The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.5 are two electric SUVs that might well have caught your attention. Each offers families with a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel models. While they share some similarities in being pure electric vehicles with impressive range and technology, there are also distinct differences that may sway buyers one way or the other. In this comparison, we'll dive deep into the key areas that matter most to shoppers.
The Ioniq 5 arrived first in 2021 as Hyundai's first dedicated electric vehicle built on a new EV platform. The ID.5 followed in 2022 as a sleeker, coupe-like version of Volkswagen's ID.4 electric SUV. Both offer generous interior space with five-door versatility, though the Ioniq 5's boxy shape gives it even more practicality points.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Volkswagen ID.5
Practicality
The distinctive shape of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 gives it a remarkably spacious and airy cabin that belies its hatchback-like proportions. There's ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with the rear seats able to slide and recline for even more comfort. The minimalist dashboard design with twin 12-inch screens looks ultra-modern too. Some of the interior materials feel a bit low-rent, but overall it presents a lovely space.
The Ioniq 5's boot is a generous 527 litres, which puts many traditional SUVs to shame. There's also underfloor storage and a front compartment to keep charging cables. Volkswagen has done well with the ID.5's packaging too, offering an even larger, 549-litre boot that's wide and square. Rear headroom is excellent despite the coupe-like roofline.
Bottom line is, both of these cars offer ample practicality for family motoring.
Driving Impressions
Neither the Ioniq 5 nor ID.5 are designed as driving machines, but they both offer a pleasant experience behind the wheel. The Hyundai has light but consistent steering, a settled ride and decent body control, making it an easy car to drive whether in town or cruising on the motorway. Performance is perfectly adequate too, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5-8.5 seconds depending on battery size.
The ID.5 also delivers a very inoffensive driving experience, with predictable progressive steering and a comfortable ride even on the largest 20-inch wheels. It's not exactly sporty, but it is refined and easy to live with. Performance ranges from 10.2 seconds 0-62mph for the base 174bhp model up to a lively 6.3 seconds for the 295bhp GTX with all-wheel drive.
If you want a bit (well, a lot) more poke, the Ioniq 5 N is an absolute performance machine, with 641bhp, all-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds. It handles surprisingly well too, proving itself as a genuine performance car.
In day-to-day driving, there's little to split the standard Ioniq 5 and ID.5 for driving manners. But the Ioniq 5 N gives Hyundai's electric SUV the edge for keen drivers.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Ioniq 5 and ID.5 come well-equipped as you'd expect from modern electric vehicles. Even base models get big touchscreen infotainment systems with smartphone mirroring, online connectivity, wireless charging and a full suite of driver aids like adaptive cruise control.
The Ioniq 5's infotainment graphics aren't the sharpest, but the system is easy to use. Heated seats, keyless entry and a rear camera are standard too. Upper trims add niceties like a powered tailgate, premium audio and blind spot monitoring.
Volkswagen has made sure even the ID.5 Style comes loaded with leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, LED matrix lights and a panoramic roof. It's frustrating you can't add power seat adjustment though. You'll need to step up to Tech or Max trims for that, adding thousands to the price.
Both cars are generously equipped then, if not quite at the premium level of more expensive EVs. The Ioniq 5 does also have the superior infotainment setup, primarily because it is more intuitive to use.
Running Costs
Both the Ioniq 5 and ID.5 will be much cheaper to run than equivalent petrol or diesel SUVs provided you can charge at home. Expect real-world ranges of 200-270 miles for the Ioniq 5 and 230-300 miles for the ID.5 (both depending on battery size), with charging costs from around £14-18 for a full top-up at home.
Public charging will be pricier, potentially making running costs similar to a frugal combustion engine car if you rely on it heavily. But take advantage of cheap overnight electricity tariffs and you really can slash your running costs.
Thanks to the heavy depreciation suffered by new electric cars, both look like relative bargains on the used car market.
Verdict
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.5 are both very competent all-electric family SUVs with impressive real-world range and practicality. However, the superb Ioniq 5 just about edges it for interior space and versatility. It's also keenly priced against rivals and gives you the option of the ballistic Ioniq 5 N performance model.
The ID.5 is possibly the more refined and cosseting choice, with a plush cabin and easy driving manners, but the differences are small. It offers decent passenger and boot space within its sleeker coupe SUV shape, and is a performance recommendable car.
Ultimately though, the Hyundai is the winner here. The Ioniq 5 has the edge in most of the key battlegrounds and has an air of desirability that the VW just can't match.