Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Kia EV6 (2025): Electric SUV Showdown

Introduction:

The rise of Korean electric vehicles (EVs) has been one of the most exciting automotive stories of recent years. At the forefront are the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, siblings born from the versatile e-GMP platform. But while they share DNA, each brings its own strengths. In 2025, both models received significant updates—new battery options, refreshed trims, and even high-performance variants. This blog dives deep into the specs, design, performance, and tech to help you choose the best match. Expect real-world stats, expert insights, and friendly guidance.

1. Design & Interior: Form Meets Function

Distinctive Looks

IONIQ 5 sports a “retro-futuristic” aesthetic, featuring clean lines and pixelated lighting that nod to Hyundai’s Pony Coupe design from 1974.
EV6 takes a sleek, sporty stance with a coupe-like profile and dynamic LED signature.

Comfort & Space

IONIQ 5 boasts a longer wheelbase (118.1″ vs 114.2″), offering a roomier cabin, generous legroom, and cargo space.
EV6, being lower and sportier, gives a cozier ride height attractive to driving enthusiasts—though taller passengers might feel snug.

Interior Feel

Inside, the IONIQ 5 focuses on comfort: soft colors, a “living space” theme, and a sliding Universal Island console.
EV6’s cabin feels sleeker, with darker accents, a more conventional layout, and sporty flair.

2. Performance & Powertrain

Both SUVs share e-GMP platform and offer multiple motor and battery configurations:

Horsepower & Acceleration

IONIQ 5 ranges from 168 hp (single-motor) to 320 hp (dual-motor AWD). Its fastest non-N trim hits 0–60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.
EV6 matches those numbers, but with the GT performance variant delivering up to 576 hp, and 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

High-Performance Variants

IONIQ 5 N stuns with 641 hp, simulated engine sounds, and track-ready handling—0–60 mph in ~3.4 seconds (WLTP).
EV6 GT brings 430 kW (≈576 hp) and dynamic performance for spirited drivers.

Handling & Ride Quality

IONIQ 5’s longer wheelbase delivers stable and controlled rides; it edges out EV6 on skidpad tests (.96 g vs .85 g).
EV6, however, offers nimble handling, sportier steering, and dynamic cornering.

3. Range & Efficiency

Battery Capacity & Range

IONIQ 5 offers new 84 kWh packs alongside 58/77.4 options. RWD Long-Range now reaches up to 318 miles EPA; AWD trims around 290 miles.
EV6’s 77.4 kWh and 84 kWh batteries deliver up to ~510 km (~317 miles) WLTP; 361 miles RWD / 324 miles AWD estimated internationally.

Efficiency Ratings

EV6 scores slightly better with 128 MPGe city / 103 MPGe highway vs IONIQ 5’s 127 / 94 MPGe.

4. Charging & Battery Tech

Ultra-Fast Charging

Both support 800 V architecture, enabling 10–80% charges in roughly 18 minutes on high-power (≥350 kW) chargers.
Tests show IONIQ 5 adds ~184 miles in 20 minutes.

Bidirectional Charging

EV6 includes vehicle-to-load (V2L), enabling power delivery up to 3.6 kW. Ideal for camping gear or tools.

Convenience Updates

IONIQ 5 XRT trim gains rugged styling, upgraded all-terrain tires, Tesla NACS port—which means Supercharger access—and dual-motor AWD with up to 320 hp.

5. Tech, Safety & Convenience

Infotainment & Connectivity

Both SUVs feature dual 12-inch high-resolution screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. EV6 steps up with fingerprint driver profiles, panoramic screen, and refined tech post-refresh.
IONIQ 5 brings an optional augmented-reality head-up display—great for navigation overlays.

Safety & Driver-Assists

EV6 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status in 2022.
IONIQ 5 features adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, 360-degree camera; Car & Driver think its user-interface is particularly intuitive.

6. Pricing & Value

EV6 tends to start a bit higher due to sporty trims and extra tech but aligns closely in similar configurations. U.S. price overlap is tight, especially with incentives.
IONIQ 5 XRT at ~$57,585 before incentives, qualifies for tax credits, and adds off-road broad appeal.

7. Owner Feedback & Expert Opinions

Reddit community highlights: “Mechanically pretty much identical… Ioniq 5 is taller… more interior and cargo space. EV6 is lower… more efficient…”
Another owner: “We chose EV6 after test-driving … we liked the ride and styling of the Kia more …”
MotorTrend praises both as “textbook platform-sharing done right.”

8. Decision Time: Which One Matches You?

Priority	Choose IONIQ 5	Choose EV6
Interior space & comfort	✅ longer wheelbase, moving console
Sporty design & feel		✅ coupe-like styling, lower ride
Charge time	✅ 18–20 min impressive speed	✅ similar fast charging
High-performance thrills	✅ 5 hp more in IONIQ 5 N	✅ GT variant 576 hp
Unique tech features	✅ Universal Island, AR HUD	✅ fingerprint profile, V2L
Off-road or rugged use	✅ XRT trim

No wrong choice. IONIQ 5 leans cozy and futuristic. EV6 feels sporty and athletic.

Conclusion

The 2025 IONIQ 5 and EV6 are shining examples of modern EV engineering—smart, stylish, and packed with tech. The IONIQ 5 wins on space and comfort, while the EV6 appeals to performance enthusiasts and design-driven buyers. Both offer high-end performance in their N/GT versions. Ultimately, your pick depends on whether you want a living-space feel or a sporty drive.

I’m not inventing a new wheel here, so these are the:

Tool & References:

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Image Disclaimer: The featured image is AI-generated and used for illustrative purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai or Kia.