Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Volkswagen ID.4 

Two of my favorite EVs in this segment. What a hard choice! No wonder so many of you ask me about which to buy 🚙💨

I’m a VW guy but bought the Ioniq 5. I’m a road tripper so the crazy fast 800 volt charging was a game changer. 10 to 80% in 18 minutes. I have seen 233kw! The car is so smooth and quiet and I love the roomy comfy interior.

For me, I wouldn't own a Hyundai. EV or not. Have owned several VW's and all have been flawless. Picked up our 2023 ID 4 PRO S AWD yesterday 7/25/23. $12,500 off this vehicle on a 3 year lease. $7,500 EV Credit and $5,000 dealer discount. So very affordable. Has the newest software I have heard about, 3.5.0. Isn't "Buggy" actually works flawless. It's not laggy at all. So there ya go.

I really enjoy my ID.4, but I want an Ioniq 5.

Tested both, bought an Ioniq 5, having had it a week, no regrets, its better in every way

I put 15,000 miles on my ID4. Sold it and bought Ioniq 5. It does everything the ID does but slightly better. I don’t miss the ID at this point.

I'm from Canada and I just ordered an Ionic 5 Long Range with the Ultimate package. I did a test drive and I just fell in love. I'm a big fan of Tesla and I was hopping for the come back of the Model Y Standard Range. Apparently not this year. But who cares! The Ionic 5 is even better at many aspects. Thanks for the nice review. It confirmed my choice ;-)

The Hyundai is more premium, better charging technology and better warranty. As a someone who drives from north to Florida regularly, the winner is clearly the Ioniq.

Haven't driven, or even seen, either car but from reviews and on paper I feel I'd go Ioniq 5 just for a bit more potential future proofing. I also think it's the best styled car I've seen in a couple decades.

After 4 VWs in a row I ordered an ID4 and got the phone call from my dealer that it had arrived. So excited. Went with checkbook in hand and did my test drive and instead of taking it home, I waited 7 more months and got an EV6 instead. I didn't like the ID4's gradual power delivery. Seemed frustratingly limited by software. Also couldn't stomach the ergonomics for climate control and on steering wheel. The EV6 I'm extremely happy with. I am addicted to the comfort and instant passing ability.

Will people STOP paying over MSRP!!!!!!!! That's just freaking DUMB!!!!!!!!!!

You're an amazing guy. Very honest reviews. Very...Very honest. Simply...one of the best on RU-vid

