On the surface, Hyundai and Tesla seem to have very little in common. Hyundai, the value-focused Korean automaker that burst onto the scene in 1986 with the affordable but not-so-great Excel subcompact, offers a complete line of car, truck, and SUV models at affordable prices backed by an outstanding warranty. Tesla, the all-American luxury electric-vehicle (EV) maker led by enigmatic CEO Elon Musk, is the current EV market leader despite offering just four all-electric models for sale in the United States. Indeed, the differences between these two automakers and their products are quite evident.
Despite their differences, Hyundai and Tesla do share some common ground. With the launch of its first-ever, dedicated all-electric model—the Ioniq 5 midsize crossover SUV—Hyundai joins a burgeoning EV marketplace currently dominated by Tesla. Despite its newness, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 already has an impressive resume, having earned three trophies at the 2022 World Car Awards (World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and World Electric Vehicle of the Year). Tesla, meanwhile, is the EV sales leader and earns the lion's share of media coverage, due in no small part to the antics of its ever-quotable and sometimes controversial CEO.
Also consider that in the rapidly expanding EV market, where badges don't seem to matter as much as they do for traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles, mass-market brands can and do compete with luxury nameplates. A perfect example of this cross-shopping is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Tesla Model Y. What do these two electric crossovers have in common? Perhaps more importantly, what are their differences? If you're in the market for a new electric crossover, this 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. 2022 Tesla Model Y comparison will help you understand the nuances of each.
Consumers will find that 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 pricing ranges from $41,245 to $52,395, including the $1,295 destination charge. All 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUVs qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Supply, however, is extremely limited, so you'll want to keep in touch with your local Hyundai retailer for updates on its availability.
A 5-passenger midsize crossover SUV, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes in four trim levels: SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE Standard Range comes with a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels only, while the other three trims are available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). To get the dual-motor AWD setup, you'll need to pay $3,500-$3,900 extra, depending on the trim.
Hyundai provides three years of complimentary Blue Link connected services on all Ioniq 5 trims. Features include everything from remote locking and engine start to automatic collision notification, rapid access to roadside help, geofencing for less trusted drivers, and stolen-vehicle recovery. Additionally, the Ioniq 5 Limited is available with digital key technology that enables you to use your smartphone to access and drive the vehicle.
Hyundai offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles you own an Ioniq 5.
The price of entry to Tesla Model Y ownership is a bit higher. Shoppers will find that 2022 Tesla Model Y pricing ranges from $61,190 to $71,190, including the $1,200 destination charge. Though the Tesla website currently shows only Model Y Long Range and Model Y Performance trims, the automaker in April 2022 added a base Model Y AWD trim—the first Model Y built at the company's newest Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. According to reports, Tesla has offered some customers with existing orders the opportunity to switch to the base Model Y built in Texas. Unlike the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Model Y does not qualify for the federal tax credit because Tesla has sold more than 200,000 electric vehicles, the threshold at which the credit expires. There is, however, talk of raising the cap to enable more buyers access to the credit and making EV ownership more affordable.
All 2022 Tesla Model Y SUVs come standard with AWD via dual motors and seating for five passengers. The optional third-row seat holds two more people for a maximum 7-passenger capacity. Note, however, that the third row is very tight and meant for occasional use only.
The Model Y comes with various connected services such as automatic collision notification, digital key, and remote access, including the ability to provide family members with access to the vehicle if they need to drive it.
If theft of your Model Y is a concern, the SUV has a couple of features in which you might be interested: PIN to Drive and Sentry mode, the latter of which records video footage of potential break-ins. For pet lovers, dog mode will keep the car's climate-control system running while Fido awaits your return. Concerned onlookers will also have peace of mind thanks to a message on the infotainment screen that lets everyone know the four-legged passenger is OK and that your return is imminent. Also, the Enhanced Autopilot package includes Smart Summon, which enables your Model Y to come to you in parking lots.
All Tesla Model Ys come with a Wi-Fi hotspot that provides connectivity for the navigation system. However, if you want to use Sentry mode or stream videos, you'll need to buy a premium connectivity package.
Tesla does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance. While the automaker does not require maintenance or inspections at specific intervals, Tesla recommends rotating the Model Y's tires "every 6,250 miles, or if the tread depth difference is 2/32 inch or greater."
The 2022 Tesla Model Y ranks highest in the Premium Electric segment of the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards.
The Ioniq 5 is less expensive and offers free scheduled maintenance, but the Model Y has more connected services and higher residual values.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is too new for inclusion in the J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Ioniq 5 is not among the three highest-ranked models in the Compact SUV segment in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes with the following warranty coverage:
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Tesla Model Y is too new for inclusion in the 2022 VDS. While Tesla's electric compact crossover took part in the 2022 IQS, it is ineligible for awards because Tesla Motors does not allow J.D. Power access to owner information in the 15 U.S. states where the law requires such permission. However, the Tesla Model Y ranks second among Premium BEVs in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, which examines satisfaction among EV owners. The 2022 Tesla Model Y comes with the following warranty coverage:
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first EV to use the automaker's brand-new Electric-Global Modular Platform, upon which it will base all future electric models. Hyundai offers two battery packs on the Ioniq 5: 58- or 77.4-kilowatt hours (kWh). The smaller pack goes into the SE Standard Range, while the larger pack powers all other trims.
