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 only a year into 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 introduced, but the Neoteric Yellow hue was a standout choice, adding a vibrant touch for an additional $500. The exterior design of the Kona EV resembled a space-age art project, with pixelated LED lighting, chiseled fenders, and strong silhouette creases. It had grown from its previous generation, offering more interior space and a well-appointed cabin. The N Line trim featured sporty elements like special 19-inch wheels and unique fasciae, while the Limited trim boasted high-quality leatherette and metallic-looking trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, with minimal changes in its mid-cycle refresh. The lower front fascia saw slight revisions, but the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced, along with new wheel designs. The interior retained its minimalistic and modern feel, with minor changes to the center console for improved functionality. The XRT trim added rugged elements like all-weather floor mats and a debossed XRT logo on the seats.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric was limited to front-wheel drive, with the base SE model featuring a 48.6-kWh battery pack offering a range of 200 miles. The single electric motor produced 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the Long Range 64.8-kWh pack 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 modest, taking around seven seconds to reach 60 mph. It featured paddle shifters for regenerative braking and a 400-volt electrical architecture, resulting in adequate DC fast-charging times.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT was offered only in all-wheel drive, while the base SE Standard Range was rear-wheel drive. The Ioniq 5 had increased battery capacity, with most trims achieving a range of 318 miles in RWD configuration. AWD models had reduced ranges, with the XRT offering 259 miles. Power output varied, with RWD models producing 168 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with the standard-range battery, or 225 hp with the long-range option. AWD models featured dual motors with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's Terrain Mode offered Snow, Mud, and Sand options, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, and power distribution.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric offered dual-zone climate control, proximity key, and solar front glass as standard on the SE trim. The Limited trim added features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium sound system. The Kona's cupholder design allowed for rotation to create more console space. The interior space was slightly smaller than rivals, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with the Limited trim offering front seat ventilation and driver's seat memory. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and cargo space measuring 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric featured dual 12.3-inch displays, with a digital gauge cluster and infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV page provided detailed battery usage information. The native navigation system predicted charging needs and suggested routes. The Kona had four USB-C ports and vehicle-to-load capability for charging external devices. N Line and Limited trims offered Hyundai's Digital Key 2 for smartphone or smartwatch access.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its pair of 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The XRT trim included the Bose Premium Audio system, while SE and SEL trims had a six-speaker system. The Ioniq 5 featured standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and five USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad started at the SEL trim level.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric came with Hyundai's SmartSense suite, including front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added parking aids like a surround-view camera system and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Kona had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 had consistently earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and received a five-star rating from NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The XRT trim featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning.