Hyundai Ioniq 5 Alternatives: Exploring the Electric SUV Market
Four years after its 2021 launch, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains a striking electric crossover. Its retro-futuristic styling, a blend of 1980s Giugiaro design with cyberpunk influences, certainly turns heads on the road. However, the Ioniq 5 isn’t the only compelling option. If you’re seeking something different, here are seven alternatives to consider, each with its own unique blend of price, performance, range, and style.
These electric SUVs range from approximately £35,000 to £55,000, with most offering comparable or superior range to the Hyundai’s 273-354 miles. All models mentioned have received a four-star rating or higher from Auto Express road tests. Let’s dive in…
Genesis GV60
Prices from £54,695
The Genesis GV60 is the luxury offering built on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. It distinguishes itself with a more rounded design and an upscale interior, elevating the premium feel. While the cabin layout echoes the Hyundai’s design, the premium materials justify the higher price point, which starts just shy of £55,000.
Refinement is also a step up. The GV60’s range starts with a larger 77kWh battery and a more powerful 226bhp rear motor, compared to the Ioniq 5’s 63kWh and 168bhp base configuration. The GV60 offers a range of 321 miles, or 292 miles for the twin-motor Sport version. A 483bhp, 290-mile Sport Plus model is also available. Depreciation may be higher than for the Hyundai.
Skoda Enyaq
Prices from £39,000
Skoda’s Enyaq, the brand’s first dedicated EV, remains a core competitor to the Ioniq 5. Priced between £39,000 and just over £50,000, with a range of 261 to 339 miles depending on the battery, the Enyaq’s specifications are competitive, even sharing a similar length of 4.6 meters with the Ioniq 5.
Despite its design not being as eye-catching as the Hyundai’s, some drivers may prefer the Enyaq’s more understated aesthetic. The Skoda also excels in boot space, with 585 litres compared to the Ioniq 5’s 527 litres. The Enyaq offers a comfortable and relaxing driving experience akin to the Korean car.
Nissan Ariya
Prices from £39,645
The Nissan Ariya is an often-overlooked contender. It boasts a stylish design and an attractive cabin, with even a sporty Nismo model available. However, the Nismo’s price of around £56,000 still falls short of the Ioniq 5 N hot hatch in terms of performance and driving thrills.
Entry-level Ariyas are priced similarly to the equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 5 models, typically in the £40,000 range, and feature comparable equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. While both come with a 63kWh battery pack, the Nissan’s 22kW onboard charger handles more power than the Hyundai’s 11kW charger. Yet, the Hyundai excels in fast charging, with 260kW compared to the Nissan’s 130kW, and also has a superior range of 273 miles compared to Ariya’s 247 miles. The larger batteries have a similar story, with Nissan’s 87kWh pack offering 330 miles, and Hyundai’s 84kWh battery managing 354.
Tesla Model Y
Prices from £49,990
While some buyers may be considering other cars on this list instead of a Model Y, rather than as alternatives to the Hyundai, the Tesla remains a strong contender. Inventory models start around £45,000 with a 283-mile range, which is slightly more than the base-level Ioniq 5.
The new Model Y promises up to 311 miles with a £45,000 starting price, plus the benefit of Tesla’s Supercharger network for fast charging. Although the ultra-minimalist cabin design might not suit everyone, the new car is expected to offer driving improvements.
Ford Explorer
Prices from £39,275
The Ford Explorer, with its relatively squared-off styling and long wheelbase, offers competitive space, and shares many traits with other Volkswagen MQB platform-based models. Although the boot is smaller than the Ioniq 5’s, at 470 litres, it offers a useful depth. The Explorer also delivers a pleasurable driving experience, with consistent responses, engaging the driver a little more than the Ioniq 5.
Performance is similar. The entry-level Explorer accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds (8.5 for the basic Hyundai), while the model with a larger battery has a 6.4-second sprint time and a range of 374 miles, which compares well with the Hyundai’s 7.5 seconds and 354 miles of range.
MINI Countryman
Prices from £28,820
If the Ioniq 5’s design appeals to you, the MINI Countryman presents another stylish electric model. It’s accessible with a starting price just under £33,000, and despite its size, it’s slightly smaller than the Hyundai. However, it still offers decent space, with a 450-litre boot. The MINI’s infotainment isn’t as intuitive as the Hyundai, but the interior quality and modernity match the Ioniq 5. It’s also more fun to drive, albeit with a firmer ride.
Volvo EX40
Prices from £45,250
The Volvo EX40, starting slightly more expensive than the Ioniq 5, justifies its price with attractive styling, a sense of quality, and Volvo’s premium image. The EX40 is more compact, comparable in size to the MINI Countryman, resulting in a slightly smaller 410-litre boot and less rear seat space. The dashboard is more conventional, yet it looks and feels classy with tactile materials incorporated. The Volvo offers a range of 296 miles for the entry-level car and up to 343 miles for Extended Range variants.
