If you’re looking for a stylish electric car that blends SUV practicality with a sleek design, you have some great options. Two of the most popular are the Kia EV6 and the Volkswagen ID.5. Both offer long driving ranges and eye-catching looks, but they go about their business in quite different ways.
The EV6 arrived in 2021 on a dedicated electric platform, bringing with it futuristic styling, rapid charging, and a tech-filled interior. The ID.5, launched a year later, is essentially a coupe version of the more conventional ID.4 SUV, trading a little practicality for a more rakish roofline. So, which of these electric crossovers is the better buy?
Kia EV6 vs Volkswagen ID.5
Practicality
Kia EV6 practicality score: 4/5
Volkswagen ID.5 practicality score: 4/5
Thanks to its purpose-built electric underpinnings, the Kia EV6 has a spacious cabin. There’s plenty of room for passengers front and back, with a completely flat floor that adds to the sense of airiness. Its 490-litre boot is a decent size, though some rivals offer more space. A handy bonus is the small storage area under the bonnet – or 'frunk' – on rear-wheel-drive models.
The Volkswagen ID.5’s sloping roofline might suggest a compromise on space, but rear headroom is surprisingly good, and legroom is plentiful. At 549 litres, its boot is larger than the Kia’s on paper, but it’s a shallower space, which can make it less versatile for bulky items. Both cars offer good levels of practicality, but they prioritise space in different ways.
Driving Impressions
Kia EV6 driving score: 5/5
Volkswagen ID.5 driving score: 3/5
The Kia EV6 offers an engaging driving experience. Even the entry-level rear-wheel-drive model feels lively, while the all-wheel-drive versions are genuinely quick. The range-topping GT model delivers sports car-like acceleration. The steering can feel a little disconnected, but the EV6 rides comfortably and is refined at speed, making it a good all-rounder.
The Volkswagen ID.5 is geared more towards comfort than thrills. Performance is adequate in the base models and brisk in the more powerful versions, but it never feels particularly sporty. Instead, it focuses on providing a compliant, relaxed ride. With light steering and a quiet cabin, the ID.5 is an excellent long-distance cruiser, though it lacks the dynamic edge of the EV6.
Technology and Equipment
Kia EV6 technology and equipment score: 5/5
Volkswagen ID.5 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Both cars feature the dual-screen infotainment and driver display setup that is common in modern EVs. However, the Kia pulls ahead with its generous standard equipment list. Even entry-level models are well-specified, and clever features like an augmented reality head-up display and vehicle-to-load charging (which lets you power external devices) are available.
The ID.5 is also well-equipped, but its infotainment system isn't as intuitive as the Kia's, and the touch-sensitive sliders for the climate and volume controls can be fiddly to use on the move. While both cars are packed with tech, the EV6’s system is more user-friendly and it offers more desirable kit as standard, giving it the win in this area.
Running Costs
Kia EV6 running costs score: 5/5
Volkswagen ID.5 running costs score: 3/5
As pure electric cars, both the EV6 and ID.5 offer low running costs, particularly if you can charge at home. When it comes to efficiency, the Kia has a slight edge, with a maximum official WLTP range of up to 328 miles, compared to the Volkswagen’s 327 miles.
However, the biggest factor for long-term running costs is Kia’s industry-leading seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. This provides two extra years of cover compared to the five-year warranty offered on a new ID.5 (or three years on an approved used model), giving EV6 owners greater peace of mind. This, combined with its slight efficiency advantage, gives the Kia the lead on running costs.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Kia EV6 |
Volkswagen ID.5 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
5 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
5.0 out of 5 |
0.0 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
27.5% |
24.7% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.5 out of 5 |
3.7 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Kia EV6 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5/5
Volkswagen ID.5 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7/5
While both the Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.5 are compelling electric cars, our data shows a clear winner. With a higher rating from our experts and users, better running costs, and a more engaging driving experience, the Kia EV6 takes the victory.
The EV6 is a fantastic all-rounder. It combines standout looks with a practical, high-tech cabin and delivers a drive that can be both comfortable and exciting. Add in Kia’s superb seven-year warranty, and it presents a package that’s difficult to fault.
That’s not to say the ID.5 should be overlooked. If your priorities are a relaxing ride and coupe-SUV styling, it remains a solid choice. But as the more complete and satisfying electric car, the Kia EV6 is our winner in this comparison.
Kia EV6 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Engaging driving experience |
Steering could be more communicative |
| Packed with user-friendly tech |
Boot isn't the biggest in its class |
| Industry-leading seven-year warranty |
Futuristic styling may not be to all tastes |
Volkswagen ID.5 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Comfortable and refined ride |
Less engaging to drive than the EV6 |
| Stylish coupe-SUV looks |
Fiddly interior controls |
| Spacious cabin for passengers |
Shorter warranty than the Kia |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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