The electric vehicle market grows more competitive by the day. Major auto brands like Hyundai and disruptive startups like Tesla are battling to win over mainstream buyers looking to go electric with their next car purchase. Two hot releases in the compact crossover segment are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y. These high-tech EVs blend efficiency, practicality and leading-edge tech that make them tempting options over gas-powered rivals.
But if you had to choose just one, which electric crossover is the wiser pick? Let’s take an in-depth look at how the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y stack up across critical categories shoppers care about most.
Overview and Pricing
As the more affordable option, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s base SE Standard Range trim starts from $41,450. Stepping up to the mid-tier SEL opens more features for $47,450, while the top Limited trim asks $52,600. Buyers choose from rear- or all-wheel drive on the top three trims.
The Tesla Model Y now starts from $54,990 for the dual motor Long Range version, while the high-performance Model Y Performance starts from $57,990. Unlike the Ioniq 5, both versions come standard with AWD.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model Y Pricing
| Model | Trim | Drive | Range (mi) | 0-60 mph (sec) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | SE Standard Range | RWD | 220 | 6.1 | $41,450 |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | SE | RWD / AWD | 303 / 256 | 5.2 / 5.1 | $45,500 |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | SEL | RWD / AWD | 303 / 256 | 5.2 / 5.1 | $47,450 |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Limited | RWD / AWD | 303 / 256 | 5.2 / 5.1 | $52,600 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | Long Range | AWD | 330 | 4.8 | $54,990 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | Performance | AWD | 303 | 3.5 | $57,990 |
So at first glance, the Ioniq 5 holds a strong value advantage over the Model Y, with its entry trims thousands below Tesla’s prices. But as we’ll see, Tesla fights back with superiority in other areas.
Range and Charging: Tesla Still Leads
EV range and charging are make-or-break priorities for most electric shoppers. On range, the Tesla Model Y Long Range sets the pace with an EPA-rated 330 miles from its 82 kWh battery pack (75 kWh usable). Even the Model Y Performance yields a healthy 303 miles despite its blistering acceleration.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 puts up a good fight, with its largest 77.4 kWh pack (72.6 kWh usable) delivering a max 303 miles on RWD models. The entry SE Standard Range trim manages 220 miles from its 58 kWh battery (53 kWh usable) – not bad given its sub-$42k price. AWD on the Ioniq 5 except on base SE Standard Range trims cuts range to 256 miles.
For charging, Tesla’s vast Supercharger network gives it an edge for road trips. With over 40,000 plugs globally, Model Y drivers can add up to 162 miles in just 15 minutes. At home, Tesla’s 48-amp Wall Connector replenishes driving range up to 30 mph.
The Ioniq 5 charges respectably fast as well, regaining 217 miles in 18 minutes flat. Hyundai bundles two years of 30-minute free charging sessions on the Electrify America network with purchase. Level 2 charging fully recharges both EVs overnight.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
Performance: Shocking Speed or Chill Cruising
Here’s where priorities may diverge. For grinding traffic, smart eco driving and serene cruising, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 fits the bill. Even base Ioniq 5 trims feel peppy off the line and hold their own merging and passing. The top-trim Ioniq 5 Limited zooms to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Of course, the Model Y Performance laughs in the face of those times. Thanks to Tesla’s instantly available electric torque, the Model Y Performance blitzes 0-60 mph in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds. The Long Range does the sprint in a still-quick 4.8 seconds. With sportier suspension tuning on the Performance, Tesla also carves corners with an agility belying its size.
Both EVs deliver smooth one-pedal driving thanks to regenerative braking. Handling leans more towards comfort than all-out performance. So while the Model Y Performance is a hoot in a straight line, most buyers will find the Ioniq 5’s easy speed perfectly adequate.
