The EV market swings like a pendulum. 20 years in the past, the preferred electrical automobiles had been dorky, frumpy econocars leased to dorky, frumpy belief fund hippies – the principle public needn’t apply. One decade in the past, the preferred EVs had been costly, engaging standing symbols that, once more, had been out of attain for all however the lovely folks.
However in the previous few years, the clock appears to tick a bit much less dramatically, as there are actually a number of trendy and spacious electrical automobiles that occupy the center of the spectrum: sensible EV vary combined with pricing that’s solely a bit larger than common. Two such automobiles are the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, a pair of family-sized all-wheel-drive crossovers with about 250 miles of vary, priced someplace between $40,000 to $60,000 with a wide range of choices and trim ranges to go well with one’s price range.
As compact crossovers, each the ID.4 and Ioniq 5 combat on the coronary heart of the automotive market, however they achieve this in very other ways. The glad, VW-appropriate styling and largely standard inside of the previous will attraction to these on the lookout for a simple transition to EVs, whereas the Hyundai’s retro-synthwave exterior and ethereal, minimalist cabin is an offbeat alternative for folk preferring to clap on 2 and 4, as a substitute of 1 and three. Director of Video Clint Simone recruited me to assist determine which is finest, and unusually for the 2 of us, we discovered ourselves in near-unanimous settlement. However I’m getting forward of myself.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/0eeE82/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/W887v1/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Design
Hyundai: Someway, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 seems to be each ultra-contemporary and retro, with an general form that remembers Hyundai’s first passenger automotive, the 1975 Pony hatchback. That’s evident within the beveled C-pillar, with a steeper rake to the hatchback than the door glass, in addition to within the quad sq. headlights and rectangular, full-width taillight panel. After all, these touches are undeniably modernized on the Ioniq 5 courtesy of pixelated LEDs entrance and rear, and the bodysides function the sorts of geometric types that will really feel completely alien to Nineteen Seventies sensibilities.
After which there’s the scale of the factor. Whereas the Hyundai Ioniq 5 seems to be like a small hatchback in images, it really has an extended wheelbase than even the three-row Palisade SUV. Quick entrance and rear overhangs give it a planted stance, particularly with the all-wheel-drive Restricted’s 20-inch sawblade wheels – the rear-drive Restricted and all different trims get much less spectacular 19s. A brief, sloping hood ought to look ungainly, however the Ioniq 5 takes such enjoyment of bending your thoughts that it as a substitute seems to be trendy and sporty.
The cabin is equally trendy, although a lot much less polarizing. The Ioniq 5’s modular electrical platform includes a completely flat flooring, which supplies it an ethereal, expansive-feeling inside. Going through the motive force is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a matching-size middle touchscreen show exhibits up in the identical shiny, white bezel. Contact-sensitive local weather controls and a strip of arduous buttons seem on the middle stack, and there’s a small cubby on the base of the sprint. There are but extra pixel graphics inside, displaying up on the door panel trim, the seats, and the two-spoke steering wheel’s airbag cowl.
The literal and figurative centerpiece is a sliding middle console between the entrance seats. With an armrest, spacious storage cubby, and pair of cupholders, it helps hold stuff organized and front-row passengers comfortable. However it additionally slides again alongside a collection of detents, opening up increasingly house on the entrance flooring to splay your knees and chill out. You would even go full-Nineteen Seventies and slide throughout to exit the automotive on the passenger aspect should you needed to. The one drawback with this format is {that a} wayward plastic bottle may simply roll from the passenger aspect to the pedal field – pack your stuff fastidiously and also you’ll love the ethereal design.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/1ZZ2o3/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
![Idback](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/KbbMVb/s3/idback.jpg)
Volkswagen: The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 we examined is a trim, handsome machine. With a grinning entrance grille panel and slender headlights with eyeball-imitating LEDs inside, the VW ID.4 seems to be like a villain, however in a not-at-all-scary “Saturday cartoons” sort of manner, prefer it’s about to interrupt out a crate of Acme-brand dynamite. Aside from the wily entrance finish, the ID.4 is good-looking sufficient, and our tester’s black-painted roof and 20-inch wheels – a part of the Gradient styling package deal – assist it look decrease and leaner than it’s.