Two great EVs! After watching all these videos for so long and finally getting my AWD ID.4 (after a year on the reservation list), I've got to say that Out of Spec's videos have been the most bang-on and useful. I juxtaposed those reviews against what I had decided was and was not important to me. Its been bang on. I've been so happy playing around with this vehicle! The modern relevancy of your comments make me feel a bit old. Even though I'm a total tech nerd (programmer and digital circuit design my whole life). Sure, I've driven Tesla's and newer Audi's (my brother is big car nerd), but for my personal ownership I'm basically coming from a 22 year old gasoline A6 2.7T. Not a meek car by any means, but a lot has changed over the last 22 years! I loved your comment about USB-A. I still use USB-A (!)(!). Only two of our devices are USB-C (a newer mac and newer ipad). All of our lightning and micro-usb cords are USB-A, so I had to buy a few adapters for the ID.4's USB-C ports. It took me about a week to get used to the extreme level of integration too. On the ID.4 with wireless car-play and proximity key sensing I don't have to take anything out of my pockets or fiddle. Not my phone, not my keys, nothing. I just walk up to the car, open the door, get in, and go. The ID.4 is ready to drive in literally 2 seconds. By the time I get to the stop sign at the end of the street, its GUI is fully operational and car-play has connected and is showing the map. All without me having to fiddle with anything. But then we get into other things that I don't care about so much. I like to drive... lane keeping is something I might use occasionally but frankly it isn't as smooth as manual driving for my passengers. I was initially unimpressed with the radar following cruise control, but eventually found a decent setting using custom mode. I love comfort mode for the accelerator peddle but use sport mode for everything else. For sure. The seats are to die for... they're really nice on the trim level I got (since I wanted the King's Red, I pretty much went all-out on the AWD trim and I don't regret it at all). The biggest surprise I had was that ... I wound up really not caring about the slowness of the UI and infotainment system. I barely need to touch it since everything I care about runs from my iphone. That was probably my biggest worry going in because so many RU-vid channels remarked on it. But its been a total non-issue for me (the car came with 2.1. I am eagerly, but not rabidly, awaiting OTA updates). Coming from a gasoline car.. or more specifically, a manual gasoline sportscar, figuring out the D mode, B mode, and braking action was probably my second worry. It isn't perfect by any means, but I think criticisms were also overstated on various RU-vid channels. To be honest, I far prefer D mode over B mode. I think I would like B mode better if there were a little more play in the peddle for coasting but it flips into regen too quickly as you lift your foot off and is not nearly as smooth for passengers as D mode where you coast. I don't mind hitting the brakes for regen. When I intend to regen a very long time I either let the cruise control handle it or I flip it into B mode. But for most everyday driving D mode is both more comfortable and appears to be more efficient too (when one can judge when coasting works, its going to be more efficient than cycling the electric motor). I would like VW to work on regen-v-physical-brakes mixing. The brake peddle is tuned fairly well but it could be better. If there were anything on my wish list at all it would be to have a manual traction control where I could tell the car which wheels to drive (have the car just clamp the brakes down on the wheels that I don't want to turn). True 4WD is not something I want in a vehicle like this, but having fine control in 'stuck' situations would be a nice thing to have. -- For me the IONIQ 5 was intriguing, but a bit too new and untested. Kinda like the Mach-E. I wound up trusting VW's ability and promises more than I did Hyundai or Ford (I have a particular distrust of Ford, to be honest). I also like the lines of the ID.4 far better. Its a beautiful vehicle that really shows in the King's Red that I got. As an electrical engineer I knew for absolute certain that the IONIQ's 800V architecture would maintain power to the motors better and be able to charge faster, but those are mostly non-issues for me these days. The IONIQ is definitely a more geeky car and if I were 20 years younger I'd probably have chosen it instead. But my days of going 154 mph are long over (and I survived so.... feather). Kinda like when I was a slalom skier in my 20's and switched to snowboarding in my 30's because I was just having to go too fast on skis to have fun, whereas on the snowboard one can have fun going just about any speed (and ripping it down a freshly groomed slope, or on fresh powder, is actually more exciting on a snowboard than on skis). Same with cars, it seems. Fancy that! Keep up the videos! -Matt

Have an id4 awd pro gradient on order due in mid 2022. Had sat in the Hyundai last fall at an EV show here in Denver. Liked it but not being sold so we ordered the VW. Watched your reviews and comparisons today. Still think I like the VW but will be checking in with the Hyundai dealer later this week. Thanks. Really like your reviews. So much fun. And happiness.

Can’t wait for the BIG test! You’ll probably be the first reviewers to do a mega test with loads of EVs together. I think Carwow has come closest so far, but it was really only a range test. I reckon I already know the winner…something with a 6 in the name.

Thorough and very deep dive in both cars. Insightful explanations. Quality content. Great added value to my benchmark. Thanks

Love your enthusiasstic and comprehensive reviews. I'd sure like to see a ID4 VS Audi Q4 Etron comparison.

I am on the list for Ioniq 5 Limited. I am 5'11" and Ioniq 5 is the only car that doesn't bother my knees hitting or rubbing against the center console. It is so much more comfortable on all driving conditions.

Thanks for this video, i was waiting for this head to head comparison because i also have a love for both cars!

Thanks for this vid. This made me have a better understanding of the Ioniq 5 and would prefer it over the ID4. Love that non-metallic gray on the Ioniq 5.

I drove an ID.4 when I was cross-shopping, and though it's a fine car, I found it a tad slow and I wasn't crazy about the infotainment design and about VW's approach to managing regen. I eventually bought a car before the IONIQ went on sale but it is a very intriguing car indeed along with its KIA sibling.

ID.4 in B-mode has adequate one-pedal driving - a bit on the weaker side but well balanced and easy to adopt to. In Europe you can couple it with the adaptive regen also, so that it will regen for cars, roundabouts etc in addition to lift of regen. In D mode it will coast but use regen on the brake pedal until a certain threshold where mechanical brakes is used.

