Electric vehicles are the ultimate purchase for environmentally conscious drivers. However, a plug-in hybrid can reduce carbon emissions while delivering the advantages of internal combustion engines. With so many choices on the market, finding your next best car isn’t that simple. Our 2023 Prius Prime vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 comparison might help you decide. So, keep reading to learn more!
2023 Prius Prime Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Side-by-Side Comparison
| 2023 Prius Prime | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2023 | 2021 |
| Vehicle type | Plug-in hybrid | Electric |
| Class | Sedan | SUV |
| Powertrain | 220hp | 170hp to 325hp |
| Top speed | 116mph | 115mph |
| Range | Up to 640 miles on a full tank | Up to 303 miles per charge |
| Acceleration (0 to 60mph) | 6.6 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD, RWD, AWD |
| Self-driving | Driver assist functions | Level II autonomous driving |
| Charging speed (240V charger) | 4 hours | 18 minutes (10% to 80%) |
| Number of seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo capacity | 20.3 cu. ft. | 27.2 cu. ft. |
| Wheel size | 17”-19” | 19” |
| Automaker | Toyota | Hyundai |
| Starting price | $32,350 | $41,450 |
2023 Prius Prime Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: What’s the Difference?
©haryanta.p/Shutterstock.com
Electric and hybrid vehicles have been around for decades but have only gained popularity in recent years. Environmental concerns and tech innovations transformed them into green and attractive options for eco-conscious drivers.
Both vehicle types come with electric motors, but hybrid vehicles also feature a gas engine that increases their operational range. In plug-in hybrids, you can switch from electric to gas or use a combination of both to increase the car’s range and reduce its emissions.
EVs rely on an electric motor only, so their range is typically lower. However, they don’t release any pollutants into the atmosphere. In addition, electric vehicles can perform as much as gasoline or hybrid cars or even better. The downside is their price. These vehicles are typically more expensive.
Two top contenders in the hybrid and EV world are Toyota and Hyundai. Here’s how two of their top vehicles compare.
Vehicle Type
Debuted in 2012 and now in its fifth generation, the Prius Prime was Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid model. The 2023 Prius Prime packs new technologies and loads of safety features, but it works like all other plug-in hybrid cars.
This vehicle features an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that can work together or separately. The main difference between this car and the 2023 Prius, which is a conventional hybrid, is that Prius Prime uses the electric charge first in hybrid mode. It then switches to gas when the batteries run low. So, the fuel engine acts as a backup for the electric one, and not the other way around as it happens in conventional hybrids.
Hyundai’s Ioniq line aims to outperform Tesla cars. The Ioniq 5 came out in 2021, but the automaker added some upgrades to the 2023 trims. This fully electric vehicle is powerful, fast, and has an operational range similar to Model Y. Add quick charging, fun driving traits, and eye-catchy style, and you could look at the EV of the future.
Performance
EVs have been frowned upon for a long time due to their poor performance. However, Hyundai Ioniq 5 is proof that an electric vehicle can bring more performance than a gas or hybrid car.
The actual power varies from trim to trim, with the basic two-wheel drive (FWD and RWD) options providing around 170 horsepower and 350Nm of instant torque. In such a configuration, the vehicle can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.4 seconds, which is slightly slower than the 2023 Prius Prime.
In an all-wheel drive configuration, Ioniq 5’s performance improves. You’ll get 325 horsepower and 650Nm of torque (divided between the front and rear wheels). Acceleration, in this case, drops to 5.2 seconds, an improvement compared to the entry-level Ioniq 5 trims.
In fact, the 2023 Prius Prime needs 6.6 seconds to go from zero to 60. The power is in-between Hyundai’s entry and premium Ioniq 5, at 220 horsepower. Surprisingly, though, you’ll get a higher top speed from the Prius Prime – albeit not life-altering compared to Ioniq 5 (116 vs. 115 miles per hour for the Prius Prime and Hyundai Ioniq 5, respectively).
Fuel economy is another thing that could make or break the deal, and the Ioniq 5 is hard to beat. This vehicle has an impressive fuel economy at 133 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for city and highway combined. Fuel economy increases in the city to 145 MPGe, whereas the highway fuel economy is estimated at 121MPGe. The 2023 Prius Prime also has a fuel economy of 133MPGe when riding on electric. However, the number drops to 54MPG combined (city and highway) on gasoline only.
Technology
EV and hybrid vehicles have some impressive and groundbreaking technologies. The 2023 Prius Prime and Hyundai Ioniq 5 aren’t any different in this regard. Both cars come with redesigned interiors and minimalist dashes, unlike their predecessors.
