The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4 are two of the many electric offerings vying for family buyers looking to make the switch to an EV. Both offer a blend of practicality, technology and long driving ranges, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision one way or the other.
This comparison examines how the Ioniq 5 and ID.4 stack up across crucial areas like interior space, driving experience, equipment levels and running costs. We'll highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each to help you decide which all-electric family SUV is the better fit.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Volkswagen ID.4
Practicality
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a deceptively large car, measuring 4.7 metres in length despite its hatchback-like profile. This generous size translates to an incredibly spacious and airy cabin that feels more like a large SUV inside. Even with the front seats reclined, there's ample headroom and limo-like legroom in the rear thanks to the flat floor. The minimalist dashboard design maximises the sense of space too.
While some of the interior materials could be of higher quality, the Ioniq 5 scores highly for practicality with a 527-litre boot that is well-suited to family life. This almost matches the 543 litres of load space in the Volkswagen ID.4, which is also impressively roomy inside. Rear legroom in the VW is limo-like as well, and the flat floor aids comfort when carrying three across the rear bench.
However, the ID.4's boot is a bit shallow compared to its capacity, the rear seats don't fold fully flat, and there's no front storage like in some EVs. The Ioniq 5 just about has the edge for outright practicality and versatility, but both are very spacious options for family buyers.
Driving Impressions
When it comes to driving experience, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4 take quite different approaches suiting their respective characters. The Ioniq 5 has light but numb steering and a focus on comfort and refinement, delivering a serene driving experience that's ideal for family duties. Body control is a little floaty at times, but the ride is generally settled.
Performance is perfectly adequate for most needs, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5-8.5 seconds from the rear-wheel drive models, depending which battery size you choose. Hyundai's regenerative braking system is one of the most flexible too, with multiple regen modes you can toggle through using steering wheel paddles.
In contrast, the ID.4 has a slightly more engaging feel on the road thanks to its well-judged steering weight and sharper body control if you avoid the optional adaptive dampers. It's still ultimately a comfort-oriented SUV, but the VW does encourage you to drive a bit more spiritedly if you want. Its performance is also perfectly adequate rather than thrilling.
For those seeking serious speed and driver thrills, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is in a class of its own as a 641bhp electric hot hatch with blistering acceleration and engaging handling. It redefines expectations for a performance EV.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Ioniq 5 and ID.4 come well-equipped with the latest tech and convenience features you'd expect from a modern family EV. Even base Ioniq 5 models get a large touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, wireless charging, digital instruments and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control.
The VW's infotainment system has sharper graphics but can be fiddly to use, with frustrating touch controls for things like climate settings. Its voice control helps mitigate this somewhat.
While the Ioniq 5's cabin has a more minimalist aesthetic, the ID.4 has a slight edge for perceived interior quality and upmarket feel. Both provide a suitably premium tech experience in keeping with their pricing but the Hyundai offers a slightly better overall package.
Running Costs
When it comes to day-to-day running costs, both the Hyundai and Volkswagen will be significantly cheaper to run than an equivalent petrol or diesel SUV. Expect to pay around £18 for a full charge of the Ioniq 5 on a standard home tariff, or potentially half that on a cheap overnight rate.
The ID.4's slightly lower efficiency means a higher cost-per-mile, but you're still looking at pence rather than pounds to travel each mile. Insurance and servicing costs should be affordable too.
In terms of range, the Ioniq 5 is available with two battery sizes, and a real world range of around 220 miles for the smaller battery, and 280-290 miles for the larger battery. The ID.4 counters with an official range of around 200-290 miles, again depending on whether you go for the smaller or larger of the available batteries.
Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4 are both excellent, well-rounded family EVs that make a compelling case for ditching fossil fuels. If we're judging purely on interior practicality and versatility, the Ioniq 5 just about has the edge with its larger boot and more spacious cabin. Its infotainment system is a bit more user-friendly too.
The ID.4 counters with a slightly more engaging driving experience, but ultimately the Ioniq 5 is our winner here. Both the Hyundai and Volkswagen make an excellent choice if you're going electric, but we rate the Ioniq 5 as the better car.