Nevertheless, the considerably bland Scale Silver paint let the design down, eradicating the distinction between the bodywork and the bright-finished roof arches. Fortunately, Volkswagen affords much more exuberant Kings Pink and Nightfall Blue colours for many who’d like to face out a tiny bit extra. Paint shade however, the ID.4 is completely inoffensive and engaging, even when it blends into the background fairly a bit greater than the daring Ioniq 5.
Inside, the ID.4 is contemporary and trendy, with a thin 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster and twist-style gear selector resting atop the steering column. Mounted excessive on the sprint in its personal binnacle is a 12.0-inch infotainment show operating VW’s newest infotainment software program. Just under the display screen is a skinny strip of touch-sensitive temperature and quantity sliders, with one other button panel beneath that to supply fast entry to on-screen features like local weather, drive modes, and automobile settings. Whereas each Clint and I’ve points with the performance of these buttons, we agreed that the setup seems to be clear and easy.
Nevertheless, we diverged when addressing the inside’s shade scheme. Breaking apart the in any other case relentlessly black faux-leather upholstery had been a number of swaths of peanut butter-colored soft-touch trim – the sprint high and door panel inserts all get the stuff. I discovered the pop of shade to be good, whereas Clint thought all of it seemed misplaced. Those that agree with him may just like the ID.4 Professional S’ different inside shade, which will get gentle grey seats and darkish grey accents in a black inside. Sadly, neither choice covers up the arduous plastic door panels and console sides, disappointing in gentle of how effectively the Hyundai hides its cheaper inside bits.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/kooGm4/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Consolation
Hyundai: With 20-inch wheels and rubber-band sidewalls, we anticipated a brittle journey from the Hyundai Ioniq 5. As an alternative, we had been greeted with on-road conduct that smothered small imperfections and took the sting off of huge ones, in addition to well-hushed wind noise and tire roar when touring at pace. The Ioniq 5 defaults to softly sprung consolation over physique management, so there are some ocean motions when driving over undulating pavement, however other than that, the cabin is a really comfy place to spend some miles.
The huge entrance bucket seats don’t supply a lot bolstering for corners, however they’re supportive and accommodating for a protracted freeway journey. What’s extra, the motive force’s seat on this Restricted has a reclining lounge perform with a deployable leg relaxation, good for catching a fast catnap on the DC quick charger. The rear seats are, to borrow Clint’swords, “heroic,” because of the aforementioned flat flooring, they usually slide and recline to prioritize passenger consolation or cargo. Talking of, the Ioniq 5 affords an satisfactory 27.2 cubic toes of baggage room with the seats up or 59.3 with them down. There’s additionally a small, 0.8-cubic-foot frunk below that sloping hood.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/mMMg9j/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior.jpg)
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior Center Console](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/ojjP77/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior-center-console.jpg)
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior Center Console](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/3WWmVj/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior-center-console.jpg)
Volkswagen: With a agency, well-damped journey, the 2021 VW ID.4 places its Teutonic roots on full show. The ID.4 is way much less remoted than the Ioniq 5, with good physique management over most highway surfaces (and a few unlucky crash-through on others). There’s additionally a bit extra tire noise on the freeway, and the agency seats begin to really feel a bit squirmy after an hour or so. The rear-seat passengers make do with a set seatback, though there’s loads of head and legroom to regulate and stretch out.
The spacious, 30.3-cubic-foot cargo space is wider and deeper than that of the Hyundai. It expands to 64.2 cubes with the rear seats folded, good for the type of lively existence that VW is courting with the ID.4. However neither Clint nor I are baggage, and we discovered ourselves way more comfy within the Hyundai than the Volkswagen.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior Infotainment](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/g44gb8/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior-infotainment.jpg)
![2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD Interior Infotainment](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/G33YVG/s3/2021-volkswagen-id.4-pro-s-awd-interior-infotainment.jpg)
Tech
Hyundai: Like most Hyundais, the Ioniq 5 comes commonplace with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and matching 12.3-inch touchscreen show, each linked collectively in the identical rectangular monolith atop the sprint. The infotainment software program has logical menu layouts and two reconfigurable arduous buttons for fast entry to your favourite features, and the Ioniq-specific shade scheme (white, grey, and light-weight blue) is engaging and modern. There are additionally further show modes for the digital cluster, together with one which has loads of EV-specific info that will help you maximize your effectivity.
