Deciding on an electric vehicle (EV) is a significant decision, and if you’ve narrowed your choice down to the Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5, you’ve selected two of the most compelling options on the market. These two vehicles, built on the same underlying E-GMP platform, are often called “cousins” or “twins,” leading to understandable confusion. While they share a high-tech foundation, their design philosophy, driving dynamics, and interior practicality are distinctly different.
This guide will provide a professional, objective, and data-backed breakdown of the 2025 Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. We’ll cut through the marketing to help you understand the subtle differences and make a confident, informed decision. By the end, you’ll know exactly which of these two excellent EVs is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table: 2025 Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The most obvious difference between the two EVs is their exterior design. The Kia EV6 adopts a sporty, crossover-coupe profile with a low, aggressive stance and a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette. Its sharply creased body lines and distinctive light signatures give it a futuristic and dynamic presence. The 2025 model year brings a subtle facelift, with new angular daytime running lights and redesigned bumpers that enhance its modern aesthetic.
In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 embraces a retro-futuristic, boxy design inspired by the classic Pony car. It has a taller, more upright body and a longer wheelbase, giving it a unique, hatchback-meets-SUV appearance. The 2025 Ioniq 5 also received a refresh, notably adding a highly requested rear wiper and a slightly revised front and rear. This design prioritizes interior room and a spacious feel.
Interior and Practicality: Kia EV6 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 Interior
Step inside, and the design philosophies continue. The EV6’s cabin feels like a driver-focused cockpit, with a wraparound dashboard and a floating center console that creates an intimate, sporty atmosphere. The dual 12.3-inch curved displays are beautifully integrated, giving a premium, high-tech feel. While the EV6 has ample passenger space, its lower roofline can make the cabin feel less airy than its sibling.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s interior, on the other hand, is a masterclass in open-concept design. Its longer wheelbase and taller roof create a light, airy, and exceptionally spacious cabin. The flat floor, along with a sliding center console, allows for a more versatile space. The Ioniq 5’s more upright seating position and larger glass area contribute to better all-around visibility, particularly for rear passengers. This makes it a more practical choice for families or those who prioritize maximum space.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, these two EVs show their shared DNA but with different tunings. Both offer rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.
The Kia EV6 is designed for performance. Even in its standard trims, it feels more agile and planted, with a firmer suspension that provides a more engaging driving experience. For thrill-seekers, the EV6 GT is a major differentiator. With a staggering 576 horsepower, it can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, rivaling performance cars like the Tesla Model Y Performance. The EV6 GT also received an 84 kWh battery for 2025, further enhancing its capabilities.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is tuned for comfort. Its softer suspension setup provides a smoother, more cushioned ride, making it an excellent daily driver. It feels more relaxed and composed, absorbing road imperfections with ease. While its top AWD trim still offers a quick 0-60 mph time and 320 horsepower, it doesn’t offer a high-performance GT variant like the EV6. Its driving experience is about effortless comfort rather than raw speed.
Range and Charging: Kia EV6 vs Ioniq 5 Range Test & Charging Speed
Both vehicles utilize the same advanced 800V charging architecture, which is a significant advantage over competitors. This allows for incredibly fast DC charging speeds, capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes at a 350 kW charger. This Hyundai Ioniq 5 charging speed is a class-leading feature that both cars share.
In terms of range, the 2025 models are very competitive. The 2025 Kia EV6 with the long-range RWD setup has an EPA-estimated range of up to 310 miles. The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s comparable RWD trim offers a very close EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles. A specific Kia EV6 vs Ioniq 5 range test by a reputable publication like Car and Driver or Edmunds would likely show very similar real-world results due to their shared platform and battery improvements. For 2025, the EV6’s larger 84 kWh battery gives it a slight technical edge.
Who Wins for You?
Choosing between the 2025 Kia EV6 and the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t about which car is objectively “better” but about which one aligns with your personal priorities.
Choose the Kia EV6 if you prioritize:
- Performance: The EV6’s sportier handling and the availability of the ultra-fast GT trim make it the clear winner for driving enthusiasts.
- Design: You prefer a low-slung, aerodynamic, and aggressive aesthetic.
- Slightly more range: The 2025 EV6’s larger battery gives it a small but notable edge in maximum range.
Choose the Hyundai Ioniq 5 if you prioritize:
- Interior Space and Practicality: The Ioniq 5’s taller, boxier design and longer wheelbase translate directly into a more spacious and versatile cabin, offering significantly more cargo room.
- Comfort: The Ioniq 5’s softer suspension tuning and more relaxed driving feel make it an ideal choice for daily commuting and long road trips.
- Visibility: You appreciate a commanding, high seating position and better outward visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 the same car?
No, they are not the same car, but they are built on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) from their parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. Think of them as cousins; they share core technology like the battery and powertrain architecture but have completely different body styles, interior designs, and suspension tuning.
Which has better charging speed?
Both the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have class-leading charging speeds. They both utilize an 800V architecture, allowing them to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes at a compatible 350 kW DC fast charger. There is no significant difference in charging speed between the two.
Which has more interior space?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has more usable interior and cargo space. Its boxy design and longer wheelbase result in a more open and airy cabin, with more passenger headroom and a larger total cargo capacity (59.3 cu. ft. vs. the EV6’s 50.2 cu. ft. with the seats folded down).
Which is better for families?
For most families, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the better choice due to its superior practicality. The extra interior volume, larger cargo area, and more comfortable ride quality make it more accommodating for passengers and luggage.