Buyers can choose between a rear electric motor (2WD) and dual electric motors (AWD)—one at the front and one in the back. The SE Standard Range trim uses a 58-kWh battery that powers the rear wheels only. Output measures 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. According to Hyundai, this setup provides zero-to-60-mph acceleration in less than 8.5 seconds. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ioniq 5 has a maximum range of 220 miles with an energy consumption rating of 31 kWh/100 miles.
Stepping up to the more powerful 77.4-kWh battery on the SE results in more power and quicker acceleration. With the larger battery, output increases to 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque with the single rear motor. Hyundai estimates zero-to-60-mph acceleration in the 7.5-second range for this combination. Note that the larger battery and single motor provide the greatest driving range, which the EPA estimates at 303 miles. The Agency rates the energy consumption of the extended-range RWD model at 30 kWh/100 miles.
Output jumps to 320 hp and 446 pound-feet of torque when adding the front electric motor to the larger battery. Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 with this combination will accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about five seconds and travel a maximum distance of 256 miles. The EPA rates its energy consumption at 34.3 kWh/100 miles.
Hyundai says the top speed of all versions of the 2022 Ioniq 5 is 115 mph. The SUV can also tow 3,500 pounds.
In terms of charging, the Ioniq 5 comes standard with the ability to replenish its battery using 400- and 800-volt chargers, giving buyers even more flexibility. Hyundai says you can recharge the standard battery on the Ioniq 5 from 10 percent to 80 percent in a mere 18 minutes using a 350-kW fast charger. Using a fast charger for just five minutes results in 62 miles of added range on the WLTP cycle.
Through an agreement with Electrify America, Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners can access DC fast charging at Electrify America's nationwide network of over 700 charging stations. Owners receive unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years from the date of purchase.
For added convenience, you can use the Ioniq 5 itself as a charger using Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. The V2L system transforms the SUV into a 110V/220V power source with 3.6 kWh of power output. You can find plug-in locations under the second-row seats and at the charging port. Power flows to the outside V2L port even when the vehicle isn't on.
The base 2022 Tesla Model Y AWD has two motors: a 91-kW unit powering the front wheels and a 200-kW motor at the rear. The Model Y benefits from a redesigned battery pack integrated into the SUV's structure, featuring a new 4680 cell design. According to the EPA, the base model has a range of 279 miles and consumes 28 kWh of energy per every 100 miles.
The 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range, which essentially uses the same electric motors, is EPA-rated for 330 miles of range, while its power consumption is 28 kWh/100 miles. Tesla says the Model Y can go from zero-to-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The 2022 Model Y can tow 3,500 pounds with the available tow package.
For those desiring even more performance from their all-electric SUV, the aptly named Model Y Performance can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. It uses 133-kW front- and 179-kW rear-drive electric motors. According to the EPA, the Model Y Performance has a range of 303 miles and consumes 30 kWh of electricity every 100 miles.
Unlike other automakers, Tesla has its own exclusive network of public chargers, called Tesla Superchargers. Model Y owners can plug in to these Level 3 DC fast chargers that provide broad coverage, allaying any range anxiety that might exist, especially when away from home.
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes standard with the automaker's next-generation SmartSense package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). All trims include forward-collision warning (FCW) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot warning (BSW) with collision-avoidance steering assistance, lane-departure warning (LDW), lane-keeping assistance (LKA), rear cross-traffic warning with automatic rear braking, adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-and-go capability, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), driver-monitoring system, surround-view camera, automatic high-beam headlights, Safe Exit Assist, and more. Optional features include automatic forward emergency braking, intersection turn assistance, and evasive steering assistance.
Highway Driving Assist 2 brings Level 2 ADAS on SEL and Limited trims, combining ACC with lane-centering assistance. It includes lane-change assistance and uses Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which automatically matches vehicle speed to the posted limit.
The Ioniq 5 also is available with Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Hyundai's fully automated self-parking technology. With RSPA, owners can park their vehicle in parallel or perpendicular parking spaces whether they're inside it or not.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not published crash-test ratings for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 its top rating of Top Safety Pick+.
The 2022 Tesla Model Y also comes standard with many ADAS, including FCW with AEB, BSW, LDW, and LKA. The standard Autopilot package provides Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance via ACC with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. Model Y buyers can also obtain automatic lane-change capability and Autopark automatic parking assist via the optional Enhanced Autopilot package.