Thanks for your great review. I'm looking forward to your future review of the AWD ID.4 "power meter" and how quickly it gets to 60MPG if charged to 100%, 90%, 80% etc.

Ioniq is the superior of the two, the EV6 is also an amazing-looking car.

Auto-hold braking at intersections + 1 pedal driving are major advantages of the Ioniq5/EV6 (especially in busy cities)!

Kyle, I'm currently waiting for my I.D. 4 Pro S. I locked my order about three weeks ago. The waiting time is about 3 to 4 months! Below, there is part of an email I have received from VW: •ID.4 Pro starting MSRP of $40,760 •Expected improvements to the range and DC fast charging speed compared to MY21 •Latest software with benefits such as Auto Hold and Over-the-Air software update capability. •3 years of included 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC Fast Charging Stations at no additional cost. So, It should have an Auto Hold function!

I originally reserved both ID.4 and Ioniq 5, the Hyundai dealer want to add $5k markup, hate it, now I am happily driving my ID.4 around, really no complain

I discovered the power of Hyundai engineering when I worked for them a while back. Korean engineering is outstanding. With Hyundai's signature of exploring the future of mobility, they will contribute fairly in shaping the world transition to EVs and beyond.

I’ve been living with the ID.4 for about 3 months now, and while I appreciate many things about it (interior space, the unlimited free EA charging for 2021 models, the versatility and ride height), the IONIQ5 is clearly a superior product by almost all measures. I know it’s a sore subject at this point, but the ID.4 infotainment is borderline unusable. It has been desperately in need of a software update for almost a year now. Anecdotal, but my particular ID.4 has spent almost two entire weeks at the dealer (and is currently there now), fixing random rattles and creaks; build quality issues that historically haven’t plagued Korean products as much as VW.

Great comparison. I’m a hatchback guy at heart so I’d lean ioniq 5. Love the styling!

I am very happy that I got my Mach E one year ago before the ADM frenzy. There's no way that I would hand any dealer $5000 or anything over MSRP.

I live on a lake and have a 17’ motorboat to put in and take out of the water. The ID4 can trailer about 2000 lbs. It’s plenty fast for legal driving and I can put a roof rack on for skis and bikes. I’d enjoy the auto hold which I had on my BMW X3, but that’s not a deal breaker. Love the free charging on EA and can use Tesla destination chargers for free at lots of locations. ( I can drive 90 miles to a ski area, hook up while skiing, and it’s like free petrol!)

Can’t wait till you get an R1T to test more in depth! I’m all here for the “nerdy ev vibes” and am curious of what you think after you run your tests outside of a First Mile event

The basic idea of the rear drum brakes in MEB cars is not low cost as much as it is rust prevention. The brakes, expecially rear brakes are used so much less in an EV than an ICE car because of regenning that at least in some climates the disk brakes tend to get rusty. Living in a country with such a climate I would also miss a rear screen wiper in the Ionic 5. But both are great cars, although I'd go for the EV6 rather than the Ionic 5 simply because of the styling.

The ID.4, Ionic 5, and EV6 are all on my list to look at used in maybe 3 years. We'll see what else pops up between now and then, but I would love either one of these. Nice video, I appreciate hearing the honest opinions.

Just got my ID4 after binge watching your ev videos for a few months. And I absolutely love it!!! The ONLY thing I don’t like about it is the sun visors lol 😂 otherwise, love it

i was waiting for this. Thanks Kyle!. I have an ID4 AWD on order. Ioniq 5 is really tempting.

Something to consider in comparisons is seat to ground height also in these CUV's

Great video 7 months with my ID4 still loving it.

Thank you for this as it’s info that’s needed out there!

You can put a Thule roof rack and roof box on the ioniq. They have a kit available.

Just got a 2023 id.4 pro s comming from 2020 TLX A-Spec I love the suv feel of the ID.4 daughter just turned 1 I needed a bigger car that was high of the ground to access baby car seat easily where ionic 5 I felt was a little too small from the inside rear room space

When you do the suv ev comparison -- please show the cargo floor with seats down and measurement. Thx for all the great reviews.

