The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq are two of the many options in the growing electric family SUV segment. Both offer a blend of practicality, long driving ranges and cutting-edge technology, but which one makes more sense for your needs? In this comparison, we'll take a close look at how these two EVs stack up across key areas.
The Ioniq 5 arrived first in 2021 with bold retro styling that belies its family-friendly interior space and impressive driving range of up to 320 miles. It was later joined by the Skoda Enyaq, a more conventionally-styled but no less practical alternative with a similar maximum range of 333 miles in its biggest battery model. Both are priced competitively against petrol and diesel rivals, with the Enyaq having a slight edge on upfront costs.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Skoda Enyaq
Practicality
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq are both impressively roomy family crossovers, but the Enyaq just about has the edge when it comes to outright practicality. Its boxy shape translates into a cavernous 585-litre boot, which is a little bigger than the Ionq 5's generous 527 litres. Both have flat floors for improved rear legroom, but the Ioniq 5 offers a bit more space to stretch out.
The Ioniq 5's minimalist interior design also contributes to an airy, open cabin feel. Some of the materials are a touch cheap, but it's a smart look overall. The Enyaq counters with typically solid Skoda build quality and an understated but premium ambiance. Rear visibility is slightly better in the Enyaq too.
While the Enyaq can't be specified with a third row of seats, it does have useful cable storage underneath the boot floor. The Ioniq 5 keeps its charging cables neatly stowed under the bonnet instead. Both make excellent family haulers: the Ioniq 5 majors with that roomy and funky interior, while the Enyaq's bigger boot gives it a slight practicality edge from a luggage perspective.
Driving Impressions
While neither the Ioniq 5 nor Enyaq are aimed at driving enthusiasts, they offer composed, comfortable driving experiences befitting family transport. The Ioniq 5 has light but numb steering, while body control could be a bit tighter through corners. However, it rides well and is hushed at motorway speeds.
Performance is perfectly adequate too, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5-8.5 seconds depending on battery size. The Enyaq offers similar levels of acceleration, and in the real world there's little between them for everyday driving.
Where the Enyaq distinguishes itself is its superb refinement and unflappable demeanour, smothering bumps impressively despite large wheel sizes. The steering is neat and precise too. Only some body lean prevents it from feeling as tidy as it could through corners.
Both cars offer a choice of regenerative braking modes that allow easy one-pedal driving. But if you want excitement, it's the ultra-potent Ioniq 5 N performance model that really grabs the attention, with sizzling acceleration and engaging driving dynamics that shame many petrol-powered hot hatches.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Ioniq 5 and Enyaq come loaded with cutting-edge tech and driver aids as standard. The Ioniq gets a crisp dual 12-inch screen set-up, wireless phone mirroring and over-the-air updates across the range. Higher trims add niceties like heated seats and a powered tailgate.
The Enyaq's 13-inch touchscreen is larger still, if not quite as intuitive to use. It loses out on physical air con controls though. Every version gets LED lights, reversing sensors and partial leather upholstery as well.
Both cars are generously equipped from the off, and while the Enyaq has the slightly more upmarket interior, it is the more intuitive infotainment setup of the Ioniq 5 that impresses most.
Running Costs
With their battery power sources, both the Ioniq 5 and Enyaq will prove vastly cheaper to run than equivalent petrol or diesel alternatives for those who can charge at home, and especially for company car drivers. Purchase prices are competitive too, with the Enyaq holding a slight edge over the Ioniq 5.
Expect to pay around £18 for a full home charge in either car, depending on battery size and your energy tariff. Using cheap overnight rates could halve those costs.
Servicing costs should be affordable for both. Just bear in mind that bigger wheels and rapid charging will likely increase running costs slightly. Overall though, it's a close-run thing for running costs between these two EVs.
Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq both make an exceptionally strong case for themselves as family-friendly, long-range EVs. If cool design and interior space are priorities, the slightly boxier Ioniq 5 has the edge. But the Enyaq counters with a premium cabin, better infotainment and slightly lower running costs.
Keen drivers will inevitably be drawn to the ballistic - if expensive - Ioniq 5 N performance model too. But for most buyers, it will likely come down to pricing and preferred brand/dealer network. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting an accomplished, relatively affordable and future-proof family car, both of which secured maximum five star ratings from our expert test team.