The electric vehicle (EV) market has transformed dramatically over the past few years, moving from niche curiosities to mainstream contenders. As showcased in the video above, two prominent players in the rapidly expanding electric SUV segment are the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the 2023 Nissan Ariya. These vehicles represent the cutting edge of consumer-friendly EVs, offering a blend of futuristic design, advanced technology, and practical utility. However, as with any emerging technology, not all electric SUVs are created equal. This detailed comparison delves deeper into how the Ioniq 5 and Ariya stack up, building on the insights from the video to help you navigate your next EV purchase.
The Evolution of Electric SUVs: The Nissan Ariya’s Journey
Nissan was an early leader in the EV space, notably with its Leaf model, which held the title of the best-selling electric vehicle globally until 2020, when the Tesla Model 3 took the lead. This history set high expectations for Nissan’s follow-up, the Ariya. Originally slated for a late 2021 debut, the Ariya faced delays due to the unprecedented global supply chain issues and chip shortages that plagued the automotive industry during 2020. This postponement meant the Ariya entered a far more crowded and competitive landscape than initially anticipated.
Had it launched as planned, the Ariya would have primarily contended with just a few rivals, such as the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Instead, it arrived in a market brimming with strong competitors, including the Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, and Toyota bZ4X, alongside the established players. This intense competition elevates the stakes for any new entrant, requiring exceptional performance and features to stand out. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, in particular, had already established itself as a formidable force, earning the coveted Edmund’s Top Rated Award for Best Electric SUV, setting a high benchmark for new challengers like the Ariya.
On the Test Track: Performance and Handling
When evaluating electric SUVs, performance is a critical factor, not just for thrill-seekers but also for everyday driving confidence. Edmund’s rigorous testing provides valuable data, and the findings from their test track offer a clear picture of how these two electric vehicles perform under pressure.
Despite the Ioniq 5 having approximately 70 fewer horsepower than the Ariya, it proved to be quicker in both the 0-60 mph sprint and the quarter-mile. This counterintuitive result is largely attributed to the Ioniq 5 being about 400 pounds lighter, showcasing that raw power isn’t the only determinant of acceleration. Nissan’s advertised 0-60 mph time for the Ariya was 4.8 seconds, a figure that Edmund’s testers were consistently unable to replicate, regardless of their efforts. This discrepancy highlights the importance of real-world testing versus manufacturer claims.
Both the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 2023 Nissan Ariya offer ample power for daily commutes and occasional spirited driving. However, their handling characteristics diverge significantly. The Ariya, particularly in Sport mode, exhibits a tendency for quick steering ratios that can make the front end feel overly eager, leading to a sensation of the car diving into turns. This often results in pronounced body lean, giving the impression of potential understeer if not managed carefully. While comfortable on regular roads, the Ariya struggles under hard braking, with noticeable instability and wiggle felt through the steering wheel, making it challenging to maintain a straight line.
Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Driving Impressions
The daily driving experience of an electric SUV extends beyond just acceleration figures; it encompasses comfort, responsiveness, and intuitive controls. The Ioniq 5, in stark contrast to the Ariya, offers a more cohesive and solid driving experience across the board. While it does exhibit some body roll in corners, Edmund’s testers describe it as a controlled, “old-school Mazda way” kind of roll. This allows the driver to feel connected to the vehicle’s movements without ever feeling sloppy or out of control. The Ioniq 5’s steering is sharp, and its suspension masterfully handles quick changes in direction, maintaining composure even on a demanding test track. Its braking performance is also noted for its solidity and predictability.
A key difference between these two electric SUVs lies in their approach to one-pedal driving. The Ioniq 5 provides a true one-pedal driving experience through its “I-pedal” mode, allowing the vehicle to come to a complete stop simply by lifting off the accelerator. This feature is highly favored by many EV drivers for its convenience and ability to maximize regenerative braking. The Ariya, on the other hand, offers something akin to it called “E-step.” While E-step provides significant deceleration, it notably fails to bring the vehicle to a full stop, continuing to roll at low speeds. This inconsistency can be frustrating for drivers expecting a full one-pedal experience, often requiring a manual brake input at the last moment.
Design Philosophy: Styling Inside and Out
A vehicle’s design plays a crucial role in its appeal, influencing first impressions and long-term satisfaction. When the Nissan Ariya first debuted in 2020, its futuristic design was fresh and impactful. However, by 2023, the market has seen an explosion of uniquely styled EVs, making the Ariya’s aesthetic less singularly striking. It shares stylistic cues with other electric SUVs like the Volkswagen ID.4, though the Ariya distinguishes itself with unique exterior details, such as the “Kumiko pattern” detailing in its grille, inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, conversely, continues to turn heads with its distinct retro-futuristic, 1980s-inspired styling. This design choice, incorporating sharp angles and pixelated lighting, remains incredibly fresh and unique. While styling preference is subjective, for those seeking the most forward and distinct aesthetic between the two, the Ioniq 5 unquestionably takes the lead. The Nissan Ariya is not an unattractive vehicle by any means, but its design impact has diminished as the EV landscape has evolved.
Interior Comfort, Practicality, and Technology
Step inside these electric SUVs, and you’ll find different philosophies at play regarding comfort, storage, and technological integration.
Nissan Ariya Interior Highlights:
- **Materials:** Generally good, with comfortable seat and dash materials. Hard plastics are minimal and placed in less-touched areas.
- **Controls:** Features haptic climate controls integrated into a wood trim piece. While haptic controls can be controversial, Nissan’s execution is commendable, providing clear feedback and responsiveness.
