Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model Y: Which One Wins?

The crossover SUV is one of the most popular vehicles on the market today and that trend is increasingly spilling over into the EV space. As Hyundai, Kia, Chevy and Tesla all work to create a niche hold in the space, the five-seater EV wars have begun.

The Tesla Model Y has been a big presence in the EV field since its release in 2020 and it has grown more and more attractive as an option every year since. Hyundai, for its part, is looking to build on its strong reputation and win customers over with the Ioniq 5. 

There’s definitely something for everyone in this EV crossover space but choosing between the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t as easy as it sounds. Let’s take a look at both of these vehicles and see which one should earn your hard-earned money. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model Y: Side-by-Side Comparison

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model Y: What’s the Difference? 

Pricing

While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y will go head to head competing for customers in the crossover EV space, Hyundai will be doing so with a distinct price advantage.

With its lowest available trim, the SE Standard Range, the Ioniq 5 offers an entry point of $41,450 and comes nicely equipped. The price goes up from there all the way to the highest trim level, the Limited Ioniq 5, which has a starting price of $52,600. The SE and SEL models are sandwiched in between these two trims and add starting prices of $45,500 and $47,450 respectively. It’s safe to say that, for the price, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers a price point that doesn’t act as a barrier to entry for many potential EV buyers. 

With the Tesla Model Y receiving a significant price drop in January 2023, it’s closer in price to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 than it has been in more than a year. The lowest cost trim, the Model Y Long Range starts at $54,990, which is the best entry point for most users as it adds the longest possible range. If performance is more your thing (think speed), the Model Y Performance increases the price of the car to $57,990 but increases the 0-60 speed to a very competitive 3.5 seconds. 

Range

Of all the things to consider when buying an electric vehicle, range is likely at or very near the top of any list, and for good reason. Hyundai knows this and so it made sure to offer a variety of ranges with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to appeal to all types of buyers.

In the case of the SE Standard Range, you receive the lowest possible price point but also the lowest range with 220 miles. The SE jumps this up a little if you opt for a rear-wheel drive which can help you achieve 303 miles of total range, or if you go all-wheel drive, 266 miles of range. Both the SEL and Limited, the two highest tiers for the Ioniq 5, offer 303 miles and 256 miles of range between RWD and AWD, respectively. 

While Tesla can’t claim to be the range king anymore, the Model Y still offers plenty of battery for shuttling around town or even road trips. The Model Y Long Range is appropriately named as it offers the most range in the Model Y lineup with 330 miles of range on a single charge. Unless, of course, you opt for the sportier 20-inch induction wheels as a premium purchase, which drops the overall range to 318 miles on a single charge. The Model Y Performance shaves off a little range in favor of speed but still includes more than an acceptable 303 miles of range on a single charge. Fortunately, for Performance buyers, there are no optional wheel purchases that can reduce range by any amount. 

Charging

If range and price are equally important when choosing a new EV, so too is the importance of charging.

For Hyundai, that means looking to stay on par with the rest of the industry including Level 2 charging at home. With a 240V Level 2 charger, the SE Standard Range can recharge from 10-100% in just under six hours of time. If you opt for the SE, SEL, or Limited models, a Level 2 charger will refill 10-100% in around 7 hours and 10 minutes. Things get a little more interesting with Hyundai when you utilize DC Fast Charging which can charge the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 10-80% in around 18 minutes. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners can also take advantage of the company’s partnership with Electrify America. From the time of purchase, Ioniq 5 owners receive up to two full years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions which is a big advantage over the competition. 

Right from the jump, Tesla has always been at the forefront of charging, especially with its large Supercharger network around the country. While Tesla has around 1,400 dedicated Supercharger stations, there are more than 40,000 public Supercharger plugs around the country. When using one of these excellent plugs, the Tesla Model Y will charge up to 200 miles of driving in around 15 minutes. On a Level 2 240V home charger, you can typically expect to receive up to 30 miles of range per hour charged so around 6 to 7 hours total each night. 

Driver Assistance and Safety

One of the best aspects of purchasing an electric vehicle is the leaps forward both Hyundai and Tesla are making with driver assistance and safety. While they are taking different approaches, they are both 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ vehicles which should be comforting for the whole family.

Helping Hyundai achieve this goal are features like Highway Driving Assist II which engage the Ioniq 5’s cruise control and automatically keeps the car centered in its current lane as well as maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of it. In addition, HDA II will help you maintain an appropriate highway speed based on GPS settings and highway data. 