For its part, the Prius Prime comes with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen on the XSE (optional) and XSE Premium (standard) trims. The system is based on Android and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which basically means intuitive use. The entry-level Prius Prime SE comes with Android too, but a smaller, 8-inch touchscreen.
A solar roof makes it easy to charge your Prius Prime’s battery while the vehicle is parked, even if there is no wall outlet or charging station nearby. However, Prius Prime’s technology pales in comparison to Hyundai’s.
The Ioniq 5 features a sleek, modular, magnetic dashboard that integrates two displays of 12.25 inches in size each. One is an infotainment display that allows you to control or check vehicle functions and access multimedia. The other is a digital cluster that gives the vehicle a high-tech look. In addition, the magnetic dash is perfect for your keepsakes and knick-knacks.
An integrated display behind the steering wheel allows drivers to stay focused on the road, even when using the navigation system. Similar to Prius Prime, the Ioniq 5 features a solar roof that turns into a vision roof when you’re driving.
Another highlight is the innovative movable center console that can slide back with the passenger seat, adding living space and comfort.
Driver Assistance and Safety
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a step in front of the Prius Prime when it comes to driver assistance and safety functions, too. The main difference between the two vehicles is the Level II autonomous driving on Ioniq 5. Developed to increase safety while driving, this system controls the vehicle’s speed and distance and assists you when changing lanes. A surround view monitor makes parking a breeze even in the tiniest spaces. Not to mention, multiple driver assistance and anti-collision functions increase safety for everyone in the traffic.
The 2023 Prius Prime comes with many of these features, but it lacks autonomous driving. This isn’t an issue if you like to keep everything under control yourself, but you won’t have the luxury of getting distracted for a second.
Design and Comfort
©Oasishifi/Shutterstock.com
From a visual standpoint, the 2023 Prius Prime and the Ioniq 5 feature a sleek, modern appearance. However, the former is a sporty sedan, whereas the latter is an SUV. This difference makes each car suitable for a different purpose, with each style impacting comfort.
Prime has a 5-seat capacity, but the lower profile reduces the headroom for the rear passengers. While comfortable for a family with young kids, it’s not friendly to taller people who might feel suffocated in the back seats.
Cargo space is also limited. You’ll get around 20.3 cubic feet of space, which is about four large suitcases. If you also have to fit in a stroller and other essentials, you’ll have to limit the amount of luggage your family can carry.
The Ioniq 5 also boasts a 5-seat capacity, with the major difference that there is plenty of space and headroom for the rear passengers. However, while everyone gets to travel comfortably, the cargo space isn’t dramatically larger. You’ll only get seven extra cubic feet, which feels restrictive for a sports utility vehicle. Nevertheless, you’ll likely have enough space for a couple of large suitcases, a tent, and camping essentials.
Higher ground clearance and a low center of gravity make the Ioniq ideal for off-road adventures. However, if you’re an explorer, consider an AWD variant.
Price
Price matters a lot when buying a car, and Toyota is unbeatable. The Japanese automaker is known for manufacturing cars that hold their value better than any other vehicle. In the specific case of the 2023 Prius Prime, you can expect its value to drop by about 17 percent over five years.
That’s a lot, but also a lot lower compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has a depreciation value of 28 percent over five years. To put things into perspective, you’ll lose about $5,499 on a $32,350 Prius Prime. However, Hyundai’s value is expected to drop from $41,450 to $29,844 over five years, meaning you’ll lose over $11,000 when selling it.
2023 Prius Prime Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: 5 Must-Known Facts
- The 2023 Prius Prime is the newest plug-in hybrid car from Toyota. It has an operational range of about 44 miles on electric charge only and requires a 120V wall outlet or 240V charging station.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the most sought-after electric vehicles from the South Korean automaker. It features innovative technologies and fast charging in only 18 minutes.
- Both vehicles pack multiple safety features, but the Ioniq 5 comes with Level II autonomous driving.
- Prius Prime is a sporty sedan suitable for the city, singles, couples, and small families. As an SUV, the Ioniq 5 is ideal for explorers and can accommodate families.
- Both cars have affordable starting prices, but the Prius Prime holds its value better compared to the Ioniq 5.
2023 Prius Prime Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Get?
The 2023 Prius Prime and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are two fantastic cars, but they differ in some ways. The latter is better in terms of innovation. If you want a green vehicle, the Ioniq 5 is the car for you. This car is ideal for families and off-road adventures. While sporty, the Prius Prime is essentially a sedan. Its low ground clearance makes it suitable for city and highway only.
If you want to avoid charging batteries and want to reduce fuel consumption without giving up the benefits of gas, then Prius Prime is for you. It’s a reliable yet affordable option.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Zoran Karapancev/Shutterstock.com.
