The Ioniq 5 is the latest EV from Hyundai that’s taking the fight to the popular Tesla Model 3. Here’s a good look at both of these electric cars.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle has become quite popular recently, but it still needs to prove its mettle against the Tesla Model 3, one of the most sought-after electric cars. A few years ago, people only had a few options if they wanted an affordable electric car. EV prices are still not as low as conventional gas-powered cars, but a combination of market competition, tax incentives and development in battery technology has made them quite approachable for many buyers.
When Tesla debuted its Model S sedan, other manufacturers also launched their EVs in a frenzy. Tesla reigned supreme in its initial years, but in 2022 it faces tough competition from Volkswagen, Rivian, Polestar, Chevrolet and more. The South Korean automaker, Hyundai, has also become another serious rival to Tesla’s dominance. The Kona is one of the most practical EVs in Hyundai’s stable, offering a long driving range at a decent price tag. However, to take on the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai needed a car with a bit more personality and performance.
This is why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 exists. It is a direct competitor to Tesla Model 3 and manages to bring something unique to the EV market with its styling and features. In terms of the overall design, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks like a fusion between retro and modern styling. Its sharp body lines and edgy design makes it stand apart. Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 recently received a minor facelift and still maintains a performance-oriented design language.
Sporty Performance Vs. Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 is a more sporty car overall. Even a base Tesla Model 3 with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) can do 0-60MPH in 5.8 seconds. Moreover, its handling and suspension are built to handle the same. As per reviews, the EV’s steering is nimble and agile. Meanwhile, its suspension is quite stiff, aiding in handling but offers a less comfortable ride overall. It is the slowest Model 3 in Tesla’s stable and still provides a ton of performance. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, offers less relative performance but is still a fast enough vehicle overall. The Ioniq 5 RWD variant accelerates from 0 to 60MPH in 6.9 seconds. Unlike the Model 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a supple and more comfortable ride quality. Meaning the car’s suspension system can absorb road bumps quite easily, theoretically making the car less tiring to drive over a long period.
In terms of the interior, both cars have a distinct theme. For starters, the Tesla Model 3 has a very minimalist interior. On the inside, there’s only a giant infotainment touchscreen which also incorporates driving information like speed and distance. In addition, the Model 3 interior lacks any physical buttons as only two dials on the steering wheel can be used to control the infotainment system. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an interior that’s not unlike any other modern car featuring two big touch screens, including an infotainment system and a driver’s console. The interior quality on both these cars is almost the same, but the Model 3 uses more soft-touch material and appears more premium. Furthermore, the driver-side A-pillar on the Model 3 is much thicker than the Ioniq 5, which could be an issue for some users, especially newer drivers. Both cars also come with some form of the autonomous driving system. On the Model 3, users get the Tesla Autopilot system standard which offers functions like Lake Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Emergency Collision Mitigation. Tesla users also get the option to upgrade to the Full Self Driving package, which further futureproofs the Model 3 for $12,000. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 also receives the Highway Driving Assist 2 System, which helps maintain distance from vehicles, set speed and keep the car in a specific lane while driving on the highway.
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But the most important thing by far in any EV is driving range. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD version with the bigger battery has a claimed range of 303 miles, but the Tesla Model 3 RWD has an official driving range of 267 miles. In terms of charging, though, Tesla takes the lead due to its widely available Supercharging network. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, has an impressive 220kW charging limit but needs a high-speed charger to use it fully. Lastly, in terms of pricing, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD version with a bigger battery effectively costs around $37,350 after the federal EV tax credit. Tesla, however, does not qualify for this specific benefit and thus costs $46,990 in the U.S. In conclusion, the Tesla Model 3 remains the more sporty and performance-oriented entry-level electric sedan. It has a better autonomous driving system and the support of a widely available charging infrastructure. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, on the other hand, is a practical yet powerful electric car. Its strength includes a high driving range, a comfortable ride quality and an overall cheaper price tag.
