2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as the first model under Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand dedicated solely to electric vehicles. This model was characterized by its minimalist yet intricate exterior design, featuring the distinctive Parametric Pixel theme that evoked a sense of nostalgia for older Millennials with its 8-bit aesthetic. The Ioniq 5's exterior was a blend of polished simplicity and complex design elements, with pixelated lighting details and aerodynamic wheels that added a futuristic touch. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene and spacious cabin, emphasizing comfort and sustainability with its "Living Space" design theme. The interior featured stain-resistant cloth seats, recycled materials, and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, creating a tranquil environment for occupants.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 embraced a sportier and more dynamic design, drawing comparisons to the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its sleek and aggressive styling was highlighted by a low and wide stance, a highback tail with a lip spoiler, and voluptuous curves reminiscent of a Porsche 911. The EV6's exterior design was both stylish and functional, with recessed lights, chrome trim, and flush door handles adding to its modern appeal. Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic cabin with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather upholstery. The interior was designed to prioritize the driving experience, with a focus on technology and connectivity, making it an exciting and engaging space for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations to suit different driving preferences. It came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) available across the lineup. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD models combined a 74-kW front motor with a 165-kW rear motor, resulting in a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its composed handling and four drive modes, including a Sport mode that added excitement but reduced range.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual-motor setup producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. This configuration allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's performance was further enhanced by its ability to quickly and effectively route torque, providing seamless power delivery in various driving conditions. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for customizable deceleration, and the I-Pedal setting enabled one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather and high power output, with real-world tests revealing lower efficiency than expected. Despite this, the EV6 excelled in charging capabilities, accepting up to 240 kW for fast charging, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered the dimensions of an electric SUV, with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, featuring a moveable center console and leatherette seats that offered both comfort and support. The interior design emphasized practicality and flexibility, with features like a retro front bench seat and ample storage space.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, offered a spacious and airy interior with generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents and optional heated cushions, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's interior design incorporated innovative features like pop-out door handles, a twisting rotary shifter, and a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls. While these features added a modern touch, they could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 also offered a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could charge up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through a partnership with Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link connected car app, digital key, enhanced smartphone pairing, and over-the-air updates. The interior boasted 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2022 Kia EV6 shared a similar infotainment system with other Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models, offering simplicity and connectivity. It featured dual 12-inch screens, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The EV6's technology package included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging capabilities, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting in certain situations. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high safety standards.

The 2022 Kia EV6 also lacked published test results from safety organizations, but it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The base Light trim included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. The EV6's adaptive cruise control incorporated machine learning to mimic the driver's behavior, enhancing the driving experience.