As for the roof racks: in Europe there are already some options to put roof racks on the Ioniq 5. The roof is rated to carry up to 80 kg / 175 lbs load while driving.

Have a reservation for the id4 but chose it over the ioniq 5 for a couple reasons and one big one being the glass roof!

Nice review Kyle. I've heard that the Ionic 5 only can update the infotainmentsystem over the air and not the rest of the car. Do you have other information?

Hi, Love your reviews. I am ready to get my first EV car. Have been driving my escape hybrid for the last 15 years and ready to upgrade. Deciding between the ID4 and the Ioniq 5 but my main concern is the seating height. I do not like low seats, it's harder to get in and out of the vehicle. Which of the 2 have a better seating height? Thank you.

My local Hyundai dealer in the Seattle burbs just got in a few of these 5s. I was actually glad to see the upper spec model without glass roof. Can't help but think of extra weight, noise intrusion and solar intrusion (despite what all the OEMs say).

Cool watching your channel. I just moved away from Fort Collins. Watching these videos make me miss it. I’m guessing you guys live or do business out of FOCO

I think a comparison of the most road trip worthy one. I have a Mach e and model y and I’m considering which is best for road trips, not only a network thing, though it is a factor, but the ability to add accessories like a roof rack or camping in the car and the ability to keep ourselves entertained or quicker charging. Maybe I’m asking for things I can already answer somewhat, but I’m asking anyways for that comparison. I think if we could add wheels into the comparison so there could be light off-roady things thrown at it… just some thoughts.

Areas I'm interested in during car comparison you mentioned at beginning of video... After Tesla V11 and Kia EV6 having to choose between controls for media or HVAC in center controls, I'm interested how easy and how well displayed are normal functions. Fan temp/speed, media volume, defroster, heated seats, viewing wh/mi efficiency, trip odometer while driving. How easily accessible and well presented are these necessary common functions. Also, which cars have heat pumps and well thought out battery temperature management.

As someone who lives in Arizona, I can only buy the Ioniq 5 Limited, very specifically for the air vents to the back row that are in a good location.

Thanks for the video . Does id 4 youse more KWh with the roof box fitted?

Our purchasing choice for 2022 is going to be between the Ionic5 and the Ariya. Sure hope that we have a chance to drive the Ariya before an ionic five limited is offered to us with no mark ups or add-ons

My next ev I'll need range for longer traveling. Currently I have 22 MiniSE. Not into just charging to 85% too. Wouldn't faster charging degrade battery in IONIC 5? vs a relatively slower DC charge?

Can the forward collision be turned off on the ioniq 5? On the 2019 kona ev it almost killed me by slamming on the brakes on the highway for no reason. It could only be turned off per drive, not permanently. Or another question is, have they improved it? The bolt ev has what I would consider much better forward collision. It warns me and only slams on brakes if 100% necessary.

Which has the better headlights? And do either have front passanger seat lumbar support?

Picked up my ID4 about 6 weeks ago - very happy with it. More ground clearance, AWD, and looks were my major decision points. Some of us prefer the more traditional look of the ID4. As for charge speed - normal daily charging from home makes this irrelevant - on road trips, by the time I take my nature break and get back to the car it is charged so really not a factor.

I like your reviews. You tend not to "follow the crowd" as much as a lot of RU-vidrs. I've got an ioniq 5 and have two id.4's on order, so I'd love to see what my impressions are after driving both over time. I also have a Polestar 2, which blows away both of these cars as far as fun factor(and infotainment) goes. Things I will be looking forward to with the I'd.4 is the rear wiper, wireless carplay and factory trailer hitch. I find it odd that most reviewers tend to leave those advantages of the VW out.

When you do the big comparison between all of the SUV/CUV, it would be nice if the info was on a spreadsheet that could be downloaded

I ordered an Ioniq 5 for my wife and a Tesla Model 3 Performance for myself. Both cars have not been delivered yet, but I am very excited.🎉🎉🎉 As everyone knows, Hyundai is not the best as an internal combustion vehicle maker. However, it has made tremendous progress over the decades. Hyundai as a maker of EV vehicles can be said to have reached the highest level.