For causes unknown, nonetheless, Hyundai continues to field out wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its 12.3-inch display screen. And if you wish to use smartphone mirroring, you should definitely have a USB-A wire useful – the Ioniq doesn’t have USB-C jacks anyplace. These omissions are surprisingly dated for a automobile that’s in any other case very futuristic.
![2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD Interior Dashboard](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/E66YVe/s3/2021-volkswagen-id.4-pro-s-awd-interior-dashboard.jpg)
Volkswagen: First, the excellent news. The ID.4 has wi-fi smartphone mirroring, USB-C ports, and a wi-fi charging pad that makes getting in and connecting to the skin world a a lot simpler course of. The design of the brand new infotainment software program is likewise very engaging and high-definition. Of specific curiosity to yours really is the zone-reconfigurable shade scheme of the infotainment and ambient lighting. Such a playful function is an ideal match for a model that tries to be as youthful as Volkswagen does.
Sadly, the remainder of the infotainment package deal doesn’t maintain up. The display screen’s contact response is laggy, ensuing within the dreaded double-press should you’re not affected person sufficient. The menus really feel haphazardly laid out as effectively, making seemingly easy duties like adjusting the radio a multi-step affair. Not less than the system is able to over-the-air updates, and VW is listening to shopper suggestions to unravel these issues.
Much less simple to repair and really, very annoyingly, the trio of touch-sensitive sliders under the display screen aren’t backlit, so it’s all however unimaginable to make use of them to regulate the audio quantity or local weather management temperature at evening. When will automakers be taught that bodily buttons and knobs are all the time higher for single-use features like these?
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/BXXYLM/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/P33MNW/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Efficiency
Hyundai: In all-wheel-drive type, the Ioniq 5 will get an electrical motor on every axle, producing a complete of 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet. If you happen to’re not anticipating that a lot punch off the road, the Ioniq 5 will shock you with a powerful shove to the decrease again because it accelerates to 60 in lower than 5 seconds. The acceleration doesn’t let up at pace both, with the fast passing and merging efficiency we’ve come to anticipate from trendy EVs.
The strong I-Pedal regenerative brakes are one other shocker, as they supply loads of deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. If such sturdy vitality recuperation isn’t your cup of tea, paddles on the steering wheel step by three lighter ranges of regen, or change the system off fully. I-Pedal is simple to get used to although, with gradual, linear motion as you ease up on the accelerator – that is one-pedal driving achieved proper.
The Ioniq 5 isn’t a lot of a handler, with gentle and numb steering eradicating any semblance of enjoyable on a curvy highway. It’s competent, little question, with loads of grip and a slight proclivity towards secure understeer, however there’s not a lot pleasure in caning a Hyundai EV crossover round a nook. If the rumored Ioniq 5 N exhibits up subsequent yr, I wager it’ll clear up that paltry little difficulty.
Volkswagen: Just like the Hyundai, Volkswagen’s ID.4 will get a two-motor format with all-wheel drive, giving the EV a complete of 295 hp and 339 lb-ft. VW says that’s good for a 5.4-second dash to 60 mph, which is greater than satisfactory for a household crossover – if down a bit on the speedy Ioniq 5. Nonetheless, the ID.4 is a succesful, assured machine to drive in visitors, with good energy supply when merging into visitors or overtaking a left-lane hog.
Rotating the shift toggle ahead twice engages the VW’s extra-regen “B” mode, which has progressively extra deceleration the longer you permit your foot off the thin pedal. In contrast to the Hyundai, there isn’t a full one-pedal drive mode – the ID.4 will sluggish to a crawl, however it’ll by no means cease fully. That’s a disgrace, as many EV drivers insist on such know-how these days, however we suspect that Volkswagen’s method will really feel extra intuitive to first-timers.
