Hi all, new member here. I own both of these vehicles and love them both. I drive the Ioniq 5 SEL, and the wife drives the EV6 Wind Tech. We have an additional one of each in the family and friend circle as well.
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This comparison has been well discussed at this point, so I will bring up some things I have not seen mentioned (or in some cases, contrary to what I've seen):
- The doors are cut higher and longer, making it easier to help a child into the back seat. In the EV6, unless you (the parent) are shorter than say 5'7", you have to be careful to avoid bumping the noggin on the way in. This is the biggest single reason I chose it (availability aside)
- The hip point on the I5 rear seat is noticably higher. This can be good for rear seat adults of average-ish height, and maybe less so for shorter passengers or children without boosters.
- I believe the EV6 drives noticably sharper without any degradation in ride comfort. I actually prefer the ride in the Kia, as it seems to settle more quickly. After driving the Hyundai for a few weeks, my wife was thrilled when the EV6 arrived, as it comparitively reminds her of her GTI (key phrase being comparitively--she's not a car nut)
- The efficiency, as far as I can tell, is close enough to be within the noise. I technically get a higher mi/kwh reading though we drive identical routes, but it's probably more an indication of climate control usage and amount of idling.
- For my build (5'9" 160lb, athletic cut suit jacket), the Hyundai seats are noticably--and counterintuitively--more supportive. I have room to slide side-to-side in the Kia. Pictures make this seem unlikely, but for me it's true
- The interior arguably looks more upscale in the Kia, but to me, feels better in the Hyundai. This probably boils down to better padding at elbow touchpoints, and large swaths of rough plastic on the seat backs (though I have no problem with this, as it will probably stand up better to the kicking toddler). Again, this is based on the mid trim of each. I believe the base I5 lacks some of the padding of the SEL and limited.
- The base audio system in the Hyundai is, to my ears, head and shoulders better sounding than the Meridian in the Kia: more spacious, more effortless, better extension, more punch, better resolution... I could go on. The Hyundai's far exceeded my expectations, and the Kia's is definitely one of the worst sounding systems I've ever had in a car, and I've had many.
- I didn't want a sunroof of any kind, but if one is forced on me, I do prefer fixed ones over sliding ones because they seem less potentially problematic.
- The "frunk" on both of these in the NA market appears to be more of a checklist item than anything. Incredibly, the one in the EV6 is actually smaller, but it can still fit a portable jump starter and charging cable.
- One oddity with the EV6 is the location of the reverse light, which can be below line of sight in many situations. I was parallel parked behind my wife and could not see her reverse light at all.
- The feeling of spaciousness in the front seat goes to the Hyundai because of its design, for better or worse.
- The back seats are both relatively cavernous, and I wouldn't know from sitting in them that one has a wheel base 4" longer.
- The switching center stack controls on the EV6 are less distracting than I expected. I still wouldn't have chosen this, but it is something we can live with.
This list may seem a bit Hyundai slanted, but I figure most of the virtues of the EV6 have been well documented so I didn't repeat them here.
Bottom line for me: the Kia drives better by a noticable margin. If the seats fit you well, you're not concerned about loading kids in the back (or they can climb in on their own), and it's available to you, it's a great choice. The 360 camera being available as an option on the mid level is enticing.
The Hyundai is worth considering if you need maximum rear seat accessibility. Many may find the sound system more satisfying, in case that's important.
Both of these are very versatile and satisfying. Can't go wrong, really.