Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Wins?

All-electric SUVs bring fuel-like power and speed in eco-friendly packaging. Yet, finding your next best ride means making a compromise between sheer power, operational range, and quick charge. This head-to-head between the Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge might help you decide which are the most important features for you.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Volvo XC40: Side-by-Side Comparison

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Volvo XC40: What’s the Difference?

An established name in the automotive market, Hyundai is barely associated with electric vehicles. Yet, while Tesla has been riding the wave of electric vehicle success since 2008, Hyundai actually presented its first pure electric car back in 1991. Hyundai Sonata EV never made it to the Western markets, but the automaker’s Ioniq line now includes several pure electric vehicles. One of the most sought-after, presented in 2021 and released in 2022, is the Ioniq 5.

This compact crossover SUV boasts a rugged, aggressive allure that appeals to adventurers. At the same time, it is spacious enough to accommodate a family of five (and their luggage) and charges faster than most other EVs out there, including the Tesla vehicles.

Volvo XC40 Recharge is the all-electric version of the automaker’s iconic XC40. Practical and thoughtfully designed, this vehicle delivers an upscale look and feel. The build quality is superior to Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it has a shorter range and slower charge. Nevertheless, additional features make it worth the higher price tag. If you want to keep costs low, Volvo also proposes a plug-in hybrid XC40 (also called Recharge) that is cheaper and brings the advantages of gas-fueled vehicles.

Design

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge are two compact SUVs, but they couldn’t be more different design-wise. With its futuristic lines and solar rooftop, the Ioniq 5 screams electric vehicle at first glance. This compact crossover features sporty lines, but the utilitarian side blends with a softer, city car-like profile.

The XC40 Recharge is based entirely on the classic Volvo XC40 platform. Unless you’re an eagle-eyed fan and know exactly what to look after, you might not notice any difference between this model and its combustion engine or plug-in hybrid counterparts.

The exterior design is more utilitarian compared to the Ioniq 5, but the XC40 is shorter. While fewer inches translate into a lower cargo capacity, it could make it easier to maneuver or park it in tight spots. The interior is also different between the two cars. Whereas the XC40 features a classic design, Ioniq 5 showcases a tech-savvy space with a magnetic dash and movable central console.

Performance

Defining performance is challenging. Some may intend it as power and speed, while others are more interested in operational range and speed of charge. Differences in these sectors may make you prefer one vehicle over the other.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 appeals to those looking for a longer range and quick charge times. It has a range of up to 303 miles per charge, depending on the trim. Sure, external factors like load and road conditions could reduce the range, but you can expect to get about the same range as you’d get from a Tesla Model Y. Something most EVs can’t beat is the charge time. Ioniq 5 needs less than 20 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent of charge, whereas the XC40 requires over half an hour.

What it lacks in range and speed, Volvo XC40 Recharge makes up for power and torque. This car boasts 402 horsepower and a max torque of up to 660Nm (trim-dependent). Acceleration is also faster than Ioniq 5, albeit the difference is less than one second. However, the range drops to 223 miles per charge.

Ioniq 5 delivers a better fuel-equivalent economy. The long-range battery has a combined EPA rating of 114 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for the two-wheel drive variants. This estimate drops to 101MPGe for the all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, EPA gives the XC40 Recharge a fuel economy of 79MPGe on the highway and 92MPGe in the city.

Technology

Ioniq 5 has a higher operational range, while the XC40 impresses with more power and acceleration. However, Hyundai gains some points with the new-age tech crammed into its pure electric SUV. You can expect a magnetic dashboard that integrates two screens. One is a 12.25-inch infotainment console that lets you access various car functions, control the AC system, and access multimedia. The other is a 12.25″ digital cluster that you won’t find in many other cars.

The sliding center console features a minimalist design with no bulky knobs or buttons. When moved back, it increases the lounge space for the front passenger and driver. The driver can also enjoy a display integrated behind the steering wheel. From here, you can follow navigation maps while staying focused on the road. To crown it all, the solar roof recharges the battery when the car is parked and turns into a vision roof when you’re driving.

