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Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Kia EV3 comparison

Compare performance (229 HP vs 265 HP), boot space and price (43,300 £ vs 40,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai IONIQ 5 or Kia EV3?

Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Kia EV3: Key differences

Hyundai IONIQ 5

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
  • visibly more trunk space
details

Kia EV3

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • marginally more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

IONIQ 5

Hyundai IONIQ 5 VS Kia EV3 — which suits your daily life?

Hyundai IONIQ 5 VS Kia EV3 frames a clash between lounge-like comfort and pragmatic efficiency. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 presents itself as a roomy, tech-forward crossover that prioritises rear-seat comfort and stress-free high-speed cruising. The Kia EV3 feels more like a compact, no-nonsense SUV that leans into usable luggage space, lower running costs and easy city manoeuvrability. Both cars appeal to families and commuters, but they answer different questions about how you spend time in the car. Read on to see which trade-offs matter for your use case.

EV3

Driving character and everyday feel

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 drives like a relaxed long-distance cruiser with a soft, composed suspension that soaks up motorway miles, while the Kia EV3 feels more economy-minded and controlled in everyday traffic. The IONIQ 5 rewards calm, steady progress and gives a planted, lounge-like impression on highways, whereas the EV3 trades some of that serenity for sharper efficiency and a lighter, more city-friendly footprint. If you value plush comfort and a confident straight-line demeanour, the IONIQ 5 leans into that; if you prefer predictable consumption and a more compact, purposeful feel, the EV3 is the more focused choice. Both are not sporty drivers, but the EV3’s crisp throttle response and frugal nature make it feel brisk around town compared with the IONIQ 5’s laid-back temperament.

IONIQ 5

Cabin comfort, materials and practicality

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 gives a bright, airy cabin with exceptional rear legroom and a sliding rear bench that makes it genuinely family-friendly, whereas the Kia EV3 concentrates on straightforward usability and a larger, more versatile boot. The IONIQ 5’s interior feels more considered with softer surfaces and a roomier rear cabin, but its flat luggage area and higher load lip limit how bulky items are carried compared with the EV3. The Kia EV3’s large boot, practical frunk and lower cargo sill make it easier to load everyday kit, while some trims of the EV3 reveal simpler plastics compared with the IONIQ 5’s warmer finish. For passengers, the IONIQ 5 is a rear-seat sanctuary; for packing the car for a trip, the EV3 is the more practical companion.

EV3

Long-distance behaviour and charging reality

On long trips the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s faster high-speed charging and relaxed motorway manners reduce downtime and fatigue, while the Kia EV3’s stronger real-world efficiency stretches each charge further but generally requires longer stops. That means the IONIQ 5 will often win on overall trip time if you can access high-power charging, because shorter, faster fills interrupt your journey less, whereas the EV3 will need fewer charges but each session takes more time. Noise and comfort on lengthy runs tilt toward the IONIQ 5’s stable, quieter feel at speed, although the EV3’s sensible consumption keeps running costs lower between charges. Choose the IONIQ 5 if quick pit-stops and rear-seat comfort are priorities; choose the EV3 if minimizing energy use and load practicality on long trips matters most.

IONIQ 5

City friendliness and daily usability

The Kia EV3 is noticeably easier to live with in built-up areas thanks to its compact dimensions, smaller turning circle and very effective regenerative braking, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 can feel oversized in tight streets and car parks. The EV3’s one-pedal driving and lighter steering make stop-start commutes less taxing, and its wide door openings simplify child-seat work; the IONIQ 5 compensates with a high driving position and clearer forward visibility that inspire confidence when squeezing into spaces. Both cars come loaded with driver aids, but the EV3’s systems can be more insistent, and the IONIQ 5’s clearer physical controls on later models ease everyday operation. If most of your miles are urban, the EV3 will frustrate less; if you value cabin space and a commanding view even in town, the IONIQ 5 still has the edge.

EV3

Who should pick which — buyer fit and trade-offs

If your priorities are rear-seat comfort, the quickest possible highway charging sessions and a living-room atmosphere for long family trips, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is tailored to that life. If you prioritise lower operating cost, easy parking, a very usable boot and straightforward day-to-day practicality, the Kia EV3 is the more sensible pick. Business users watching TCO and city families with lots of luggage will find the EV3’s pragmatism appealing, while tech-focused families and regular long-distance drivers benefit more from the IONIQ 5’s space and charging advantages. Below you’ll find the detailed technical comparison to translate these lifestyle differences into specific range, charging and performance numbers to help you decide further.

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

IONIQ 5

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.

Kia EV3 is only slightly cheaper – starting at 40,200 £ , while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 costs 43,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,146 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.6 kWh/100km compared to 15.8 kWh/100km for the Kia EV3. That’s a difference of about 0.2 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Kia EV3 offers marginally more range – reaching up to 572 km, about 2 km more than the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

EV3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia EV3 offers somewhat more power – delivering 265 HP compared to 229 HP. That’s roughly 36 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia EV3 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 6.6 s, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 7.5 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia EV3 delivers very slightly more torque with 385 Nm compared to 350 Nm. That’s about 35 Nm more.

IONIQ 5

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai IONIQ 5 is only slightly lighter – 1,955 kg compared to 1,995 kg. The difference is around 40 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers visibly more boot space – 520 L compared to 413 L. That’s a difference of about 107 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 carries barely more – 530 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia EV3 shows a few small advantages in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £40,200
EV3

Kia EV3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 265 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 572 km
details
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Kia EV3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 looks like a spaceship that moved into suburbia, pairing bold retro‑futuristic styling with a roomy, cleverly laid-out cabin that makes long trips surprisingly comfortable. Its electric character delivers instant, silky acceleration and low running costs, making it a smart, slightly cheeky pick for buyers who want tech, practicality and personality without the drama.

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Reviews Hyundai IONIQ 5

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Javi Rodman
4 Jan 2026, 17:25:22

The best of the best. Comfortable, practical, economical, fun, spacious, with all the ADAS and safety systems. What more could you ask for?

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Value for Money

Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 is a stylish, user-friendly electric crossover that focuses on practicality and a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It delivers a comfortable ride with intuitive technology and efficient everyday performance, making it a sensible choice for city and family use.

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Reviews Kia EV3

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
pedro
8 May 2026, 11:01:53

Aesthetically it seems nicer to me, and I think it's better soundproofed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
José
24 Dec 2025, 17:42:54

A good car for a small family. Easy and practical.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Hyundai IONIQ 5
Kia EV3

Costs and Consumption
Price
43,300 - 46,100 £
Price
40,200 - 43,900 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.6 - 16 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
440 - 570 km
Electric Range
572 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
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
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,955 - 2,060 kg
Curb weight
1,995 kg
Trunk capacity
520 L
Trunk capacity
413 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,890 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
515 - 530 kg
Payload
485 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
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 229 HP
Power HP
265 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 8.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
350 Nm
Torque
385 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
125 - 168 kW
Power kW
195 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Kia
Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offered with different drivetrains?

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.