From the spec, they both are great. I just can't get into my head that either a Hyundai or Kia is even the price. wise worth the cost. I am in line for an ID.4. And the charging curve for me is very good for the ID.4. Coming from a Bolt.

If you drive the Ioniq 5 in the colder climates and if that door handle freezes over with ice...good luck getting it open. ID 4 door handle for the win.

One benefit of ID is that you get 3 year free ev fast charging with electrify canada, and a lot of vw dealers in Canada have a fast charge at their parking space. some are free and some are exclusive for VW cars depends on which dealer. I live in a condo, there is no way I can charge it at home. So locations of those chargers is kinda important so, leaning more towards Id.

This is helpful! We have an ID.4 1st Edition that will be bought back by VW due to the lemon law. Debating whether to get an IONIQ 5 SEL or another ID.4. At the end of the day, it's largely about availability.

Hello. I have put in my reservation on the ID4. Maybe you could get VW to come on your channel and explain and help update their reservation portal with better updates and status. Their site is horrible. We should be able to see where we stand on the reservation time line. I almost cancelled and bought a model 3. Thank you for all the great videos.

My daily commute to work is 65 miles one way and I drive on average 140 miles a day 5 times a week. With that said, I cruise around 70MPH most of my commute. I have a Model Y ordered, but I do like what Hyundai/Kia is offering with the Ioniq 5 and EV6. I just don't have enough input and hope that you can guide me to the right platform. I did own a 2021 Model Y, but I was just not ready for a EV then. Now I think it is time.

Actually, you can put rails on the Ioniq 5. The mounts have plastic covers on them that can be removed (according to our salesman) and rails added. I haven't tried it because I currently don't have a need for them.There is also a trailer hitch for the Ioniq 5.

I found it much easier to find a ID4 at sticker than a Hyundai or Kia, in fact it's was difficult to find ANY dealer at $5k over, most were $8-10k over, add in the $3.5k price difference and were talking an extra $10 grand or $150 a month on a lease, so for $150 a month, they SHOULD be way better cars, the real question is are they worth $150 per month more.

I just placed order for ID.4 AWD Pro because of good price, SUV ride, free charge, tax credit rebate,higher ground clearance, and good on snow.

I love the Ioniq 5 now question. Big difference between both in price as well.

Great Review - one question reviewers never answer - how does the EV cope with High Heat environments? My Nissan Leaf recently cut my available HP/Power due to hot batteries - am not long distance road tripping, was just urban driving around town, 114 degrees outside and the thing cut into tortoise mode with no warning and it was very frustrating as the last leg was freeway for 3 miles to get to my exit, how do these cars cool batteries whilst driving?

Would you buy a Ionic 5 if it couldn’t be serviced in your home state? I’m visiting Fl right now and live in Wisconsin.

Hows the audio systems in these I need my S.O.S band and Kraftwerk?

Kyle, On the ID4 was it colder in the car due to the glass roof?

I heard the suspension of the ID4 is not comfortable in many reviews; by comparing it to Ioniq 5 is there a big difference?

i prefer the lower seating also. I have a Tesla 3 LR now but the 5 would be a good choice when replacing.

Very good review of what I perceive as 2 very good cars. Believe I would go for the Hyundai. Together with Munro you are one of just a few US RU-vidrs making sense.

I’m still waiting for my AWD id4 that I ordered since April 2021! So I’m getting a 2021 model in 2022. I wanted to cancel my order a long time ago but I can’t get anything in place of it cuz you can’t find a new car today. Very frustrating!

I was looking at Tesla MY and was hoping to be able to compare it with a Nissan Ariya. I had seen pictures of the ID 4 but it wasn’t really on my radar to buy. Then I saw one in person and I fell in love with the styling. After watching a few of your videos I ordered one but my dealer found a First Edition that I could buy right away, so I bought it. I’m not really lured toward the Ionia 5 from the vids and pics but I’m sure that it looks impressive in person, just like the ID4. I love my ID4 and I’m sure I’d live the Ioniq 5 as well. But with these being so closely matched I still favor the VW just based on brand familiarity. One question though - VW says the ID 4 really isn’t targeting other EV drivers as much as those who are currently in a CRV or Rav 4. Have you thought about doing this comparison?

