Which 2025 Electric SUV Fits Your Budget—ID.4, Ioniq 5, Or EV6

As of 2025, the Tesla Model Y remains the most popular electric crossover option, and by a very noteworthy margin, despite suffering from drastic sales declines over the last few months. If you’re looking for a well-rounded alternative to this, the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 will make for exemplary options to consider. These are all comprehensively specified electrified SUV options that will perfectly fulfill your daily driving needs. The big question is, which one offers the best value overall, which is admittedly a tough one to answer.

Based on this year’s Q2 results, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is currently the front-runner in the sales race, with 19,092 individual copies sold. The Volkswagen ID.4 follows this with 9,655 individual unit sales, while the Kia EV6 trails behind with 5,875 sales. We do have to point out that the EV market has noticed a noteworthy dip, which is a trend that is likely to continue to have a very dramatic effect now that the clean air tax credit is coming to an end. With Tesla’s sales figures steadily declining, one of these three alternatives is likely to be the one that ultimately puts up a strong fight, especially now that the Ford Mustang Mach-E is also suffering from a drop in demand.

To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources.

Pricing Breakdown

All three brands keep pricing pretty competitive across all three EV SUV options. The ID.4 is the most expensive of the lot, but it features a slightly more powerful electric motor and battery pack. The base Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are mechanical twins, which is why they feature the same pricing strategy. Interestingly, the Ioniq 5 is the only model that you can get with a lifestyle-minded off-roading package, which isn’t a flagship trim, but it’s still a cheaper offering than the flagship ID.4 Pro S Plus.

Note: prices do not include destination charge/fees.

Note: prices do not include destination charge/fees.

Note: prices do not include destination charge/fees.

Styling: Unique Design Philosophies Suiting Different Aesthetics

The Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 stand out as three of the most important electric crossovers shaping today’s market. Each brings a distinct design philosophy that makes them worthy of comparison. The ID.4 carries a clean and understated look that leans on Volkswagen’s familiar design language. The Ioniq 5 takes a bold retro-futuristic approach with sharp lines and pixel-inspired detailing. The EV6 strikes a sportier stance with sleek proportions and a coupe-like profile. Together, they represent three unique interpretations of modern electric mobility, offering a clear view of how design sets the tone in this competitive segment.

We have to highlight the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as the best-designed option in this match-up, based on how its exterior incorporates a blend of retro and futuristic design elements that give it a distinctive but familiar SUV look. Its proportions break away from the conventional crossover template thanks to its slightly elongated wheelbase, short overhangs, and sharp geometric surfaces. The pixel-themed lighting signature at the front and rear is a key element that sets it apart from its rivals. It comes across like an understated cue, but it works really well at creating a seamless design that flows into the body and creates a cohesive identity that feels modern yet timeless. Neither the ID.4’s restrained curves nor the EV6’s sporty aggression fully manage this level of design consistency.

The Volkswagen plays things really safe with its design to the point where it looks a bit too generic with a rounded and anonymous silhouette. We give credit to the EV6’s designers for pushing visual dynamism by incorporating a low roof and swept-back form, but that approach compromises rear visibility and interior space in the name of style. In this regard, we have to point out once again that the Ioniq 5 balances visual drama with practicality, offering a wide stance and crisp detailing, which communicates visual innovation while remaining functional for daily use. It strikes a perfect balance that doesn’t come across as too conservative or polarizing.

Performance: The South Koreans Have The Germans Beat

The Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 are each available with a selection of single and dual electric motor configurations with rear and all-wheel drive layouts. Across the trio, the South Korean duo comes out on top in terms of balancing performance and efficiency. The dual-motor models produce 320 horsepower, which is admittedly lower than the ID.4 Pros S Plus, but their 446 pound-feet of torque output makes up for the deficit over the VW’s 410 pound-feet output. Using this configuration, both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 dual-motor models can cover a 0-60 MPH sprint in around 4.7 seconds, besting the VW’s 4.9-second claim.

We do have to give the ID.4 the nod when it comes to the base model, as it generates 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet versus the Hyundai and Kia’s 168-horsepower and 258 pound-feet output, but if you specify the extended battery pack, the rear-wheel-drive E-GMP models benefit from a 225-horsepower state-of-tune. On the efficiency front, the base Kia EV6 is the best contender by far, as it consumes 29 kWh per 100 miles and covers 237 miles on a single charge.

It’s really difficult to give Volkswagen the nod when comparing performance, as it returns poorer energy efficiency ratings and range claims across the catalog. The German brand has invested substantial amounts in its EV development program, but it just falls short in terms of finding the right balance of performance and efficiency when you put it against the Hyundai Group’s contenders. It’s not miles behind in this department, but in the EV sphere, it’s clear that every fractional difference matters when looking for market success.

Interior: The Ioniq 5’s Sleek Interior Sets The Standard

The Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 all deliver modern cabin layouts with tech-heavy features, but the Hyundai stands out as the most complete and thoughtful package. The ID.4 focuses on simplicity, with a clean dashboard and minimal physical controls, but its reliance on touch-sensitive sliders and a smaller infotainment screen in base models feels less intuitive compared to its rivals. The Kia EV6 adopts a driver-oriented layout with a curved display and sporty touches, but its design can feel tighter and more confined, especially in the rear, where the sloping roofline compromises headroom.

In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 uses its stretched wheelbase to create a flat floor and remarkably spacious interior, giving it an open, lounge-like atmosphere that neither the ID.4 nor the EV6 can match. Its sliding center console and reclining rear seats enhance flexibility, making the cabin adaptable for both families and individuals. Standard features on the Ioniq 5 include a dual 12.3-inch digital display setup with seamless graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of advanced driver-assist systems included in entry-level trims.

The EV6 and ID.4 offer similar technology, but Hyundai provides its contender in a clearer, more user-friendly format that feels futuristic and approachable. It also finds a more appropriate balance of digital and analog switches to maintain a familiar tactile feel. Generous passenger space, thoughtful ergonomics, and high-quality standard equipment make the Ioniq 5 a clear winner on the interior front, while also featuring the best blend of comfort and technology among the three.

Why The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Might Be The Better Buy

In the end, it’s really difficult for us not to give the Hyundai Ioniq 5 the nod of approval between the three rivals, which is something that the market clearly agrees with when you look at its quarterly sales performance. Hyundai has invested a great deal in putting a well-rounded EV SUV together, with a broad selection of drivetrains that cater to varying needs, with a consistent balance of performance and efficiency. Although it forms part of a completely separate model line, we also have to consider that the Ioniq 5 N adds another layer to the moniker, further portraying the full potential of the group’s E-GMP platform.

We do also have to highlight that both the Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6 are exceptionally accomplished EV SUV offerings, but they just don’t strike the same balance of performance, comfort, efficiency, and visual presence as the Ioniq 5. There’s something very appealing about the Ioniq 5’s approach to creating a minimalist-inspired EV that doesn’t feel as bare-bones as the Tesla Model Y’s interior experience, as well, which is why we’d go as far as to say it’s the best alternative to consider over America’s current favorite midsize EV SUV.