Hyundai’s EV Lineup – Is The Automaker Crushing The Competition?

The automotive future looks electrifying. The downturn of the combustion engine can’t be denied any further while the ascension of electric power units is visible all around the world. Charging times are dropping, batteries are holding more power and high-end EVs are now flirting with the 600-mile range barrier.

Hyundai is currently pushing two EV models that are well placed in the market: Hyundai Kona and Hyundai IONIQ 5. With another model ready to hit the showroom floors early 2024, let’s have a look at how the Korean brand is shaping its electric future.

Kona EV – easily the segment´s best buy

Hyundai describes the Kona as a sub-compact SUV, but we all know it’s a crossover no matter which angle you look at it from. The electric crossover market segment is starting to become more crowded than a London subway on Monday morning. Kona has to fight for market share against the likes of Tesla Model X, Kia e-Niro and VW ID3.

Styling is maintained clean and easy on the eyes. No extravagant lines are allowed to protrude throughout the body. The front fascia is dominated by the squinted daylight-running-lights and the lower-mounted headlights and is only interrupted by the charging port panel.

The Kona is available in two different trim levels, SEL and Limited. Both offer up an EPA estimated 258 miles of range and 201-hp. For an EV starting at just $34,000 that’s an impressive amount of range and the 201-hp electric motor feels pretty quick considering that instant torque.

On the inside, there is plenty of storage, USB controls, cup-holders and wireless phone charging. The seats are heated and ventilated, steering wheel is heated and the 10.25-inch touchscreen sitting above the air vents controls all the electronic quirks of the car.

Overall, the Hyundai Kona electric resides as one of the best all-round EVs one can order today at this price point.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 – beautiful, purposeful, performant

While the Korean automaker is nowhere near its first attempt at an EV and hence got quite good at it over time, Hyundai realized it needs to turn heads in order to compete against the likes of Volkswagen’s ID series.

In consequence, the IONIQ 5 was created. The design is a neckbreaker; easily one of the best looking EVs on the road today. Just by looking at the pictures, you might assume that it competes against the likes of Ford Focus. However, looks are deceiving – Hyundai IONIQ 5 is almost as large as an Audi Q5.

The trims span from a 168hp single motor powertrain with 220-miles of EPA estimated range up to a 225hp configuration good for 303-miles of range – unbeatable in the under $60k price tag category.

The interior of the IONIQ 5 may have not brought the entire art exposition that was the cabin teased by the Hyundai 45 Concept. Yet, the insides of IONIQ 5 boast a plethora of tech and eco-friendly finishings. One of the main features standing out is the massive HUD that projects not just tachometer data but actual navigation into the windshield.

The range-topping Limited trim brings a sliding central console which brings plenty of storage space on its own. Infotainment, gauges and charging information are all displayed on the two screens set behind the steering wheel.

The star of the IONIQ 5 show is the impressive fast charging ability. Using DC fast charging technology, the IONIQ 5 is able to put 68-miles of range into its batteries in just 5 minutes. Also, the larger battery pack goes from 10 to 80% in about 18 minutes when fast charging.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 looks stunning from every angle, brings plenty of storage space, it charges surprisingly fast and drives beautifully. There’s hardly any real competition for it in the sub-$60k market segment.

The future – IONIQ 6

After scoring a home-run with IONIQ 5, Hyundai raised the expectations for the upcoming IONIQ 6 model. Expected to drop in 2024, at a glance, it promises a lot!

It looks like it is going to be on the larger end of the sedan spectrum. Think Mercedes E-Class.

The interior is excitingly clean and stellar-looking, with the IONIQ 6 bringing forward the dual-screen configuration from the IONIQ 5. Door panels are kept slim by moving the window and seat control buttons to the center console.

The 77.4 kWh battery configuration is planning to beat Tesla via a 379-mile range and a 5.1-second acceleration. However, that range will only be achieved in Eco mode, which is likely to take its toll on throttle input and response.

No information on pricing is yet available, however it is likely that IONIQ 6 and particularly the rumored IONIQ 6 N (sport) trim to be placed significantly above the IONIQ 5.

Conclusion

Is Hyundai winning the EV race? With two pure EV models in its lineup, a segment best-buy Kona and a striking design on the IONIQ 5, Hyundai is setting its mark well within the electric segment. With the upcoming IONIQ 6, the pressure on competitors will only grow higher, especially if Hyundai sticks to the specs and features teased with the prototype mule.