Ioniq 5 vs Model Y: which 2022 EV is BEST?

OTHER EV VIDEOS:

We’re big fans of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 but the Tesla Model Y has just arrived in Australia. These two midsize electric SUVs are priced similarly, but they are remarkably different to drive and there are practicality differences as well. The Tesla benefits from Superchargers and has a huge frunk, while the Ioniq 5 rides better and is more calming to drive. So, which is best?

The Model Y and Ioniq 5 also compete with EVs like the Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Mercedes EQA and EQC, plus a huge range of combustion-powered SUVs as well.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest comparison of the Tesla Model Y RWD and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Techniq RWD.

Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
1:17 - Design
2:49 - Interiors
8:49 - Back seats
10:48 - Boots / trunks
13:57 - Running costs
16:33 - Driving dynamics
24:35 - Verdict and winner

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[digitaldreamer]

Mate you are the most detailed reviewer I’ve come across. The fact you consider tyre pressures, sidewall, efficiency, square ridge bumps etc is spot on. The details matter. Especially with going electric. Good work. Keep it up!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[mrf]

I test drove the Model Y earlier this week (with the 20 inch induction rims, so a firmer ride) had absolutely no problems with ride, handling or comfort. Ordered one that evening. Shortly after the test drive i spoke to a retired couple who had test driven it 30mins before me, they said they had no problem with the ride quality either and were going to order one too! Also those rims really improve the asthetic of the Y i think! Having said that i have no real problem with the Ioniq. I think it really is subjective. One thing to note is the LFP battery in the tesla (RWD) is likely to have a significantly longer lifespan compared to the NMC battery in the Ioniq., there have been plenty of case studies done on that, LFP also better for the environment. Having said that it's important to note that as soon as you go to the long range or performance Model Y the chemistry changes over to NMC for higher energy density.... For me, i'd take lifespan, eco friendliness and safety of LFP over the modest improvement in range of NMC. Great unbiased review BTW!

[aurus]

Thank you for a good review. I would get a Ionic. It is just more comfortable, has real buttons to control climate, has instrumental panel in front of driver and sun blind for the roof.

[andrewhayden]

Good review and comparison. As the owner of a LR Model Y since January, I obviously agree with the verdict, and I agree with all of the criticisms. The ride is stiff and the lack of an instrument cluster takes some getting used to, but everything else shines. One pedal driving on twisty back roads is amazing, long trips are stress-free (Superchargers) and the storage/practicality is unmatched. The other thing I would point out, that it seems all of the reviewers miss is how many controls you can avoid by using the voice controls. They are outstanding and once you get familiar with them it's easy to almost never use the touch screen. All of that said, I tell friends who are looking to get an EV to do lots of research and test drive all of them ... multiple times. We even rented a Model Y for a day to see if it was really right for us. Figure out what's the right car for you and your family. It might be the Tesla, or the Hyundai, or some other one. Just stop driving an ICE vehicle.

[TalismanPHX]

I'd prefer the Ioniq 5, as I have the option to home charge the vehicle. The Ioniq 5 is better looking, has a longer warranty, and has a compliant ride.

[robhaitch]

I have an I5 and my wife is getting the Y in a few days. We agree the I5 is the nicer ride and the Y’s tech is so much better. We’ll know in a few months which is the better car to own.

[bluenapalm]

We've finally driven both.. August 2022.
Model Y - We won't be getting one a few deal breakers: Head rest causes wife to have sore head after 20m of driving, can't adjust headrest. Suspension is way too hard for our roads (B roads in UK). Wife found it much harder to get in and out of the car - banging her head on the pillar.

Ionic 5 - No deal breakers. Things we didn't like - honestly nothing. Even the boot height was great as we're coming from a Landrover D4 with tail gate.

Summary - Tesla, starting to look dated. Felt 'American' in the interior - as in a bit cheap. No other features in the car other than a USB port in the back seat. Loved the space when in the Model Y.
Ionic 5 - just did everything better practicality wise. Tesla is ahead in tech - but at sacrifice of some basic things like seat adjustment, easy access buttons for regular tasks. Feels like most of the money is going into the large tablet than the rest of the car.

So I understand though why Tesla are popular. We don't need the supercharger network - so this really puts the other value adds of a Tesla to test, and it (for us at least) feel a little behind the Ionic 5.

[josephrodey]

I have to say that I would prefer the Ioniq 5.

[peterthompson]

I've had my Ioniq 5 (MY22 so some small spec changes) AWD for about 6 weeks and couldn't be happier. The power, comfort, ride and build quality can't really be faulted. Have driven Model 3's but not the Y. Tesla definitely does the tech and charging network well, but I couldn't live with the (admittedly now improved) build quality and that ugly mug.

[motivational]

Is it just me or the video quality is stuck on 360p? I'm probably too early

[TonyFNQ]

The Hyundai centre console slides forward as required, giving the rear more room

[svengaefgen]

I like the ventilated seat and the HUD that is available for the IONIQ 5, also the built-in motorized shade for the sunroof is nice.
Too bad Hyundai does not sell the solar roof in Australia.

[ivangrauer]

One thing you omitted was the reverse alert for passing traffic in the Ioniq . Given the poor rear visibility in both cars, this is a big plus for the Ioniq.

[consciouspirate]

Don't think for a second we missed what you said on 7:33 🤣🤣🤣

[therealjeffg]

Great review as always thanks Tom. Would really appreciate a comparison table side by side like you have in your mega tests in future car comparisons like this.

[coldude]

And we will be able get our hands on these beautiful vehicles in about 5 to 10 years...

[dracol]

I went from a model 3 to an ioniq 5. I really love the ioniq 5, looks and feels nice, great build quality, HUD, much more comfortable ride compared to the model 3. But I don't know if it's just me, but the one thing I realise now I don't want to go without is the built in dashcam and sentry model found only on Tesla's. To the point I am now preparing to swap my beloved ioniq 5 for a model y rwd shortly.

[welfiblablabla]

Great detailled and unbiased comparision👍

[paulmarley]

One major problem with the Iconic 5 is that you can't get one in Australia. They are released by a kind of lottery in small batches and sell out in under 20 minutes each time. I have given up trying to get one.

[justinseau]

Really nice comparison from an Australian perspective.
Some suggestions to improve the video:
- Get some more B-roll that better explain what you're talking about. I think the part where you're explaining the speedometer is on the corner of the screen in the Model Y you cut to close up of going through the menus. I think showing actual speedo (plus other displays and icons on a normal dash) would give people who have not driven a Tesla before a better idea. There were a few other smaller incidences of this in the review where B-roll would have helped and there weren't any or you were about to point at something in the interior and you cut to an external shot of the car.
- Lastly were just the audio volume normalisation. I think the interior audio was quite a bit louder than external shots.
Nice review overall!