Ionic 5 vs. EV6: The Ultimate Showdown of South Korea's Best Electric Cars

I recently visited the Hyundai Motor Studio with a friend who is considering purchasing the best-selling domestic electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5.

We checked out the design and interior space and even took a test drive.

Since I had already test-driven the model three times over the long term, I shared various insights with my friend.

It's crucial to experience a car firsthand before making a decision, right?

Domestic electric vehicles primarily include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 6, as well as the Kia EV6 in the compact and mid-size categories.

Since last month, Kia's mid-size SUV electric vehicle, the EV9, has officially started deliveries.

However, many have criticized its high price, raising doubts about its commercial success.

As electric vehicles increase in size, they face numerous challenges, from battery capacity and performance to high-end options that match competing models.

It seems there are too many barriers to overcome.

In contrast, the 2023 IONIQ 5 offers a spacious interior that rivals mid-size SUVs despite being a compact SUV.

Because it doesn't require a large engine compartment, and thanks to the practicality of electric vehicles, which allows for better use of space between the driver and passenger seats,

the satisfaction with the interior space is notably high.

While I found the trunk space of the IONIQ 5 somewhat lacking during my test drive,

my overall satisfaction with the interior space exceeded my expectations.

The IONIQ 5 has a specified driving range of 259 miles (417 km).

However, after long-term testing, I found that in winter, efficiency drops and increased electricity usage for heating causes the range to fall to just over 186 miles (300 km).

During the rainy season, I noticed that driving with the air conditioning on in heavy rain reduced the actual driving range to below 217 miles (350 km).

Electric vehicles experience fluctuations in battery efficiency depending on the weather and temperature throughout the seasons.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider the charging infrastructure and driving conditions before making a purchase.

My spouse and I frequently visit golf courses.

When we travel to regions like Chungcheong-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeolla-do, which involve considerable round-trip distances, we always fully charge the vehicle and check the locations of charging stations along our route.

Even though the number of electric vehicle charging stations has increased, I still feel a significant psychological pressure when I need to charge due to the fear of running out of battery.

Delivery time information

The delivery period takes about one month.

A friend of mine who ordered this model last December was initially told it would take nearly a year, but he received it in April.

Of course, the delivery period is decreasing due to high interest rates and the effects of an economic downturn, but a one-month wait feels almost like immediate delivery.

2023 IONIQ 5 Specifications - Comparison with EV6

The domestic competitor to the IONIQ 5 is Kia's EV6.

Comparing electric vehicle sales from the first half of the year, the IONIQ 5 sold 9,504 units, while the EV6 sold 10,927 units.

Considering that the specifications and prices are quite similar, it seems that the EV6 received more favorable reviews for its design and space efficiency.

Comparing the sizes of the two models, the EV6 measures 1.77 inches (45 mm) longer in length, whereas the IONIQ 5 has a wheelbase that is 3.94 inches (100 mm) longer.

The IONIQ 5 is designed to be 2.17 inches (55 mm) taller than the EV6, providing a spacious feel in the second row.

IONIQ 5

EV6

Length (mm)

4,635

4,680

Width (mm)

1,890

1,5503,0002,9001,638 / 1,647239 / 320239 / 320 The energy efficiency, driving range, and fuel economy of both models are as follows: Kia EV6

1,880	Height (mm)	1,605
Wheelbase (mm)
	Front / Rear Track (mm)	1,638 / 1,647
Maximum Power (Kw / hp)
Maximum Torque (Nm / kg·m)	605 / 61.7	605 / 61.7
	The pure trunk space measures 18.76 cubic feet (531 L) for the IONIQ 5 and 18.30 cubic feet (520 L) for the EV6.	Overall, the interior and trunk space satisfaction clearly favors the IONIQ 5.

Hyundai IONIQ 5	Driving Range: 259 miles (417 km) Curb Weight: 4,535 lbs (2,055 kg)	Energy Efficiency: 4.7 km/kWh (combined) (2.9 miles/kWh) (highway 4.2 km/kWh / city 5.3 km/kWh)

Driving Range: 274 miles (441 km)

Curb Weight: 4,487 lbs (2,040 kg)

Energy Efficiency: 5.0 km/kWh (combined) (3.1 miles/kWh) (highway 4.5 km/kWh / city 5.6 km/kWh)

I spoke with three actual owners about the advantages and disadvantages of the IONIQ 5.

