Kia EV6 vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5: Which eGMP EV Should You Buy? Side-by-Side Owner Comparison

Attracted to the Kia-Hyundai eGMP EV platform but not sure which 800V electric car will fit your needs? Then this is the video for you!
As relatively new owners of a 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD Limited, we got together with Ryan from New Hampshire, who picked up a Kia EV6 AWD Wind Edition around the same time as we got our Ioniq. While they're not exactly the same trim level (SEL I5 would be the direct competitor), the specs and style are close enough to get a good idea of the similarities and contrasting qualities of each eGMP model.
Getting the cars side-by-side, we wak through the exterior styling, cabins front and back, and discuss driving dynamics of these AWD models. Both Ryan and I come from driving first-generation Bolt EVs, so we reminisce on some of the qualities of the trusty Chevy workhorse as well. Unlike Ryan, who mostly drives with his wife and no-one in the rear seats, we have two kids back there, which (along with styling) proved to be a key differentiator in our decision-making process.
So, which would you choose? Or would you stump up a bit more cash and trade up to the more luxurious end of eGMP to snag a Genesis GV60, like our friend Tom at ‪@PCsandEVs‬? His first impressions on that model are here: • 2023 Genesis GV60 Perf...
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Chapters:
0:00 - Start
0:14 - IONIQ 5 + EV6 intro
0:39 - Specs + Ryan's owner story
2:04 - Performance
2:38 - Kia EV6 Dimensions
2:49 - Hyundai IONIQ 5 Dimensions
3:00 - Cabin + Controls
7:18 - Regenerative Braking
9:25 - Kia EV6 trunk space
10:30 - EV6 Rear seats
12:40 - EV6 Charge port
13:25 - Storage space (seats up/down)
13:58 - Frunks (and Ryan's DIY EVSE =)
15:55 - Why we prefer each EV
18:43 - Summary
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If you'd like to support the channel so that we can bring you more EV comparisons and first drives, you can shout us a coffee on Ko-Fi via this link ==} ko-fi.com/plugandplayev ...every sip is appreciated and may well fuel a new video!
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Questions/comments/suggestions welcome via [e-mail] or over on Instagram/Twitter @plugandplayEV.
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Music from Uppbeat:
uppbeat.io/t/92elm/amber

[@brianriebedriveselectric]

I know it’s subjective, but I think the EV6 is stunning in the looks department, but it was eye opening to hear the two of you discuss the features together. Nice wrap up comments at the end too as to why each car works for you. Really enjoyed it!

[@plugandplayEV]

Cheers, Brian! At first sight (when revealed), I found the EV6 to look like a bit too futuristic I-PACE. As I've seen it more and more, I like pretty much every angle and the front is a real stunner. Both offer something special, but it was always going to be the I5 that worked best for a family of four. Glad you found it informative!

[@PCsandEVs]

Thanks for the tag! I’ve been thinking about how to Frame my ev experience so far, I plan on making a full detailed experience video soon on that, but I definitely miss my ioniq 5 someday, and am glad to see more EGMP owners happy!

[@plugandplayEV]

For sure. I also just linked your GV60 first impressions next to the tag to complete the eGMP trio! We should get them side-by-side to go through what extra luxuries leveling up to a Genesis brings. Look forward to catching up some time soon.

[@PCsandEVs]

@@plugandplayEV I’m game! You have my number, or I’m in the EGMP discord, I’m hopeful you guys can fit me in sometime soon! Would love to hear what you guys think, I’ll even let you drive it ahhaha

[@newscoulomb3705]

14:00 I was told that the reason the RWD don't have the deeper frunk in North America is because it would be big enough to require an interior light and release mechanism. I believe the could have used permanent dividers, but that would defeat the purpose of having the larger frunk.

[@plugandplayEV]

Missed this one last week but thanks for the clarification. As it is, we find the space that's under there is about right for the cords and adapters that we infrequently use.

[@Allan_A]

Another fantastic review Steve! I was going to ask for an interior size comparison and you hit it in the end. I've seen the EV6 here in Minnesota and they are gorgeous. Ionic 5 still isn't sold here unfortunately, seems like a wonderful car and experience. Even with zero miles they are "certified." Cheers🍻

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks, Alan! Yep, unfortunately it seems like the I5 is backed up for at least 9 months in most places it's sold. Supply is going to be a challenge for a while, I think. Hope they deliver to MN soon, though, as there seems to be a dedicated market there. There's a lot of passenger space throughout the I5, but it's the customization that really makes it for our family. Being able to slide everything to where it needs to be for maximum luggage is great, but then we can also push seats all the way back and maximize cabin space when there's less to carry. Nice to have that flexibility, some of which the EV6 offers (movable rear seats) but not quite as much as the Hyundai. Be well!