Fortunately, the ID.4 has nippy dealing with to make up for its barely weaker vitality recuperation. Driving a bit like a plus-size GTI, the Volkswagen EV has heavier steering than the Ioniq 5, in addition to higher steadiness in corners. The agency journey pays off with a planted, safe feeling on the highway, and the ID.4 is presumably probably the most enjoyable automobile in its class, save maybe the athletic Ford Mustang Mach-E. There you’ve got it. We picked the slower automotive.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/1ZZ2Ww/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Security
Hyundai: The bottom Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes commonplace with Freeway Driving Help (HDA), comprising adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane centering. The SEL and Restricted trims have HDA II, which makes use of each surrounding vehicles and lane markings to assist the automotive decide the most secure place within the lane (somewhat than defaulting to the middle). HDA II additionally supplies lane-change help. If you activate the flip sign, the automotive waits for a niche after which gently steers into the adjoining lane when it’s secure. The system is among the many finest hands-on Degree 2 driver-assist suites on the market, and it really works very effectively.
Neither the IIHS nor the federal authorities has examined the Ioniq 5 of their battery of security assessments. Nevertheless, the European-market Hyundai EV bought a five-star score within the EuroNCAP take a look at, which is similar to NHTSA’s.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior Instrument Cluster](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/y229xY/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior-instrument-cluster.jpg)
![2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD Interior Infotainment](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/jllRLy/s3/2021-volkswagen-id.4-pro-s-awd-interior-infotainment.jpg)
Volkswagen: Each variant of the ID.4 comes commonplace with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite of lively security and driver-assistance applied sciences. Amongst them is Journey Help, a Degree 2 semi-autonomous system that bundles adaptive cruise management and lane centering to cut back driver fatigue on the freeway. Additionally included is Lane Help, which supplies blind-spot monitoring and can actively countersteer if the motive force makes an attempt a lane change when there’s a automobile already there. Working these features is seamless.
The IIHS gave the Volkswagen ID.4 a High Security Choose+ score, indicating the SUV’s glorious crashworthiness and talent to keep away from rear-end collisions and cut back the severity of pedestrian and bike owner collisions. Likewise, the feds gave the ID.4 a five-star general security score. Each the Hyundai and Volkswagen fare sq. by way of security.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/7ZZ28o/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Effectivity
Hyundai: The only-motor 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can go 303 miles per charge should you imagine the EPA, however going with dual-motor all-wheel drive chops that quantity right down to 256 miles. When utilizing a DC quick charger, the Ioniq 5 can recharge at a peak fee of 240 kilowatts, replenishing its 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery from 10 to 80 % in 18 minutes. On a extra conventional 240-volt family wall field, the Ioniq 5 goes from 10 to 100% cost in 6 hours and 43 minutes. The EPA charges the Ioniq 5 at 98 miles per gallon equal mixed.
Volkswagen: For 2021, the EPA charges probably the most environment friendly ID.4 variant at 260 miles, however our ID.4 Pro S AWD was rated at 240 miles. Sadly, the higher-rated 2022 ID.4 wasn’t obtainable on the time of testing, however an equal mannequin to our topic can be rated at 250 miles. In our 2021’s case, the EPA charges it at 93 mpge mixed. The Volkswagen recharges at a fee of 125 kW at a DC quick charger, good for a 5 to 80 % cost in about 38 minutes based on Volkswagen. At a house wall field, the ID.4 can go from empty to full in 7 hours and half-hour.
Owing to its much faster-charging rate and longer general EPA vary, now we have to acknowledge the Ioniq 5 on this one.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/BXXY4e/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Value
Hyundai: The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE starts at $44,000 plus $1,245 destination, however our tester was a totally loaded Restricted AWD instance with a $1,000 coat of matte paint and a few flooring mats. With an as-tested worth of $56,920, the Ioniq 5 definitely isn’t low-cost, however Hyundai does give you numerous for the cash. The aforementioned Freeway Driving Help II security options come commonplace on the Restricted (and the mid-tier SEL), as do snappy 20-inch wheels, distant parking help, 80s-chic LED projector headlights, and the all-important sliding middle console inside.
