FYI: Hyundai and Kia are leading the charge in the electric vehicle market, combining efficiency, affordability, and high performance to appeal to a wide range of customers. Their latest performance EVs, the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, are set to dominate drag strips and daily commutes alike.
Hyundai and Kia Electrify the EV Performance Market
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the electric vehicle (EV) market, you likely know that Hyundai and Kia have made significant strides with their latest offerings. From efficient and affordable everyday cars to performance-driven EVs like the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, these automakers are setting new benchmarks. Also, exciting high-end models like the EV9 GT are in the pipeline, further solidifying their robust portfolio.
When it comes to performance, the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N are designed to not just meet but exceed expectations, potentially putting traditional muscle cars like Camaros and Mustangs to shame. But which one truly reigns supreme in the performance EV arena? YouTube channel Edmunds Cars tackled this question in their unique ‘U-Drag Race,’ where each vehicle competes in a quarter-mile drag race, brakes for a U-turn, and sprints back to the starting line.
Power Comparison: Kia EV6 GT vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Kia EV6 GT
- Configuration: Dual-motor AWD
- Weight: 4,811 lbs
- Power: 576 hp
- Torque: 545 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 120.3 mph
- Quarter-mile Time: 11.5 seconds
- 0-60 mph: 3.52 seconds
- Cornering G-Force: 1.08 G
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Configuration: Dual-motor AWD
- Weight: 4,871 lbs
- Power: 601 hp
- Torque: 545 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 123.6 mph
- Quarter-mile Time: 11.2 seconds
- 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
- Cornering G-Force: 1.06 G
Both vehicles share a similar platform and are almost neck-and-neck in specs, making this a thrilling showdown.
Race Day: The Ultimate Test
In the U-Drag Race, the Ioniq 5 N was set to custom mode with Launch Control enabled, optimizing its settings for an all-out performance assault. Meanwhile, the EV6 GT was in its GT mode, primed for maximum output yet appearing disadvantaged on paper.
From the get-go, the two EVs were evenly matched, but as they neared the quarter-mile marker, the Ioniq 5 N’s superior power started to make a difference. By the finish line, the Hyundai had outpaced the Kia significantly.
To rule out any driver-related discrepancies, the drivers swapped cars in a subsequent race. The Ioniq 5 N again dominated, even more so when the driver activated the N-Grin Boost mode, unleashing even more power for the final sprint.
Performance Analysis
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Ioniq 5 N:
- Reached 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
- Completed the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds.
- Top speed achieved was 123.6 mph.
- Final U-Drag time was 33.2 seconds.
- EV6 GT:
- Reached 60 mph in 3.52 seconds.
- Finished the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds.
- Top speed achieved was 120.3 mph.
- Final U-Drag time was 34.0 seconds.
The Ioniq 5 N now holds a commendable 12th place on Edmunds’ U-Drag leaderboard, between the Lucid Air Grand Touring and the Corvette Stingray.
Conclusion: A New Contender in Town
Ultimately, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerges as a new formidable challenger, outpacing the previously unbeaten Kia EV6 GT. Edmunds noted that despite its weight, the Ioniq 5 N handles remarkably well and bursts forward with agility on the final sprint. The EV6 GT, while slightly less powerful, remains a high-performing vehicle that can humiliate most gas-powered cars and pass the "significant other" test with flying colors.
For an in-depth look at these astonishing vehicles in action, check out the full video. Thinking about adding one to your garage? Let us know which one caught your eye in the comments below.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