[@W4rH4wkXX]

nice job gents!!!💪💪

[@plugandplayEV]

Thank you kindly, always appreciated!

[@ArtiePenguin1]

There were some small but important features that swayed me from the Ioniq 5 to EV6. The top one is that in the Ioniq 5, I'd have to get the Limited trim (with forced sunroof I didn't want) to get the interior power outlet in the backseat (V2L). My current car has a 120 V interior outlet, so it was important that I keep that feature. Auto wipers were a similar feature that on the Ioniq 5 are only on the Limited trim while they are in the EV6's Wind trim. Stylistically, I hated the Ioniq 5's white bezels around the infotainment and instrument cluster screens. I hate white bezels around any screen that's not supposed to be a picture frame replacement (i.e. Google Home/Nest Hub is the only device I'd give the exception). From looking at a bunch of range tests, it looks like the EV6's sleeker design gives it lower energy consumption and more overall range than the Ioniq 5. This is important to me because I want to road trip in the West, where DC fast chargers are around 200 miles apart. The one feature that I'm missing is a heated steering wheel in the EV6 Wind RWD. I believe the Ioniq 5 had that standard on all SEL and above trims. Kia restricted heated steering wheels to only AWD models. I also think the projector headlights on the Ioniq 5 are way better than the old technology reflector headlights on the EV6.

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks for the extra insights as a recently active buyer. The bezel hasn't bothered us at all, but there's an interesting screen protector from EV-Mods that also blacks out the white outside sections. Like the AA wireless dongle, there seem to be several inexpensive third-party products that compensate for Hyundai's odd omissions. The extra range on the EV6 is definitely attractive. In real-world road-tripping, however, I don't think it would affect our journey times thanks to the rapid charging. Could certainly alleviate some anxiety on longer stints between fast chargers, though.

[@tommckinney1489]

Nice review, thanks. Custom built EVSE with multiple plugs?...Very nice.

[@plugandplayEV]

I know, right? And that wasn't an anticipated part of the video, just good fortune that Ryan is an electrical engineer as well! I had something similar with our Mustart travel charger/multiple connectors, but this is next level with the many custom homemade connectors and Wi-Fi connectivity!

[@newscoulomb3705]

Thanks for the comparison, Steve! I do have concerns about the EV6's wireless phone charging location. Just from a safety perspective, I don't like the fact that it is easily visible (and potentially distracting) for the driver.

[@plugandplayEV]

Cheers! I guess there are a few marks against having the phone so prominently displayed, heat and distraction concerns included. As long as the wireless AA/Carplay is running, we actually don't have much problem stowing the phone away further down in the center console. It's just awkward to dig out (when parked up, of course!)

[@newscoulomb3705]

@@plugandplayEV Yes. My USB port/cable has bee acting up recently, and I'm actually starting to think that wired AA might be much more dangerous. It can cause a serious distraction if the phone gets bumped and AA loses connection to the screen.

[@plugandplayEV]

Which eGMP model would work best for you? Or would you go with another model? Let potential buyers know what - and why - below!

[@SteveRowe]

Steve, can you get your buddy to provide schematics for his multi-use EVSE? I would love to DIY that!

[@plugandplayEV]

For sure Steve, I'll check back to see what he has and post a link if the schematic exists.

[@Runtythestar]

Great to see Hyundai and Kia have the same platform while also having visually different vehicles that you wouldn't know share a platform. Much better than when Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth (etc) would have the same cars and only a few bits and bobs would be different. But, you could visually tell it was the same car. Two of our EVs don't have a frunk and one does. I never use it. Crazy how that little item has become a measuring stick for all EVs.

[@plugandplayEV]

I think it stems from the frunk being Tesla's party piece and several others copying it. So without it, like the ID.4 and Bolt EV, some feel it's less of an EV. As long as the space is used well under that section of the car - or storage space is reallocated elsewhere in the vehicle - I'd be okay without a frunk.

[@joo02]

Add Genesis GV60 to the mix.

[@plugandplayEV]

Absolutely. Have to get up to New Hampshire to compare notes with a GV60 owner who just upgraded from the I5.

[@ernstschepp9365]

Both are very nice cars. I had to smile when you both said you missed the rear view camera from the Bolt (my favorite feature also with different size drivers in my Bolt - I never need to adjust the mirror since the screen has a nice wide viewing angle). I did look at the Wind and GT Line Kia. The GT Line has a lot of gloss black. The sunroof takes up a lot of headroom also. I agree with your summary - the Ioniq 5 is the better family car (more SUV like) and the KIA is the more sporty. This is like comparing the Tesla MY vs the M3 if they both cost similar $$

[@plugandplayEV]

It always feels odd that much more expensive cars don't have the rearview mirror cam. The IONIQ 5 would benefit from it especially, given the rear window schmutz complaints with no wiper.