- **Center Console:** A powered, sliding center console offers flexibility but sacrifices significant storage space. The center console storage is notably small, suitable perhaps for only a tin of mints.
- **Wireless Charging:** Conveniently placed but shallow, potentially allowing phones to slide out during hard braking.
- **Unique Storage:** A hidden storage bin emerges from under the screen, compensating for the lack of traditional glovebox space.
- **Infotainment:** Dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia. While high-resolution, the multimedia system’s navigation and fonts feel somewhat dated compared to modern smartphone mirroring apps, despite some Google integration.
- **Rear Seats:** Two recline settings for passenger comfort. Includes heated outboard rear seats, two USB ports, and air vents.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Interior Highlights:
- **Materials:** While perhaps not as plush as the Ariya’s top-end materials, the Ioniq 5 still offers a very pleasant and well-designed cabin.
- **Dashboard Layout:** Ergonomic and intuitive, with controls easily within reach, eliminating the need to lean forward.
- **Central Storage:** Far superior to the Ariya. It features a non-powered, easily movable center console that opens up a cavernous amount of space. This includes a large primary bin, a massive open floor area perfect for a purse or small bag, and an additional cubby.
- **Infotainment:** Similar side-by-side screen setup (likely 12.3-inch displays). The instrument cluster is less cluttered, offering better clarity. Hyundai’s menu structure is highly praised for its simplicity and ease of use, with essential functions typically just one or two presses away.
- **Wireless Connectivity:** A notable drawback is the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. Furthermore, the two front USB ports are charge-only, meaning the data connection port is located higher up, potentially creating cable clutter in the open floor plan.
- **Rear Seats:** Offers four or five different recline settings, providing significantly more flexibility for rear passengers.
Both electric SUVs boast functional interiors, but the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out for its superior central storage solutions and more user-friendly infotainment interface. The Ariya, while offering some nice touches like its haptic controls, struggles with practicality in key areas like storage.
Advanced Safety Features: A Closer Look
Modern electric SUVs are expected to come equipped with comprehensive safety suites and driver-assist technologies. Both the Ariya and Ioniq 5 offer a robust array of features, but their execution differs. The Nissan Ariya boasts some more advanced features that the Ioniq 5 lacks, such as a rearview camera mirror and ProPilot 2.0. ProPilot 2.0 offers a hands-free highway driving system, similar in concept to GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s BlueCruise, which can be highly appealing for long-distance travel. When ProPilot 2.0 is in its blue, hands-free mode, it performs commendably, effectively tracking the vehicle and monitoring driver attention.
However, the Ariya’s overall execution of safety systems can be inconsistent. For instance, when ProPilot 2.0 is not in hands-free mode (indicated by a green screen, representing regular adaptive cruise control), the system frequently fails to detect when the driver’s hands are on the wheel, leading to unnecessary warnings. Another peculiar aspect is the Head-Up Display (HUD), which only shows blind spot warnings when adaptive cruise control is active. This means if you’re driving in a city environment without cruise control, a useful safety alert is absent from the HUD. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, while not offering hands-free highway driving, provides a more cohesive and seamless experience with its safety features. Its HUD consistently displays blind spot warnings, and its auto lane change function operates smoothly. The Ioniq 5’s systems might do less overall, but they do what they promise with greater reliability and user-friendliness.
Range, Efficiency, and the Bottom Line
For many prospective EV buyers, real-world range and efficiency are paramount. Edmund’s real-world EV range test provides an impartial assessment of how far these electric SUVs can travel on a single charge. The results were remarkably close: the Nissan Ariya achieved 265 miles, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 managed 270 miles. Both vehicles slightly exceeded their EPA estimates, a positive outcome for consumers.
It’s crucial to note, however, that the Ioniq 5 achieved its slightly longer range with a smaller battery pack. This indicates that the Ioniq 5 is significantly more efficient than the Ariya, capable of traveling further on less energy. Efficiency not only impacts range but also long-term running costs and charging times.
When all aspects were weighed in, Edmund’s awarded the Nissan Ariya an overall rating of 7.1. In contrast, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 received an impressive 8.3, solidifying its position at the top of Edmund’s All-Wheel Drive Electric SUV leaderboard and earning it the prestigious Edmund’s Top Rated Award for the year. While the Ariya is not a poor vehicle—it excels in certain areas and offers compelling features—its delayed entry into a highly competitive market, coupled with some execution flaws, prevented it from achieving a higher ranking. The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 simply delivered a more polished, coherent, and competitive package, making it a standout choice in the growing segment of electric SUVs.
Unplugging Your Electric SUV Questions: Ioniq 5 & Ariya
What electric vehicles are being compared in this article?
This article compares two prominent electric SUVs, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the 2023 Nissan Ariya.
Which of these electric SUVs can drive further on a single charge?
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 achieved a slightly longer real-world range of 270 miles, while the Nissan Ariya managed 265 miles.
How do the interior storage and technology differ between the two vehicles?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers superior central storage solutions and a more user-friendly infotainment system. The Nissan Ariya features good materials and haptic controls, but its center console has less practical storage space.
Do these electric SUVs offer a feature that allows for ‘one-pedal driving’?
Yes, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 provides a true ‘I-pedal’ mode for one-pedal driving that brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The Nissan Ariya’s ‘E-step’ feature decelerates but does not fully stop the vehicle.
Which electric SUV received a higher overall rating from the reviewers?
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received a higher overall rating of 8.3 and the ‘Edmund’s Top Rated Award for Best Electric SUV,’ compared to the Nissan Ariya’s 7.1 rating.