2022 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 VS 2022 KIA EV6

Seemingly overnight, the all-electric small SUV segment has exploded with options from both startup companies and established automotive players. Two of the most promising new models come from sister brands Hyundai and Kia.

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The Hyundai loniq 5 flaunts a retro-futuristic design in a spacious, fast-charging form, while the Kia EV6 wears a sleek, future-facing look to match its excellent performance. Prospective buyers are likely to consider both since they're very similar underneath the sheet metal. But are there enough differences to make one stand out over the other? Experts compared them to find out.

RANGE AND CHARGING TIMES

Though the EV6 and loniq 5 share the same powertrains and battery technology, range figures do vary. Hyundai and Kia both offer their EVs in three trims with two battery packs. In entry-level SE trim, the loniq 5 uses a standard battery pack and single electric motor for an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles on a full charge. Kia's EV6 Light trim uses the same pairing to deliver 232 miles.

The longest-range loniq 5 and EV6 use a highercapacity battery and rear-wheel-drive motor to exceed 300 miles on a single charge - 303 miles for the Hyundai and 310 miles for the Kia. In dual-motor and all-wheel-drive flavor, though, both models take a hit on range: 256 and 274 miles, respectively.

But EPA numbers aren't enough for us, which is why we conducted our own real-world range test on the dual-motor versions. The Hyundai and Kia both overperformed compared to their EPA estimates: 283 miles on a full charge for the Kia and 270 for the Hyundai.