[@newscoulomb3705]

8:45 Your EV6 is early enough that it is pre-update, I believe. The EV6 I reviewed was the post-update, and the sound system was fine, in my opinion. I think I've really only heard audiophiles complaining about the Meridian sound system pre-update.

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks Eric, good to know. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with Ryan again to see how that went, along with summer travel, efficiency, etc. Sound systems in general are tough to gauge... heavily dependent on music preference and what set ups sit that style.

[@tj81164]

I absolutely love my EV6 First Edition. Have had it since June of 2022, put on 11K miles & have spent literally less than $150 to charge. Gets looks everywhere & being Urban Yellow, I’m almost assured I won’t see another. (They only made 211 of UY.) Far & away one of the nicest cars I’ve ever owned.

[@plugandplayEV]

Great model in general, but I'm sure it feels even more special knowing there are only a handful in your color! Thanks and continue enjoying an excellent EV ⚡⚡

[@TheFunkybert]

Ioniq 5 styling reminds me of mid eighties toyota Supra .. if that car evolved into an SUV. Especially those rear tail lights. Very cool

[@plugandplayEV]

Like many others, it reminded us of the classic Lancia Delta Integrale rally car that enthusiasts grew up watching in the late 80s/early 90s. Lots of quality comparisons, while still evoking a bit of a futuristic vibe!

[@KK-up3pq]

Model 3 driver about to go Hyundai, Kia or Genesis. Thanks for the vid. But I use the frunk quite a lot. Because it is large and easy to pop.

[@plugandplayEV]

Makes sense. I think the limited size on the EGMP models makes it about right for my charge cords/accessories and not much else, so I default to the trunk/false floor for everyday access.

[@KK-up3pq]

@@plugandplayEV in summer I carry 3 camping chairs and a small table plus charging stuff (type 2 and wall outlet). When travelling, I add roughly 7 pairs of shoes and boots. I think is super convenient to have the non-heated space there for food in winter too.

[@dmunro9076]

The EV-6 was at the top of my list to replace my Prius Prime but Kia Canada is stating a two year wait list...so I bought a used 2022 TM3 RWD.

[@plugandplayEV]

Supply has been a real problem with the IONIQ 5, especially in Canada, so I'm not surprised to hear that supplies are limited. Shame it's as long as two years, though. Almost no-one is going to plan that far ahead or wait that long for a new car. Hope the Model 3 is working out well for you!

[@dmunro9076]

@@plugandplayEV Yes, I am very happy with my TM3, especially now because of the newly released CC1 adapter, so I can now travel to remote places in BC and utilize BC Hydro's CCS DCFC network, which covers most small towns in BC.

[@TedKidd]

The 2 non Tesla's I'm suggesting people look at.

[@plugandplayEV]

Glad we're finally getting a wide range of models and alternatives from OEMs and new EV startups. Definitely need more options way below the $40K price point though, which neither of these accomplish. Would be great to see the Niro EV and Kona Electric take up a price point closer to $30k to fit better with the EV6 and IONIQ 5 above them.

[@ouch1011]

I went to a Kia dealer with the intent to buy an EV6. I preferred the styling of the EV6 (in pictures) over the Ioniq5…then I drove one. It drove fine, but the unbelievably cramped interior completely turned me off the EV6. I prefer the interior style of the EV6 and the ambient lighting. But even with the seat all the way down, my head would hit the ceiling. In the front seats, it would just brush the ceiling, but in the rear seats, I couldn’t sit up. Had to slouch in the seat. The door openings are also so low that it was hard to get in/out of the car. That’s important because I regularly transport my parents, and they don’t bend so well anymore. Beyond that, I also find the top level stereo in the EV6 to be even weaker than the Ioniq5, and the headlights are even worse than the Ioniq5. My Bolt EUV Bose stereo absolutely blows away both of these systems. I like the look of the EV6 interior better, as I said, but I like the space and the panoramic sunroof of the Ioniq5 much better. After deciding against the EV6, I waited to find an Ioniq5 and after seeing it in person and driving it, I was 100% sold and haven’t looked back since. The Ioniq5 is definitely the better car for me. The marketing departments say that the EV6 has more sporty suspension than the Ioniq5. Driving them back to back, there is no discernible difference in the suspension and handling in the real world. Both are comfortable but competent on a twisty road.

[@plugandplayEV]

Interesting, it didn't feel cramped to me, per se, but certainly less open and spacious than the I5. I always preferred the looks of the I5 but would potentially have been swayed by the EV6 driving dynamics if it was night and day difference. As you say, though, a lot of the minimal contrast probably lies in how each manufacturer is intentionally positioning the car. Totally agree about the stero. Very odd that a much cheaper Chevy can pull off a better Bose stereo than a top trim EV that Hyundai is trying to position near high-end alternatives.

