@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Hyundai Motor Company
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Ford Explorer EV vs Hyundai IONIQ 5 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Explorer EV or Hyundai IONIQ 5?

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Street Stance and First Impressions

The Ford Explorer EV arrives with an unmistakable road presence, a confidence that reads as practicality turned into posture, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leans on a more progressive, minimalist look that catches the eye without shouting. Up close, materials and trim choices tell a story about intent: Explorer EV feels like it wants to be useful and robust, the IONIQ 5 aims to be modern and considered. Both cars make an argument for themselves before you even sit down, so your taste in aesthetics will do a lot of the initial heavy lifting.

IONIQ 5 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Personality on the Tarmac

Behind the wheel the two take very different approaches: the Explorer EV trades razor-sharp agility for composed, assured cruising, while the IONIQ 5 is keener to reward enthusiastic inputs with a sprightlier demeanor. Steering and body control on the Explorer EV feel deliberately composed, suiting long motorway miles and confident lane changes, whereas the IONIQ 5 communicates a lighter, sportier character that makes urban runs and twisty backroads more engaging. Neither is harsh; both are tuned to comfort first, but they seduce different kinds of drivers — the one who prefers calm authority versus the one who enjoys snappier responses.

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Cabin Comfort: Living Room or Studio?

Inside, the Explorer EV aims for a sense of roomy familiarity with supportive seating and an ergonomic layout that makes daily routines easier, while the IONIQ 5 embraces a cleaner, more airy cabin that feels like a modern studio apartment on wheels. Noise insulation and seat comfort lean toward long-haul friendliness in the Explorer EV, but the IONIQ 5’s sense of space and clever packaging create a relaxed, almost lounge-like atmosphere. Both cabins are pleasant places to spend time in, but their characters differ — one reassuring and practical, the other minimalist and forward-thinking.

IONIQ 5 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Practicality When Life Gets Real

When it comes to daily usability, each has strengths: the Explorer EV prioritizes straightforward versatility that suits families and people who routinely carry gear, while the IONIQ 5 focuses on clever packaging that maximizes perceived space and makes loading a pleasure. Small touches — storage cubbies, seat flexibility, and ease of access — reveal priorities: rugged convenience in the Explorer EV, and considered, modern functionality in the IONIQ 5. If you juggle kids, shopping, and the occasional weekend project, the Explorer EV’s approach will feel comforting; if you prize adaptable, well-thought-out space, the IONIQ 5 rewards careful use.

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Interface and Everyday Tech

Tech presentation differs as much as the rest of the cars: the Explorer EV opts for familiar controls with clear logic, so you’re not fighting the interface on a hurried morning, while the IONIQ 5 showcases a sleeker, more integrated system that rewards time spent learning its quirks. Both systems do the essentials well, but their philosophies split — Explorer EV keeps it simple and intuitive, IONIQ 5 goes for that refined, modern user experience. Expect fewer surprises with the Explorer EV and more “ooh” moments with the IONIQ 5 as you explore its features.

IONIQ 5 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Cost of Ownership and Common Sense

Long-term ownership considerations come down to how you use the car: one feels designed to be a practical, all-purpose tool, the other a fuss-free tech-forward companion that aims to be efficient and sensible. Servicing, perceived reliability, and day-to-day running are all part of the ownership story, and buyers will want to match those realities to their lifestyle expectations. In short, pick the car whose ownership vibe — straightforward utility or considered modernity — fits your calendar and patience for tech.

Who Should Consider Which?

Commuters who prize calm, composed long-distance drives and straightforward practicality will find the Explorer EV a reassuring option, while buyers who prioritise cutting-edge styling, a modern cabin vibe, and more energetic on-road manners will be drawn to the IONIQ 5. Families and utility-focused users will appreciate the Explorer EV’s no-nonsense usability, whereas style-conscious drivers and those who like technology as part of the experience will favour the IONIQ 5. Ultimately, your daily routine, taste for design, and what you carry most often should decide which feels right in your driveway.

Turn the Page — The DriveDuel Champion Awaits

Both cars bring strong, distinct characters to the table, and your choice will come down to which personality fits your life rather than raw figures alone; whether you favour steadfast practicality or modern dynamism, there's an appealing case to be made. If you enjoyed this head-to-head, keep reading — the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards, and it might change the way you look at both of these electric contenders.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Ford Explorer EV has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34200 £, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 costs 38500 £. That’s a price difference of around 4285 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Ford Explorer EV: with 14.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s hardly perceptible more efficient than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 with 15.60 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.10 kWh.

As for range, the Ford Explorer EV performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 602 km, about 32 km more than the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a clearly edge – offering 650 HP compared to 340 HP. That’s roughly 310 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Ford Explorer EV takes 5.30 s. That’s about 1.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 260 km/h, while the Ford Explorer EV tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 80 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Hyundai IONIQ 5 pulls slightly stronger with 770 Nm compared to 679 Nm. That’s about 91 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Ford Explorer EV is minimal lighter – 1908 kg compared to 1955 kg. The difference is around 47 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers somewhat more room – 520 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1580 L, which is about 158 L more than the Ford Explorer EV.

When it comes to payload, Ford Explorer EV minimal takes the win – 585 kg compared to 530 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,500
IONIQ 5 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai IONIQ 5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 650 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.6 - 21.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 440 - 570 km

Ford Explorer EV

5 (2)
rate

The Ford Explorer EV marks a significant step forward in the brand's journey towards electrification, offering an impressive blend of performance and sustainability. This modern SUV features a sleek design complemented by advanced technology that enhances the driving experience. With a focus on comfort and innovation, the Explorer EV aims to redefine family travel for the electric age.

details

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 showcases a bold and futuristic design that captures attention with its striking facade and sharp lines. This electric vehicle offers an impressive blend of performance and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers. Inside, the spacious and tech-forward interior provides a comfortable and engaging driving experience for both driver and passengers.

details
Ford Explorer EV
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
IONIQ 5 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 48800 £
Price
38500 - 64200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.6 - 21.2 kWh
Electric Range
360 - 602 km
Electric Range
440 - 570 km
Battery Capacity
52 - 79 kWh
Battery Capacity
63 - 84 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1908 - 2179 kg
Curb weight
1955 - 2275 kg
Trunk capacity
445 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
480 - 520 L
Length
4468 mm
Length
4655 - 4715 mm
Width
1871 mm
Width
1890 - 1940 mm
Height
1630 - 1639 mm
Height
1585 - 1605 mm
Max trunk capacity
1417 - 1422 L
Max trunk capacity
1540 - 1580 L
Payload
561 - 585 kg
Payload
385 - 530 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 340 HP
Power HP
170 - 650 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 8.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.5 s
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
185 - 260 km/h
Torque
310 - 679 Nm
Torque
350 - 770 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
125 - 250 kW
Power kW
125 - 478 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Ford
Brand
Hyundai
What drive types are available for the Ford Explorer EV?

The Ford Explorer EV is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.