Highway Driving Assist I adds more traditional features like Lane Keep Assist while Driver Attention Warning monitors the driver to ensure they are not drowsy or distracted. 

As far as Tesla is concerned, safety is at the top of its list with 360 degrees of camera protection for absolute maximum visibility while driving. Using the center touch screen as a monitor, the Tesla Model Y can process up to 250 meters of distance around it to show where other cars are in proximity to your vehicle. Not to mention that the Tesla Model Y has one of the most durable body frames on the road and  airbags all around the front and rear seat passengers. 

Most notable about Tesla is the availability of Enhanced Autopilot which helps the Model Y automatically change lanes, auto park the vehicle, or summon it using the smartphone app. Full Self-Driving Capability is the future of the brand and currently provides traffic light and stop sign control. 

Technology

Like driver assistance, buyers of electric vehicles are looking toward the future and no place is that more obvious than the technology of both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.

Hyundai has taken full advantage of the Ioniq 5 by removing as many knobs and buttons, and in their place, adding two 12.3 inch touchscreen systems that account for both infotainment and a digital dashboard. Within these digital displays, you’ll find information about the vehicle’s battery or charging status, traffic flow, radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as standard onboard navigation. 

An optional heads-up display can be projected onto the windshield as well as two 120V outlets for charging up electronics while off the grid. Wireless device quick charging is also available on the SEL and Limited trim levels. 

For its technology, Tesla has utilized a 15-inch touch screen, similar to what’s in the Model 3 and it’s the center point of the vehicle. Just like a smartphone, this screen controls just about everything about your Tesla outside of window controls, a few buttons on the steering wheel and shifting gears from park to drive, etc. Beyond that, the trunk of the Tesla is opened from the touch screen, as are navigation maps and detailed information about the Model Y’s battery and charging status. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the touch screen is Tesla’s heavy lean into games and entertainment that you can use while charging up on the road. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model Y: 5 Must-Know Facts

• The Tesla Model Y Long Range is available in both a 5-seat and 7-seat option, the Performance trim level is only available as a 5-seater. 
• Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is available in four different trim levels, three of which are available as either AWD or RWD. 
• Hyundai offers a much longer overall warranty all the way up to 10 years for the battery all while including five years of 24/7 roadside assistance as standard. 
• The purchase of any Hyundai Ioniq 5 includes two years of free charging at any Electrify America station for up to 30 minutes. 
• Tesla offers 1,400 Supercharger stations around the U.S. and up to 40,000 individual Supercharger plugs around the country. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Tesla Model Y: Which One is Better for You? 

This is a really tough decision as both cars offer lots of pluses and minuses. Tesla offers a far more engaging infotainment system but Hyundai is less expensive and offers four different trim levels to help find the right price for you.

The Tesla is available in both five or seven-seat configurations which does make it an attractive option for larger families. However, If you want the most practical EV on the road right now for comfort, safety and technology, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the EV to beat.

Unless you really need the cool factor of the Tesla Model Y, go with Hyundai.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y: Technology Updates

Recently, both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y have received some notable technology updates:

Hyundai Ioniq 5:

1. Over-the-air updates: Hyundai now provides over-the-air updates, enabling bug fixes and new feature additions without dealership visits.
2. Wireless charging: The Ioniq 5 is equipped with wireless charging capabilities, eliminating the need for plugging in.
3. Extended range: A new battery pack has improved the Ioniq 5’s range, making it more suitable for long-distance driving.

Tesla Model Y:

1. Full self-driving beta: Tesla introduced Full Self-Driving beta to selected Model Y owners, enabling self-driving capabilities on city streets and highways with certain limitations.
2. Enhanced battery pack: A new battery pack option offers the Model Y a longer driving range compared to previous versions.
3. Faster Supercharging: The latest Superchargers can charge the Model Y up to 80% in just 15 minutes.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y: What’s Next

Expected technology updates for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y in the future include:

Hyundai Ioniq 5:

1. Solar roof to extend the car’s range.
2. 360-degree camera for easier parking and maneuvering.
3. Advanced infotainment system with features like augmented reality navigation and over-the-air updates.

Tesla Model Y:

1. Continued development of Full Self-Driving software for autonomous driving.
2. Introduction of a new battery pack for longer driving range.
3. Faster charging technology enabling 80% charge in just 10 minutes.

These updates will enhance the capabilities and features of both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y, providing more convenience and improved performance for users.

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