a budget, the Ioniq 5 SE offers a lower starting price while packing more standard features than the EV6 Light. For tech-conscious drivers, the EV6's curved display and modern interface are more attractive, while the Ioniq 5 offers a more intuitive and concise control layout. For road trippers, the Ioniq 5's comfortable seats and softer suspension make long-distance driving easier, but both cars have excellent charging speeds, which can quickly recharge and reduce travel wait times.
