Considering the Switch to EV … Ioniq5 or Model 3?

General Discussion Forum
21

I had a 2023 Model Y Long Range and traded it in for a 2023 Ioniq 5 SEL AWD. Glad to now have dedicated controls for lights, wipers, drive mode, regenerative braking level, etc.

In a Tesla, you basically have to stop the car to do some of those things (yes, even the glovebox). And sure, some will say they can do that while driving but it takes your eyes off the road.

My insurance dropped in price when I switched to Hyundai.

There are more Hyundai shops than Tesla shops, if you need work done.

Hyundai doesn’t appear to publicly side with a political party, so less divisive.

Tesla has better software and a more reliable charging network, if you plan to do road trips. But non-Tesla charging stations have improved greatly over the past year.

I’d suggest starting in normal driving mode (instead of ECO or Sport) and set your regenerative braking to level 2 and use the accelerator and brake pedals, just so it feels more familiar initially. Then try regen level 3 or iPedal when you’re not in traffic so you can get familiar with the difference. iPedal basically allows you to drive and stop using only the accelerator, similar to a golf cart.

Owning an EV is a blast for me and many others. It’s worth doing research on the differences, so you’re off to a good start.

22

@Vanya
Well thanks! Appreciate the insightful response! I consider Tesla because it seems everyone has one but the Hyundai looks snazzy and Hyundai is a reliable car brand for the most part so that’s what sparked my interest. The whole charging network has made me a bit worried considering there’s a bigger network with Tesla but should be fine as a whole considering it wouldn’t be a road trip car but more a daily commuter.

23

@Kasey
Keep in mind, Tesla has been opening their chargers to other brands and should continue to do so every few months. At that point, buy an adapter and use their chargers. Also, some of their chargers have universal adapters, so you could use those without having to buy your own. I like having my own though.

One thing I forgot to mention is that our Tesla wasn’t distinctive. So that got old quickly, seeing the same model and color so many times, often within a span of minutes.

24

Fwiw I think the Ioniq6 is a closer comparison to the Model 3. I just switched from a 2020 Model 3 to an Ioniq 6 and I’m very happy with it.

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Denver said:
Fwiw I think the Ioniq6 is a closer comparison to the Model 3. I just switched from a 2020 Model 3 to an Ioniq 6 and I’m very happy with it.

Is that the sedan that’s more curved and futuristic looking?

26

@Kasey
Yes, exactly. My experience with it is that it has a better ride quality and it’s quieter than the Model 3. Also, it’s easier to get in and out of. The Model 3 is probably a little bit faster and handles more like a sports car, whereas this is more like a luxury car, I would say.

27

@Denver
Might have to look into that. You seem to be thrilled to own one. That’s exciting because I’m not sure which one I really want to pursue until I drive all of them and see all the features.

28

I owned an Ioniq 5. It is the better car.

I helped my daughter purchase a Model 3. She has had it for 2 years. She had serious problems with rodent damage to the wiring and found their service department to be really bad. It has a cheap interior that is coming apart. She will be selling it next month to buy a Hyundai EV.

29

I have a Hi5 - bloody brilliant, mine’s the single motor-long range-ultimate (UK), only request would be more range I get from 330-190 miles weather dependent. Would recommend going for higher spec with HUD, Bose, 20".

30

We own a 2022 SEL RWD Hi5, EPA combined range 303 miles… (in town range is 360 miles, highway only is 250 miles.)

A few months ago we were considering a Model 3 or Model Y. Since we have a Tesla Depot in our city, I visited and looked at both cars in the showroom where I did a “sit test” for entry-comfort-egress.

I ruled out the Model 3 because you have to sit down into the car (front and rear) then climb up out of the car (front and rear), plus not much rear legroom, plus a cramped cabin feel. We sometimes drive elderly parents to appointments and family gatherings and the 3 just would not work.

Did the same test on the Model Y and all was much better than the Model 3. Easier entry and egress, more spacious cabin, and decent cargo capacity. The Y would be perfectly suitable.

Then I read about the Y. Very nice car but harsh ride, too much on the screen and almost zero buttons. Superior range and charging system.

Then I read about the Ioniq 5, which is often contrasted against the MY and chose the Hi5 for it’s ride, quiet, cargo, hatchback, very fast DC charging, and what I see as superior design of physical buttons for the things you need most often and ability to set preferences using the right hand screen.

We concluded that the Hi5 was right for us but could see why some would prefer the MY.

We used the federal point of sale $4,000 discount and bought a 2-year old car at $24,999 - $4,000 = $ 21,000 +TTL. The car had 34,000 miles and still under full warranty until 60,000 miles plus the longer battery and drivetrain warranties.

We are happy with this path in every way.

Suggest driving a Hi5. Our SEL is well appointed. A Limited would be even nicer.

31

@Harley
Thanks for the insightful response, appreciate that! I’m going to most definitely test drive an I5 after Thanksgiving and see how it feels. So much positivity for the Hyundai compared to anything else! And not just biased answers; it’s actually good thoughtful responses. You all are making it easier to eliminate the Tesla altogether

32

Love my 2025 I5N and not subject to the recall to my knowledge. Test drove the new M3P but it felt soulless compared to the N. I drove a Nissan GTR for 10 years and this feels like a more usable version of that before I threw a bunch of track mods at it.

33

One thing I don’t like about Teslas (and some other EVs) is accessing all of the controls via a touchscreen. If you look at the ‘dashboard’ of a Tesla, it looks like they glued an iPad-like tablet to the dashboard- otherwise, it’s very sparse. Many control settings are buried in a submenu of the tablet. The Ioniq5 has actual buttons- in the dashboard, on the steering wheel, or the steering column- that enable the driver to access key functions quickly. Also: for some functions Tesla requires a subscription fee for access. Personally, I think that buying a car means that you’re entitled to its full functionality.

34

Super happy with my '22 RWD I5, no major issues in 2 years and 27k miles, a few minor things because no car is perfect. The worst thing has been waiting for a replacement body panel since I got rear-ended at low speed. Just cosmetic damage right now but it’s been months. Hopefully soon. But otherwise, it’s been great.

35

@Addison
This is what I like to hear! I’m really interested in them. Definitely need to go test drive one but exterior-wise they are snazzy ha

36

I started off looking at the Ioniq 5 and 6 but went with the Kia EV6, which shares much with the Ioniqs. Worth looking at if you’re considering the Hyundais.

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Dane said:
I started off looking at the Ioniq 5 and 6 but went with the Kia EV6, which shares much with the Ioniqs. Worth looking at if you’re considering the Hyundais.

I’ve seen them, they just look pricey from seeing them drive around. Much fancier than a Tesla I feel ha never looked at prices though

38

Have Y and I5. I5 is a much nicer car. Tesla software and charging network are the only things that are better. I5 is better, and often significantly better in every other way.

39

I have both cars and I have to say I love the ride on the Ioniq much better. It’s so smooth. I don’t realize how fast I’m going sometimes. Also, it is so roomy in the front and the back. I own my Tesla Model 3 and I leased the Hyundai. The only reason why I didn’t buy the Hyundai because I hear the charger in the future model will be supported by Tesla chargers so I’m waiting for that.

40

This is a no-brainer. Buy the one not associated with Elon Musk