Winner: Tie
Interior Room, Cargo and Comfort
Being compact crossovers, both EVs maximize interior room for passengers and cargo despite smallish footprints. Five adults fit comfortably in either model even on long trips. The Ioniq 5’s flat floor makes roomy second-row legroom, while the Model Y’s optional third row works in a pinch for kids.
Cargo room is equally generous, with Hyundai quoting 27.2 cubes behind the rear seats to Tesla’s 30.2 cubic feet with the Model Y’s optional third row folded. Large hatch openings make loading bulky items easy. Both pack clever extra storage nooks and bins throughout their cabins.
Now to the interiors. Tesla pioneered the mega-screen infotainment display, and the Model Y sports the same 15-inch touch panel as the Model 3. Controls do take some acclimating to master. By contrast, Hyundai splits functions between two 12.3-inch displays canted gently toward the driver. Along with crisper graphics, the Ioniq 5’s UI looks cleaner to our eyes.
Materials and build quality are excellent in both vehicles, with Tesla opting for its signature minimalism while Hyundai adds some welcome splashes of color to the Ioniq 5’s interior. On tech, both pack the latest creature comforts like wireless charging, multi-device Bluetooth and app integration.
Which cabin layout clicks better comes down to personal preference. But we appreciate how Hyundai gives drivers excellent physical controls in addition to touch interfaces. Both nail the modern EV vibe, but the Ioniq 5 dresses it up that little bit more.
Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Self-Driving and Safety Technology
Tesla firmly leads the industry when it comes to self-driving advancement, and the Model Y benefits hugely here. While far from fully autonomous still, Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self Driving packages bring exceptional assisted driving capability even on city streets. Teslas see in all directions thanks to integrated cameras and sensors, enable automatic lane changes, read traffic lights/signs and traffic, self-park and more.
Hyundai hasn’t reached full autonomy yet, but does integrate excellent driver assists in the Ioniq 5 like adaptive cruise and lane centering tech. Hardware stands ready for more advanced functionality pending software validation.
For passive safety, both vehicles earn top crash ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Tesla and Hyundai pack the crossovers with the latest airbags, impact protection engineering and accident avoidance technology. Tesla’s cameras do give it an extra advantage avoiding collisions.
Until full self-driving for all scenarios lands, Tesla holds the tech edge. But Hyundai commits heavily to autonomous development, promising to close the gap in coming years via over-the-air updates.
Winner: Tesla Model Y
The Ownership Experience
Both Tesla and Hyundai aim to make EV ownership seamless for newcomers to electric. Tesla’s Supercharger network enables long-distance travel most places, while coming Hyundai models will integrate charging route planning as well. Tesla does push frequent over-the-air software enhancements to Model Y vehicles when connected to WiFi.
On reliability and long-term ownership value however, Hyundai surges ahead. The company backs the Ioniq 5 with a generous and long 10-year/100k mile powertrain warranty, along with 5 years/60k miles of new vehicle coverage and 10 years of battery pack assurance. Tesla’s 4-year/50k mile basic and 8-year/120k mile powertrain warranties aren’t bad, but Hyundai offers outstanding peace of mind.
Tesla’s brand cachet and high-tech features justify its pricing premium for many buyers. But Hyundai undercuts Tesla while matching or surpassing the Model Y’s goodness in several key areas. We expect strong retained value for the Ioniq 5 as well thanks to generous warranties and Sout
Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Verdict: Value Gives Hyundai the Win
The Tesla Model Y remains an excellent electric crossover choice thanks to leading innovation, high-tech capability and strong performance credentials. But when it comes to pleasing practicality blended with serious value, the Editors‘ Choice goes to the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5.
From everyday driving enjoyment to road trip readiness, the Ioniq 5 checks every box in between for an astonishingly fair asking price. Build quality matches or beats the Model Y’s standards, and generous warranty coverage makes owning this Hyundai EV virtually hassle-free. As Hyundai continues expanding charging routes and self-driving ability going forward, it’s positioned the affordable Ioniq 5 for EV domination.
