Hyundai IONIQ 5 78·Kia EV6 68on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai IONIQ 5 about $3,497 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,497 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Kia EV6
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 versus 2026 Kia EV6.
Metric
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Kia EV6
MotiveGrid Score
78
68
Cost of Ownership
79
73
Powertrain
58
61
Driver Assistance
49
22
Livability
40
36
Safety
100
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$45,716
$49,213
Depreciation (5-yr)
$21,455
$23,309
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,585
$4,413
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,795
$11,115
Maintenance (5-yr)
$955
$955
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$5,266
$5,702
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$1,670
Starting Price
$35,000
$37,900
Horsepower
168 hp
168 hp
Electric range
245 mi
237 mi
Cargo volume
27 cu ft
24.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Electric
2026$35,000
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$37,900
MSRP
$37,900
Mo · 5yr
$820
$49,213 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai IONIQ 5 scores higher overall.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
Kia EV6
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
IONIQ 5
79
EV6
73
Winner: IONIQ 5
$3,497 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
IONIQ 5
58
EV6
61
Winner: EV6
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
IONIQ 5
49
EV6
22
Winner: IONIQ 5
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
IONIQ 5
40
EV6
36
Winner: IONIQ 5
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,497 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia EV6 still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
Kia EV6
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$820
$49,213 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$820/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out about $3,497 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