First, the high accuracy of Hyundai's navigation means that there is no need to connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to use apps like T-map or Kakao Navigation.

German imported cars often have less accurate navigation, so I usually connect my smartphone via Apple CarPlay to use T-map during test drives. However, owners of Hyundai models have praised their accuracy.

Owners also mentioned the spacious interior and refreshing openness as advantages, noting that good visibility has encouraged family members who were previously hesitant to drive to start driving confidently.

Compared to compact gasoline SUVs, the spaciousness of the interior is appealing, and as shown in the photo below, the space between the driver and passenger seats received the highest satisfaction ratings.

Using various automotive accessories can help utilize storage space more effectively.

However, owners pointed out battery efficiency as a disadvantage, as they were aware that efficiency drops in winter.

While they knew the heater would affect range, it was disappointing to hear that the driving range could fall below 186 miles (300 km) even with the heater on.

Of course, this issue is not unique to the IONIQ 5; it is a common problem with electric vehicles, so it’s worth considering.

Additionally, some owners mentioned that the IONIQ 5 is so common that they see it everywhere, including in car-sharing services and taxis, which makes the design feel less unique.

Owners who purchased the car right after its release were initially drawn to its design, but now feel that the novelty has worn off due to its prevalence on the streets.

While domestic cars like the Sonata and Grandeur experience similar phenomena, it could be a drawback for owners who prioritized a unique design.

2023 IONIQ 5 Pricing

I compared estimated costs for both models using the least expensive trim.

IONIQ 5 Exclusive 2WD

Total Purchase Cost: 42,500,000 KRW (approximately $32,000 USD)

Vehicle Price: 40,000,000 KRW (approximately $30,000 USD)

Registration Tax: 2,040,000 KRW (approximately $1,540 USD)

Discount Amount: 390,000 KRW (approximately $290 USD)

Kia EV6 Light 2WD

Total Purchase Cost: 41,000,000 KRW (approximately $31,000 USD)

Vehicle Price: 39,000,000 KRW (approximately $29,000 USD)

Registration Tax: 1,950,000 KRW (approximately $1,470 USD)

Discount Amount: 370,000 KRW (approximately $280 USD)

The electric vehicle subsidy information is as follows:

National Subsidy: 6,800,000 KRW (approximately $5,200 USD)

Local Subsidy (based on Seongnam): 3,500,000 KRW (approximately $2,700 USD)

This price reflects a 100% application of the electric vehicle subsidy, and after deducting the national subsidy and varying local subsidies, the actual purchase prices are as follows:

IONIQ 5: 36,230,000 KRW (approximately $27,000 USD)

EV6: 33,620,000 KRW (approximately $25,000 USD)

You can purchase the EV6 for about 1,600,000 KRW (approximately $1,200 USD) less than the IONIQ 5 based on the lowest trim.

Both models representing domestic electric vehicles still require a purchase cost of around 40 million KRW (approximately $30,000 USD) even after receiving the full electric vehicle subsidy.

However, many people feel burdened by the upfront costs.

Using KS Auto Plan's long-term rental and lease options allows you to utilize electric vehicles without initial costs.

KS Auto Plan is a specialized agency for long-term rentals and leases that collaborates with all major capital companies, matching optimal conditions for clients and providing the lowest price comparisons.

Since electric vehicles particularly face depreciation issues, I recommend purchasing them at a lower cost and opting for long-term rentals or leases, using them for the contracted period, and then returning them for another vehicle.

As driving distances and usage periods increase, battery efficiency issues may arise, and early models of domestic electric vehicles may depreciate more due to newer models being released.

For now, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain than gasoline or diesel models, so you can set a usage period, drive economically, and return them without needing to spend time managing the vehicle.

If you have any other models in mind besides the IONIQ 5 mentioned today, it would be wise to get estimates in advance before making a decision.

You can easily apply for a lowest price comparison estimate on our website, and you can choose to receive it via phone, text, or KakaoTalk.

Even if you have received estimates from other companies, comparing them with KS Auto Plan's estimates, which offer high satisfaction at low costs, may lead you to a decision you won't regret.

This post was supported by KS for content creation.

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