The Restricted additionally will get some neat phase exclusives, like vehicle-to-load charging that lets you use your automotive like a large battery backup and a lounge-style entrance seat to assist recharge the motive force whereas recharging the automotive. And a head-up show, ventilated seats, Bose premium audio, and Hyundai’s NFC digital key are solely obtainable on the flagship Ioniq trim – none of which can be found on the ID.4. Practically 57 grand is some huge cash, however the Ioniq 5 Restricted is numerous automotive.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited HTRAC Interior Front Seats](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/eoozMP/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-limited-htrac-interior-front-seats.jpg)
![2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD Interior Front Seats](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/bggGM6/s3/2021-volkswagen-id.4-pro-s-awd-interior-front-seats.jpg)
Volkswagen: With a starting price of $41,230 plus $1,195 destination, the Volkswagen ID.4 is priced proper on the coronary heart of the crossover EV market. At $50,870 as examined, the Scale Silver ID.4 S AWD we drove had however one field ticked: the purely beauty Gradient package deal and its black roof panel, 20-inch alloy wheels, and vibrant entrance and rear bumper accents. That worth is greater than $6,000 lower than the rival Hyundai, and it’s not just like the ID.4 is precisely stripped both.
Heated leatherette seats, an illuminated entrance Volkswagen emblem, a panoramic glass roof, and a hands-free energy liftgate come commonplace on the S trim, which additionally will get the Degree II autonomous Journey Help perform that’s discovered on all ID.4s. The wi-fi smartphone integration and USB-C connections of the ID.4 are fairly nice options as effectively.
All that stated, the VW is likely to be cheaper, however it additionally feels cheaper. Inside supplies are half a category down from the Ioniq 5, and that’s earlier than entering into the Hyundai’s extra superior electrical structure, longer vary, and quicker charging pace. Including to the Ioniq 5’s victory is the existence of the well-equipped SEL trim. With all-wheel drive, its worth is inside a number of hundred bucks of the ID.4, whereas providing an identical degree of consolation and comfort to the Professional S mannequin, in addition to all of the fast-charging chops of some other Ioniq 5.
![2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Comparison Test](https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/7ZZ24J/s3/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-vs.-2021-volkswagen-id.4-comparison-test.jpg)
Verdict
There’s no denying it. As good because the Volkswagen ID.4 is at most daily-driving duties, it was clear early on that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 would carry the day. Though issues like vary, charging pace, and efficiency had been most essential to the choice, the Hyundai backed up its superlatives in these areas with extra qualitative wins – primarily its stylish styling, rulebook-ripping proportions, and slick inside.
That stated, many EV customers will buy a VW ID.4 and don’t have any points by any means, particularly those that have charging lodging at dwelling. Its 240-volt cost time is effectively throughout the constraints of cheaper off-peak electrical energy, and with 240 miles of vary, some house owners might go per week or two with out juicing up. However even with that caveat in thoughts, Volkswagen’s cheaper-feeling inside and infuriating infotainment and local weather controls made it really feel a bit much less polished than its South Korean rival.
Hyundai has a success on its palms with the 2022 Ioniq 5. With a lounge-like inside, unusual-but-lovable styling, a user-friendly vary score, and fast recharging at dwelling or on the go, the funky Ioniq 5 is a winner.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Restricted HTRAC | 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Professional S AWD | |
Battery: | 77.4-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion | 77.0-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion |
Motors: | Twin Everlasting-Magnet Synchronous | Twin Everlasting-Magnet Synchronous |
Output: | 320 Horsepower / 446 Pound-Ft | 295 Horsepower / 339 Pound-Ft |
Vary: | 256 Miles | 240 Miles |
DC Quick Cost Fee: | 240 Kilowatts | 125 Kilowatts |
DC Cost Time: 10-80%: | 18 Minutes | 38 Minutes |
AC Cost Time, 240V 10-100%: | 6 Hours 43 Minutes | 7 Hours 30 Minutes |
Weight: | 4,662 Kilos | 4,888 Kilos |
Seating Capability: | 5 | 5 |
Cargo Quantity: | 27.2 / 59. 3 + 0.8 Cubic Ft | 30.3 / 64.2 Cubic Ft |
Towing: | 1,650 Kilos | 2,700 Kilos |
Base Value: | $44,000 + $1,245 Vacation spot | $41,230 + $1,195 Vacation spot |
Trim Base Value: | $52,345 | $49,370 |
As-Examined Value: | $56,920 | $50,870 |