Hyundai Kona Electric vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric was available in several trims, including SE, SEL, the new N-Line, and the top-tier Limited. Despite being in its second generation, Hyundai introduced new features like ambient lighting for N Line and above, and LED interior lighting for all but the base model. A new Red Metallic paint was offered, but the Neoteric Yellow hue was a standout choice, adding a vibrant touch for an additional $500. The exterior design resembled a space-age art project with pixelated LED lighting and chiseled fenders, while the interior boasted a spacious cabin with a Sage-Green-with-Lime interior option. The N Line trim featured sporty elements like 19-inch wheels and unique fasciae, while the Limited trim offered high-quality leatherette seating and metallic-looking trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 combined the aesthetics of a 1980s hatchback with modern crossover SUV elements. Its profile was distinctly hatchback, larger than typical models like the Volkswagen GTI, with angular lines and a triangular shape defined by character lines. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights, while the rear had an integrated spoiler and darkened panels. The XRT model added unique 18-inch alloys and pixel-patterned cladding, enhancing its rally car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 was utilitarian with a tech-forward approach, featuring cloth upholstery in the base model and synthetic leather in higher trims. The interior was equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens and touch controls for climate settings, maintaining a modern yet sterile look.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric was limited to front-wheel drive, with the base SE trim featuring a 48.6-kWh battery offering a modest 200-mile range. The single electric motor produced 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the Long Range 64.8-kWh battery increased the range to 261 miles and power to 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line trim, despite having the larger battery, had a reduced range of 230 miles due to its larger wheels. The Kona's acceleration was moderate, taking around seven seconds to reach 60 mph. It featured paddle shifters for regenerative braking and a 400-volt electrical architecture, with DC fast-charging taking over 40 minutes to reach 80% charge.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain with 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the base SE Standard Range trim, or 220 hp in other trims. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive option increased output to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft, while the Ioniq 5 N performance model boasted 641 hp and 568 lb-ft. The Limited and XRT trims, both with dual-motor powertrains, provided robust power and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. The Ioniq 5 featured five regenerative braking settings and a smooth ride, with the XRT trim offering off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and terrain modes. The XRT excelled on loose trails, though it lacked underbody protection for more extreme conditions.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric offered dual-zone climate control and proximity key as standard on the SE trim, with the Limited trim adding features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose sound system. The Kona's interior had a clever cupholder design and a small storage compartment in the center armrest. Despite increased space from the previous generation, the Kona's cargo capacity was slightly below average, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured spacious front seats with standard eight-way power adjustments for the driver and heated front seats across all trims. The Limited trim added ventilated front seats and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver. The rear seat offered 39.4 inches of legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average, with 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Ioniq 5 also had a small front trunk, adding to its cargo versatility.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric came with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system included an EV page for battery usage insights and a navigation system that predicted charging needs. The Kona featured four USB-C ports and vehicle-to-load capability for charging external devices. Higher trims offered Hyundai's Digital Key 2 for smartphone or smartwatch access.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim added a head-up display and a Bose audio system. The Ioniq 5 included a Wi-Fi hotspot and the MyHyundai app for remote vehicle management. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice command capabilities and separate touch controls for climate settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric included Hyundai's SmartSense suite with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added parking aids and a Blind-View Monitor. At the time of publication, the Kona EV had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 1. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS but had no NHTSA ratings at the time of writing.