XC40 Recharge features a retro-looking interior that seems far less technological. There are lots of knobs and buttons that won’t bother you if you’re old-school. The highlight, however, is the 12.3-inch infotainment console built in collaboration with Google’s Android Automotive.

The console has built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play, and automatic over-the-air updates. Volvo’s car comes with a four-year subscription to the Digital Services Package that includes data and Volvo Cars app. The cherry on top of this sumptuous cake is the Harman Kardon audio system that delivers an impeccable listening experience.

Safety

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge feature excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Ioniq 5 comes with Level II autonomous driving, whereas the XC40 Recharge is only semi-autonomous.

What this actually means is that Ioniq 5 can change lanes and drive on the highway with little to no driver intervention. Volvo doesn’t offer such high-tech functions on its XC40, but this SUV does come with driver-assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking.

Both vehicles feature blind-spot collision avoidance assist functions, including collision-avoidance assist for rear-cross traffic, blind spot and surround view monitors, parking distance warning, and parking assistance features.

Comfort

Another similarity between Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge is the passenger comfort, even though Ioniq 5 is a notch over the Volvo. What makes Ioniq 5 special is the lounge-style cabin with comfortable front and back row seats. The front seats are fully reclining and feature footrests, offering a weightless feeling to the occupant and a relaxing experience while you’re waiting for the battery to charge.

Beyond comfortable seating, you’ll also get plenty of cargo space. With the back seats up, the trunk provides 27.2 cubic feet of space. This turns into 59.3 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

Volvo XC40 Recharge also delivers plenty of space for occupants, but you won’t get relaxing front seats with footrests. Cargo space is also diminished compared to the Ioniq 5. With the back seats up, the trunk only provides 16 cubic feet of space, which is restrictive for a car this size. However, with the back row folded, you’ll get 57.5 cubic feet, which isn’t much behind the Hyundai.

Both automakers offer moon roof options for their models, although you can’t get them on all trims. This feature comes as an option on the premium trims from both Hyundai and Volvo.

Price

Hyundai Ioniq 5 may not boast the built reliability and power the XC40 Recharge comes with, but the price makes it a winner. The entry-level trim starts at $41,450 and is $12,100 cheaper than the entry-level XC40 Recharge.

Prices go up for each model depending on the trim and optional add-ons that you might add to a customized model. However, the premium option from Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 Limited, is still $7,995 cheaper than Volvo’s premium XC40 Recharge Ultimate.

Both automakers offer lease and loan options, with prices starting at $675 per month for Volvo and $472 per month for Hyundai.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Volvo XC40: 6 Must-Known Facts

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge are two pure electric compact crossover SUVs. They are similar in size, but they feature different designs and styles.
• Volvo XC40 boasts a rugged, off-road exterior and a retro allure inside. The Ioniq 5 has a futuristic design approach.
• Ioniq 5 comes with a longer range and faster charge compared to the XC40, but the Volvo brings superior power and acceleration.
• On average, it takes about 18 minutes to charge the Ioniq 5 from 10 to 80 percent. Volvo XC40 Recharge requires 37 minutes.
• Reclining front seats with footrests and a sliding center console improve comfort for the driver and front passenger in the Ioniq 5.
• Overall, Volvo is sturdier and more reliable, but it is also much more expensive than the Ioniq 5.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Volvo XC40: Which One Is Better?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 may be two electric crossover SUVs, but the similarities end here. Each vehicle is unique in its own way, but from an objective standpoint, the Ioniq 5 takes the crown. This electric car features more high-tech features – including a solar roof – a longer range, and faster charging. Sure, it might not have Volvo’s power or acceleration, but the top speed is similar, so you won’t be disappointed.

The XC40 Recharge comes with a superior audio system, higher ground clearance (which makes it a better choice for off-road adventures), and built-in Google, but it is more expensive and has a lower cargo capacity. Ioniq 5’s design also impresses with its new-age charm, which is an improvement compared to XC40’s retro style. If you want a promising vehicle without breaking the bank, you should opt for the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock.com.