Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y: Which Electric SUV is Better?

If you’re after an electric SUV, the choices may seem endless. Two models stand out though: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Tesla Model Y. Both have recently been updated and offer impressive range, advanced charging capabilities, and cutting-edge technology.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Design & Interior

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with its sharp design featuring LED pixel lighting – it looks like it was inspired by an 80s video game. Inside, it offers an airy cabin, flexible seating, and a sliding centre console. The dual-screen infotainment system is easy to use as well, and you get physical buttons for the climate control which are more intuitive on the move than the Model Y’s arrangement.

The Tesla Model Y has a much more minimalist interior. There’s no traditional dashboard – everything is controlled via a single 15-inch central touchscreen. It looks super futuristic, but the lack of any physical buttons can get annoying when you’re trying to adjust things on the move. The exterior design isn’t as interesting as the Hyundai’s either, even after its recent update.

Hyundai’s design is more user-friendly and requires less time to get used to compared to Tesla’s ultra-minimalist approach. The Ioniq 5 feels better-built inside as well, and it looks cooler on the outside.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: driving, range and practicality

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a really comfortable cruiser. Its smooth suspension and quiet cabin make it a fantastic choice for long journeys. With 520 litres of boot space and an additional 57 litres under the bonnet, packing for those long weekends away should be no problem either.

We haven’t driven the latest Model Y yet, but the outgoing one was a bit firmer over bumps than the Ioniq 5. Tesla says it’s improved the suspension on the new car, but we’ll have to wait to get behind the wheel to find out if it has. It has a much larger boot though at 854 litres, and there’s a massive storage area under the bonnet as well.

In terms of range and charging speeds, both models are closely matched, with small but notable differences. The Tesla Model Y leads in range, with up to 387 miles on a single charge compared to the Ioniq 5’s 354 miles. However, Hyundai’s 800V technology allows it to charge from 10-80% in under 20 minutes, while Tesla takes around 25 minutes.

Ioniq 5 vs. Model Y: Value for Money

Let’s have a quick chat about value. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts from £40,000, which is £5,000 cheaper than the Tesla. This also means you can avoid the expensive “luxury car” tax bill, saving you thousands over the first few years of ownership. It comes with plenty of equipment as standard. All cars come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.

However, a base-model Tesla Model Y has nearly 40 miles more range than the cheapest Ioniq 5. To get the Hyundai with a larger battery and more competitive range will set you back at least £43,000, so the two are much more evenly matched.

Winner: The Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a comfortable, spacious and high-tech electric SUV with good range and fast charging speeds. The boot may not be quite as large as the Tesla’s, but it’s still a really good size and plenty big enough for a family of four.

Both of these cars are excellent buys, but the Ioniq 5 just edges ahead of the Tesla as an all-rounder.

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