So far, I’ve seen lots of American test of the Ioniq5 but non show the vehicle to Load versatility and adapter?

Nice one just running comparo ourselves for 3 evs as well !

Me owning an enyaq iV 60 will always go for the ID 4 as it offers more of what I need for my family: space, comfort, seating position, security features, Dior handles, rear window whiper... Although I very much like the looks of the Ioniq 5 I would only use the superb charging speed 1-2 a year. But as always: very individuel choices to be made. I do not think that the one is better than the other. It depends. Greetings from Germany.

On England the sticker price is the price, if a dealer should try and up the price he would get battered, I ordered my Id4 52 kw for £31000 and hopefully will get the car in April.

Hey Kyle, as a nerd it would be nice when you talk about 800v systems that you explain you only pay for amps in heat which affects charging speed.

Which has the cheaper spare parts , especially the exteriors body parts?

Oh damn, the lane scooching thing was a complaint I had with my Subaru Eyesight system. The lane centering works great... until I'm next to a Semi and don't want to be exactly in the middle of the lane.

One big question I'd wonder about. Ice!! What would happen with a glaze of ice on the doors. How would you get in?? Cannot wait to see the massive review with all the cars

As far as I know, the Hyundai/Kia doesn't have LED matrix lights. My ID4 (in Europe) does, and I understand the higher end US cars are also equipped with them, but it's turned off via software, although they have recently changed the rules to allow them so should be enabled soon I think. Once you drive at night with them, it's a big deal. You put full beams on, and the car dips lights in areas with streetlights, but on open road without it selectively blacks out and steers the light around other cars. As well as being very cool to watch, it makes driving at night so much easier.

which one has better build quality and reliability?

Leaning towards the ID4 at the moment as I see it as the most rounded and practical car and better value. Test drove one last week and also noted the lack of any way to put the parking brake on when stopped, then found what you mentioned: Europe has it. It looks like it's a software thing - will North American cars get an OTA for this and/or will newer models get it??

Is a 0-100% DC charging curve for the ioniq 5 coming?

Bought VW id 4 pro S with 82kwh battery in December. Was able to get it for under 46k Pretty happy with it so far. Getting true mileage of about 180 miles for 80% charge. Like the one pedal drive and auto brake feature. Interactive system not as good as other car makers but not horrible. Fairly roomy interior. Great car for in town driving. Not sure it would be great for anything further than 150 miles. Free charging for 3 years is unlimited but only available in 30 minute increments. This was deal breaker for me. No more gas for me.

Lane changing is suppose to be coming in 2022 to the ID.x in an over the air update.

V2L on the Hyundai - or is this only in the up-spec model?

As far as I can tell, the VW site doesn't tell you range or efficiency where you build and price the ID4. Seems odd to not know the range when buying one.

I'm looking forward to a comparison of the DRIVE of the ID.4 and Ioniq 5 RWD and AWD models. I've tested both cars (as well as the EV6, which I rejected for visibility reasons). It's hard to compare when there are weeks between test drives, but my sense is that I like the drive of the Ioniq better--feels less weighty and ponderous, though I agree the head space in the VW driver's seat is great. It is hard in my town (in Oregon) to find any of these models to try, so I can't do a comparison drive of AWD and RWD. I don't need the 0-60 specs, just a sense of how the cars move, how much you have to "give 'em gas," etc. I drove a Bolt before the Great Recall and miss that floating on air sensation of a small electric car. However, I need more space and definitely more range--as well as a car not inclined to catch fire. Can someone comment on the comparative rides of the AWD and RWD on dry pavement? If AWD is more agile, by comparison is RWD more comfortable and bump-absorbing?

Availability is a huge thing... even here in the UK. Its a year for an ID4, Ioniq 5 was about 4 months now up to 7 months.

It'd be interesting to see charging speed at low temperatures in comparison. The Ioniq has been heavily criticized for only getting up to 80kW in the cold, while I got 100kW with the ID.4 (after half an hour with 100km/h). Of course when the battery is nicely conditioned, the Ioniq has a huge advantage over the ID.4 where I only got 125kW...

fast charging is fine but how long will the pack last? if you have to drop 20k to fix the pack at 125k miles (just out of warranty) that is gonna suck. THAT is the real question.