[@nathangarciamuro]

By the way you should do an efficiency test in the highway at 70-75mph. I’ve heard these cards are electric “eaters” at those speeds.

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks, it's been a while since we did a range test but a cold weather followed by a warm weather I5 test would definitely be worthwhile. We typically travel at 75mph and will see anywhere between 2.5-2.8 mi/kWh on an uninterrupted run. Those have all been without significant heater use, though, so it's definitely an electron muncher even before winter arrives! Glad for the whipsaw charging to make stops short and get back on the road quickly, where needed.

[@nathangarciamuro]

The EV6 has a more aggressive and sporty look but the ionic 5 has a marvelous design and it is more specious which is great for families like mine. The ionic 5 is cheaper and here in Spain Hyundai offers the home box charger for free and great benefits that KIA doesn’t. If KIA wants to sell more they should reduce the price of the Air version with the GT line package and provide more sitio al goodies. At the moment I go for the ionic 5 but if KIA matches everything the Hyundai gives me I will go for the KIA

[@plugandplayEV]

We had similar price disparities here in the US, with the EV6 up a bit higher than the IONIQ 5 and with fewer benefits (I5 had free charging, EV 6 just a gift or a limited kWh amount of DCFC). With the changing tax incentives, both models are also more expensive than US-made competitors, until they get their North American production facilities online. The spacious part of the IONIQ 5 definitely wins it for us. The back seat is regularly occupied, so extra space and visibility is a big deal! Thanks for the feedback from España 👍

[@nathangarciamuro]

@@plugandplayEV my pleasure. I still doubting which one to get but the ionic 5 is staring to win the battle.

[@ronlaverdiere]

Shifting on a column stalk- “a page out of Tesla’s book” - sure, if Tesla wrote the book 100 years ago. Column shifting automatic AND manual transmissions were around long before Musk was even born.

[@plugandplayEV]

We were talking about the approach of modern EVs to drive mode selection. May have got lost in the edit.

[@ronlaverdiere]

@@plugandplayEV drive mode- park, reverse, drive - selected by a stalk on the column. Yep. There were even cars in the 1950’s with a push button drive mode selector.

[@user-dc9mb6pf]

MyDAD EV6

[@plugandplayEV]

EV6 is excellent. We also see fewer of them on the roads around here, which makes them feel a bit more special than IONIQ 5 at the moment. Glad to have both available for different design tastes.

[@morrigansraven61]

Vegan leather... Naugahyde... Lol. Vinyl is a dirty word. I would rather have physical buttons as they are easier to hit with muscle memory rather than having to take your eyes off the road

[@plugandplayEV]

Agreed. The EV6 capacitive touch seems to be better than the ID.4, which was really tough to work with in the dark or on highway, but the Ioniq 5's volume dial and push buttons are still the easiest of the three.

[@gregthompson7954]

I love EV cars for an independent contractor it has saved me a ton of cash but I can say this don't buy a Tesla please don't 😂

[@plugandplayEV]

Glad they're working for you! What's in your fleet?

[@gregthompson7954]

@@plugandplayEV The Tesla Model 3 im looking to trade it for the Ioniq 5

[@plugandplayEV]

Gotcha. So the no-Tesla advice is from bitter experience!

[@michaellippmann4474]

Hey Steve - great video. As much as the Kia looks great I would still opt for the Ioniq, like the looks just a bit better and it seems a little roomier. But in any case neither would be in my garage as we love the Kona, the more we drive it the better we like it and it fits in my garage (which was centered around my MGB/MGC cars so basically a smaller space). The Kona fits our bill perfectly but the Ioniq is without a doubt one of the best looking cars on the road...ICE or EV. Thanks for the video. Mike 🇨🇦

[@plugandplayEV]

As with the Niro EV, I think the Kona Electric is a great option as a more compact all-rounder and would love it if Kia-Hyundai work to slot them into the $30k price point. As it stands at the moment, they're competing in a similar segment with the entry-level EV6 and IONIQ 5, which isn't going to do either any favors. Thanks for the input!

[@michaellippmann4474]

@@plugandplayEV indeed that is correct...as time goes on the prices should stabilize and correct themselves...still pretty early in the development of EV' s considering ICE vehicles have had 100+ years to get where they are now! Have a great day Steve! Mike 🇨🇦

[@newsyflow]

only EV6 here, nothing on Ioniq

[@plugandplayEV]

Hi Daisy. We actually walk around both cars and share owner perspectives on each in this video, but as we only had the EV6 for that day it one inevitably focuses on that owner's story more. You can browse the rest of the channel for deep-dive Ioniq 5 videos, as we own that one!