Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Which Korean EV offers a better deal?

Hyundai’s first all-electric vehicle, the Kona Electric, was introduced in Malaysia last year and has been well received by EV enthusiasts. Following its success, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors now rolled out its second EV in the market i.e. the IONIQ 5. The comparison between these EVs is very specific as they belong to the same automaker and are unique from each other. What sets them apart, let’s know in our Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric spec-to-spec comparison.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Price

HSDM offers the new IONIQ 5 in Lite, Plus, and Max variants and the Kona Electric in e-Lite, e-Plus, and e-Max. The prices are as follows -

Hyundai IONIQ 5 variants	Price (on-the-road without insurance)	Hyundai Kona Electric variants	Price (on-the-road without insurance)
Lite	RM 199,888	e-Lite	RM 149,888
Plus	RM 229,888	e-Plus	RM 169,888
Max	RM 259,888	e-Max	RM 199,888

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Powertrain

Specs	Hyundai IONIQ 5		Hyundai Kona Electric
Variants	Lite/Plus	Max	e-Lite/e-Plus	e-Max
Battery pack	58 kWh	72.6 kWh	39.2 kWh	64 kWh
Max Power	170 PS	305 PS	136 PS	204 PS
Max Torque	350 Nm	605 Nm	395 Nm	395 Nm
0-100 kmph acceleration	8.5 seconds	5.2 seconds	9.9 seconds	7.9 seconds
Top speed	185 kmph	185 kmph	155 kmph	167 kmph
Range	384 km	430 km	305 km	484 km

On this front also, the Ioniq 5 is way ahead of the Kona EV. It is powered by more efficient electric motors delivering higher levels of output. However, when it comes to driving range, the Kona Electric e-Max wins the race as it offers you a cruising range of 484 km on a single charge.

Looking at the charging times of both EVs, the IONIQ 5 takes 6.1 hours with a standard 11 kW home AC charger and 47 minutes (0-80%) if using a 50 kW DC charger. The Kona Electric, on the other hand, takes approx 1.5 hours to charge up to 80% with a 50 kW DC fast charging.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Dimensions

Specs	Hyundai IONIQ 5	Hyundai Kona Electric
Length	4,635 mm	4,205 mm
Width	1,890 mm	1,800 mm
Height	1,605 mm	1,570 mm
Wheelbase	3,000 mm	2,600 mm

On comparing the dimensions of the two Hyundai EVs in question, we see the IONIQ 5 is longer, wider, and taller than the Kona Electric. It is not only because it falls in a higher segment but also due to its dedicated-EV platform. The wheelbase of the latest EV is also 400 mm higher than the older one; it is even 25 mm more than the Hyundai Palisade.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Exterior

While the IONIQ 5 has a sharp, squarish, and bold appearance, the Kona Electric poses a curvy, fluidic, and funky stance. Among the significant highlights of the former is a unique V-shape design front bumper, pixel-inspired squared-off LED headlights with unique daytime running lights, a clamshell front bonnet, aero-optimized wheels (19- to 20-inch), pop-out door handles, pixelated tail lights, and a solar roof. Overall, the EV has a neo-retro character.

The Kona Electric exterior kit includes distinctive split type LED headlights with LED DRLs, body-coloured wheel arch claddings, blacked-out roof with roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lights cluster.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Interior

In terms of interior features, the pricer Hyundai IONIQ 5 is more promising than the Kona Electric. Check out the detailed comparison here.

Specs	Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Max)	Hyundai Kona Electric (e-Max)
Infotainment system	12.3-inch with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity	8-inch with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch	10.25-inch
Air-con	Dual-zone	Single zone
Driver’s seat adjustability	8+2-way powered	10-way powered
Seat material	Leather	Leather
Vehicle-to-Load socket	Yes	No
Sound system	7-speaker Bose sound system	6-speaker standard

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Safety 

In terms of safety, Hyundai has packed all the two EVs with tons of advanced active and passive safety features. The common list includes -Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Alert.

However, the latest IONIQ 5 is one step ahead of the Kona EV with more airbags, Blind-spot View Monitor and Manual Speed Limit Assist.

Verdict

Overall, the two Hyundai EVs belong to different segments and thus have different positioning in the market. The Kona Electric is a sporty SUV with modern tech and safety features, and a powerful range, while the IONIQ 5 is a classic-looking bigger electric car powered by more advanced technologies that come at a dearer price. 

Also read: Hyundai announced 2030 roadmap, 17 EVs on the cards