Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

Here’s what you need to know if you are trying to decide between these two EVs. Even if you aren’t shopping right now, it’s fun to be the one “in the know”. Keep scrolling for all the cool details about these hot EVs.

1. Utility Vehicle vs Sedan

   As with any automotive purchase, the first deciding factor is often size. In this case, you’ve got the rather glamorous Ioniq 6 sedan and the utility-minded, yet beautiful Ioniq 5.

   Thanks to a flat floor and space-saving touches, the sedan passenger volume is 103 cubic feet while the utility vehicle has a slightly more generous 106.5 cubic feet. In terms of legroom, you can buy either one and have more than 39 inches for second-row passengers. That’s definitely worthy of adult friends or teenaged kids.

   The 2024 Ioniq 5 pulls ahead in this particular comparison by offering a cargo hold. Thus it can promise 27.5 cubic feet with all seats in place. The Ioniq 6 has an 11-cube trunk. Of course, you can fold the second row to gain more space.

   Winner: The Ioniq 5 is the clear winner, but the Ioniq 6 really isn’t far behind. So, if you are flexible when it comes to luggage space, you can go for the Ioniq 6 and be sure your friends can relax on the second row. To learn more about either Ioniq model, check out these EV reviews.

2. Driving Excitement vs Efficiency Sweet Spot

   When it comes to fun behind the wheel, the two Hyundai EVs are going to drive very similarly. Most popular so far, the long range edition has a bigger battery and can produce 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. For many people that’s the sweet spot.

   If you step up to all-wheel drive, output is 320 horsepower and 446 lb of torque. On the other hand, their standard range RWD edition yields 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft.

   Winner: If you are a driving enthusiast, you’ll lean toward the all-wheel drive system, but you won’t have to choose your model style based on this. Both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 offer this speedy powertrain.

3. Record-Setting Efficiency

   If you are looking for a vehicle that will be truly efficient, you should know that the Ioniq 5 has an estimated annual fuel cost of $700 with rear-wheel drive and $750 with all-wheel drive. This means you can step up to that high-powered system without too much sacrifice.

   Meanwhile, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 does even better. It keeps fuel costs to around $500 a year for the rear-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive models may require $600 or $700 per year.

   If you look at miles-per-gallon-equivalent, EPA estimates show the long-range RWD Ioniq 6 can earn 153 mpg-e in combined driving. The best AWD Ioniq 6 numbers show a combined rate of 130 mpg-e.

   By comparison, EPA estimates show an excellent 132 mpg-e with the long range RWD Ioniq 5. Its standard range model can earn 127 mpg-e while its AWD model is estimated at 110 mpg-e combined.

   Winner: The owner is the winner, whichever Ioniq model is chosen. EPA estimates show these models saving around $5000 over five years.

4. Electric Range Comparison

   As long as there has been a drive toward electric vehicles, people have been asking: how far can go on a single charge?! Here’s how the Ioniq 5 and 6 handle that question.

   The 2024 Ioniq 5 offers a RWD standard battery range of 220 miles. The long range RWD battery is the best with 303 miles of range. With AWD and that 446 lb-ft of torque, the estimate is still an excellent 260 miles.

   Stepping over to the 2024 Ioniq 6, the range is 361 miles with the long range RWD SE model. The AWD SE model can go up to 316 miles, despite its 446 lb-ft of torque. The standard range is 240 miles. SEL and Limited models with their 20-inch wheels can claim about 305 miles. These same models with AWD and 20-inch wheels can claim about 270 miles.

   Winner: The top dog in this fight is the Ioniq 6 RWD SE with 18-inch wheels. That 361-mile electric range is terrific. However, all of the other models have good ranges, and the Ioniq 5 RWD model is close behind with 303 miles of electric range.

5. Fast Charging Matters

   The 800 volt architecture that underpins both the Ioniq 5 and 6 is what allows them to charge so quickly. Regardless of trim level, wheel size, or drivetrain, these models just need 18 minutes to restore an 80 percent charge. If you don’t have access to a 350 kw fast charger, a 50kW charger can do the job in a little more or little less than an hour, depending on the battery size.

   If you are charging overnight, it only takes about 6 hours and 55 minutes to bring it up to an 80 percent charge using a standard 240V AC Level II charger.

   Winner: The owner is the winner again. You can buy any model and expect rapid charging. When you combine the fast charging times with the long electric driving range, you can see how the Ioniq models are conquering long distance travel.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you can see now which of these models would be the right fit for you. One thing you won’t have to worry about is its value. Although some of the most affordable EVs available today, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are full of the latest technologies. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has declared the Ioniq5 a 2024 Top Safety Pick and given the Ioniq6 the top award of Top Safety Pick+.

You don’t have to jump to the middle tier to get extensive driver assistance. Plus you’ll get a high tech cockpit with all the fun tech toys that implies. Lastly, you’ll get a high quality cabin filled with soft touches and favorite amenities.

All of these facts and figures can be a bit overwhelming. You know what’s fun? Getting behind the wheel at your Phoenix Ioniq dealer.Schedule a test drive at Earnhardt Hyundai of North Scottsdale.