2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs Ioniq 5

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an award-winning electric SUV. The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an award-winning electric sedan. How do these two stack up against each other?

We’ll chart the differences in this examination of the Ioniq 6 vs 5 today.  

1. Sedan vs Crossover Style and Size Differences

   At the curb, you’ll notice a few differences right away. First, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 sits taller. It claims about half an inch of extra ground clearance when compared to the electric sedan. Second, the SUV has a hatchback rather than a trunk.

   Hyundai has endowed the new Ioniq 6 with the sleek good looks of a sports sedan. The Ioniq 5 has a distinctive design of its own that’s a bit more retro.  

   The sedan’s domed interior ensures better headroom. Its flat floor ensures the best legroom all around.  

   The new Ioniq 5 has the same flat floor, and it doesn’t need the dome to achieve good headroom. It has 106 cubic feet of passenger space, which is about three more than the Ioniq 6.  

   These two differ the most when it comes to cargo area. They both have fold-flat second-row seats, but the Ioniq 6 has a trunk instead of a cargo hold.  

   Winner: The Ioniq 5 wins for its bigger back seat and larger cargo hold. However, the Ioniq 6 earns kudos for the bigger front seat and sizable back seat.  



2. Passenger Considerations

   With its extra large sedan cabin, the Ioniq 6 actually claims a bit more front row space for its driver and front seat passenger. It’s certainly big enough for a family with adult headroom and adult legroom on the second row. LATCH attachments make it easy to put in car seats for small children.

   Both Hyundai Ioniq models have rear AC vents to make sure air conditioning is evenly distributed. Dual-zone automatic climate controls can regulate air flow.  

   As an SUV, the 2024 Ioniq 5 has a back row advantage. It stands taller and its doors open wider to make car seat placement even easier. It has more second-row wiggle room, and its rear seats have a reclining function. Arizona families will appreciate the available rear window shades to help block the sun on our hot desert days.  

   If you visit our Ioniq dealership in Phoenix, you can see these two side by side in our large Ioniq inventory. There’s no lag time where you have to order and wait. They are both available now.  

   Winner: The Ioniq 5 has a slight edge on the Ioniq 6 when it comes to accommodating passengers. However, they have the same equipment to ensure comfort and safety.  

3. Cockpit Controls and Driver Amenities

   These two Hyundai EVs share an emphasis on the latest technologies. This is evident when you climb into either cockpit. There’s a big digital display between the steering wheel and an equally big touchscreen. In all, it’s 24.6 inches worth of customizable screen space.

   A power chair can include a special relaxation function for the driver. Front-row ventilated seats are on the menu, making any Phoenix couple happier on our hottest summer days.  

   Bose premium audio offers the best sound. Extensive insulation and other noise canceling techniques make sure you can hear conversations as naturally.  

   Winner: With so many similarities, the Ioniq 5 vs 6 are tied in this category.  

4. Family Considerations

   The Ioniq 5 earned a spot on the Good Housekeeping Best New Cars list. Meanwhile the Ioniq 6 has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Family Cars by the website Fatherly.

   Furthermore, they offer a special stain-resistant cloth upholstery. This Hyundai exclusive is a favorite with busy parents who consider their ride to also be an investment.  

   Hyundai equips these two EVs with a rear passenger alert and a safe exit warning. These help parents with parenting duties after the Ioniq has parked. A second-row seatbelt alert is another feature helpful to parents.  

   Winner: The Ioniq 5 wins the family category due to its large size, but otherwise these two are both well-equipped to handle all kinds of family duties.  

5. Quality and Value Considerations

   Both vehicles have top notch material quality and craftsmanship. They easily earn their pricetag, reassuring those who have heard about poor workmanship on rival EVs.

   You can get H Tex leatherette or high quality leather upholstery to increase the luxury feel of these already well-equipped models. However, even the entry level packages come packed to the roof with the top amenities and cutting-edge technologies expected in the EV marketplace.  

   Winner: These two are tied in this category.  

6. Safety Considerations

   The 2024 Ioniq 5 and 2024 Ioniq 6 earned Top Safety Pick-Plus designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

   One reason these vehicles are considered such a value is the long list of standard driver assistance features. With these on board, the driver has plenty of help to avoid the common causes of single-car and multi-car crashes.  

   Winner: With similar safety ratings and equipment, the Ioniq 5 vs 6 are tied in this category.  

7. Driving Range

   With its range of price points, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 lineup give you a number of driving range options to choose from.

   The Ioniq 5 RWD is a big favorite for its 303 mile electric range. The Ioniq 6 AWD SE model can go up to 316 miles. Winning the contest, the Ioniq 6 RWD SE can go up to 361 miles on a single charge.  

    Winner: The Ioniq 6 earns the win in this category. However, the Ioniq 5 has very respectable numbers that outshine many competitors.

8. Charging Capability

   One thing about both of these rides is that they can charge quickly. It’s due to the special electric architecture used to construct their powertrains. In 18 minutes, a fast charger can restore 80 percent of their range.

   When tested, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD model won the competition in the Edmunds Fast-Charging Test. Equipped with dual motors, the Ioniq 6 AWD earned the third spot on the list while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD model earned the 6th spot.

   This put these Ioniq EVs ahead of electric vehicles by Mercedes Benz, Tesla, BMW, VW, Polestar, Rivian, Ford, and Chevy. In all, 43 models were tested in this competition.  

    Winner: The Ioniq 6 wins this category, but the Ioniq 5 is still way ahead of the competition.

9. Fuel Efficiency

   The 225-horsepower system generates 258 lb-ft of torque for drivers of either the Ioniq 5 or 6 RWD model. With the 2024 Ioniq 5 RWD, the efficiency rating is 114 mpg-e combined. Even more impressive, the 2024 Ioniq 6 RWD can claim 140 mpge with 18-inch wheels or 117 combined with 20-inch wheels.

   When you boost output to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque with the AWD dual-motor powertrain, you’d expect the efficiency to drop out of sight. However, it is still so competitive that it beats some single-motor EVs. Ioniq 6 AWD with 18-inch wheels can claim 121 mpge while the same models with 20-inch wheels can claim 103 mpge. The Ioniq 5 AWD can claim 99 mpge. 

    Winner: The Ioniq 6 wins this category, but the Ioniq 5 has such amazing mpg-e that it’s definitely not a loser.

10. Awards and Rankings

    Awards and rankings don’t help a lot when differentiating between these two rides. They have both scored huge awards and have literally not quit winning critical recognition since they were introduced.

    They won back to back World Car of the Year awards. Both Ioniq models have a 10 out of 10 at Car and Driver where they have earned Editor’s Choice Awards. 

    The 2024 Ioniq 5 is the Best Electric Car to Buy, according to the Car Connection and the Best Electric Vehicle, according to Cars.com. Plus it took home the prestigious Kelley Blue Book 2024 Best Buy Award and a Consumer Guide Best Buy Award.

    Meanwhile, the 2024 Ioniq 6 is the 2024 EV Plus Editor’s Choice and the 2024 Favorite Plug-in Vehicle of the Midwest Automotive Press Association. As a finalist for the North American Car of the Year, it is one of three Best New Cars for 2024 by NACTOY.  

     Winner: It’s a tie, again.

Conclusion

With the Ioniq 5 favored in the size categories and the Ioniq 6 favored in the efficiency categories, it could be an obvious choice for many buyers. However, there are so many overlaps and similarities that there isn’t really a make-or-break category.

Ready to test drive?Head to your San Tan valley Ioniq dealer, San Tan Hyundai.