Even though the Model Y cannot drive itself, Tesla offers the SUV with a Full Self Driving (FSD) package. While it's not fully autonomous, FSD can slow your Model Y automatically for red lights and stop signs on surface streets. You'll need to earn a high Safety Score to fully enjoy its capabilities. While FSD may sound great, consumers should also be aware that the technology is under scrutiny by federal regulators following several serious accidents involving Tesla drivers who were apparently using the technology.
Despite its challenges with FSD, Tesla scores highest in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Tech Experience (TXI) Study, which surveyed owners of new 2021 model-year vehicles. Since Tesla doesn't allow access to owner data in 15 states, it's not rank-eligible and therefore doesn't officially rank highest in the study. It is clear, however, that Tesla owners are enthusiastic about their vehicles. Frequent over-the-air (OTA) software updates likely contribute to Tesla owner satisfaction.
While the NHTSA hasn't rated the 2022 Tesla Model Y as of this writing, the structurally similar 2021 model earned the highest-possible 5 stars in all the Administration's crash tests. It also earned 5 stars for rollover resistance. The structurally identical 2022 Model Y Long Range and Performance should perform similarly. The IIHS rates the 2022 Tesla Model Y a Top Safety Pick+.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y offer the latest ADAS, and both earn the top rating from the IIHS.
The centerpiece of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's spartan but futuristic dash display are the dual, customizable 12-inch screens—one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment-related controls. The anti-glare, widescreen infotainment touchscreen is your gateway to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the navigation system, which comes with three years of Bluelink infotainment/map updates. Owners can also wirelessly pair two phones via Bluetooth.
The Ioniq 5 offers OTA updates—a Hyundai first—for the multimedia and navigation systems, helping to keep the vehicle's software up to date. One cool feature of the navigation system is that it provides real-time travel radius mapping, which shows how far you can travel based on the SUV's current state of charge. Leveraging the SUV's connected car services, the system can also help search and plan the best route, ensuring there's a charging station along the chosen path.
The Ioniq 5 has an available head-up display with augmented-reality (AR) technology. The system visually projects the overlays 25 feet ahead and includes information such as turn-by-turn directions.
The new Ioniq 5 works with an enhanced Bluelink app to help you keep an eye on your vehicle's range, battery status, and charging times when it's plugged in and charging, access battery management tools, enable remote charging, activate climate controls remotely, find charging locations on a map, get vehicle status notifications, track vehicle maintenance, and personalize driver preferences.
In contrast to the Ioniq 5, the 2022 Tesla Model Y has a single 15-inch, horizontally mounted touchscreen interface. As the Model Y doesn't have a traditional instrument panel or many secondary controls, the giant touchscreen is your gateway to controlling almost everything in the vehicle (including the stereo volume because, unfortunately, there is no separate knob for that).
Standard tech features on the Model Y include factory navigation, OTA updates, natural-voice recognition, and a wireless charging pad. One notable omission in the Model Y is the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Instead, Tesla offers built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube, various music-streaming apps, and an internet browser. You can even play a video game on the car's touchscreen, but not while it's moving.
The interiors of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the 2022 Tesla Model Y take a minimalist, eco-friendly approach, a la Volvo. Being that they're EVs, they also present an interesting dichotomy of simple yet futuristic.
The Ioniq 5 has some unique interior features, including the Universal Island, a movable center console that can slide back and forth 5.5 inches. The island has cupholders for both front- and second-row occupants, a 15-watt wireless phone charger, USB ports, and can accommodate a large handbag. Thanks to the vehicle's flat floor and the gear selector's placement behind the steering wheel, drivers can enter the vehicle from either side. The Limited trim has a "Relaxation Comfort Seat" that automatically adjusts for napping or reading.
Another cool feature is a magnetic board to the left of the digital instrument cluster where you can post pictures or notes just as you would on your refrigerator. The Ioniq 5 also features ambient lighting, and Hyundai upholsters much of the interior in eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials.
In terms of space, the Ioniq 5 offers 106.5 cubic feet of interior room, including 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the second-row seats folded, space increases to 59.3 cubic feet. Just like the Universal Island, the rear seats in the Ioniq 5 can slide forward and back up to 5.3 inches.
Like the Ioniq 5, the Model Y offers a simple yet functional cabin upholstered in vegan synthetic materials. One advantage the Model Y has is an available third-row seat that boosts passenger capacity to seven, although the rear-most seat is tiny. The Tesla also offers more cargo capacity, with 30.2 cubic feet behind its second-row seats (26.6 in 7-passenger models) and a maximum of 72.1 cubic feet (67.9 in 7-seaters). There's also 4.1 cubic feet in the Model Y's front trunk or "frunk."
The Ioniq 5 has more clever features and a bit more user-friendly interior design, but the Tesla has more cargo capacity and an available third row.
If you'd like to learn more about these electric crossover vehicles, be sure to read our expert reviews of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the 2022 Tesla Model Y. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on July 21, 2022, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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