The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been one of the standout EVs of recent years, so much so that we crowned it our 2024 Car of the Year. Back then, besides being one of the most impressive electric cars on sale, it was also among the most affordable in its segment. And when compared with rivals like the BYD Sealion 7 and BMW iX1, the Ioniq 5 came out on top thanks to its comfort, practicality and value.

Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape has changed. Hyundai has updated the Ioniq 5, and the biggest talking point is its larger 84kWh battery. But in the process, this value-focused EV has become one of the most expensive options available.

Tesla, meanwhile, has dropped prices. The Model Y now starts at just under Rs 51 lakh, undercutting the Ioniq 5 and transforming itself from one of the pricier alternatives into the more affordable option. With the pricing hierarchy flipped, this comparison has become more interesting than ever.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Exterior design

The Tesla Model Y is the larger vehicle overall, although the Hyundai counters with a longer wheelbase. Neither car follows a traditional SUV or sedan template, with muscular proportions and aggressive styling, but the Ioniq 5 stands out with its retro-futuristic design language, blending hatchback and crossover cues into a shape that is both distinctive and characterful. That said, its styling will continue to divide opinion.

The Tesla, by comparison, plays it a little safer. It too wears a crossover body style, but with a minimalist design that is unlikely to offend anyone. Frameless windows and a unique tail-lamp treatment with a hidden light bar add some flair to its otherwise fuss-free styling. 

It’s worth noting that Tesla lists ground clearance at 167mm (unladen), while the Ioniq’s figure is specified as laden, coming in at 163mm. In the real world, the Tesla occasionally scrapes over unusually large speed breakers, while the Hyundai clears most of them despite its longer wheelbase.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Interior and features

Tesla’s non-motorised flush door handles remain a usability frustration, requiring an awkward push-and-pull action to operate. On the inside, the Model Y’s cabin embraces minimalism to an even greater extent. Even the air vents are hidden. The lack of design elements looks clean, but this and the choice of materials diminish the sense of occasion one expects at this price point.

Taking centre stage, quite literally, is a massive touchscreen. Nearly every function is controlled via the screen, including controls for the frunk, tailgate, glovebox, climate control, seats and steering, and mirror adjustments, among many others. This over-reliance on the touchscreen is daunting at first, but Tesla’s software experience is exceptional. The interface remains the benchmark for responsiveness, fluidity and overall usability.

The steering wheel features multi-function controls that take some time to get accustomed to. The high-beam flasher is integrated into the steering wheel too. Thankfully, the indicators and power-window switches remain physical controls. The lack of buttons might seem futuristic, but it often feels as though technology has taken precedence over usability. There are two charging pads, and below them sits an unusually bulky centre console that robs the cabin of some of its sense of space. Hampering usability further is the exceptionally deep storage area, which requires you to stretch to reach items placed inside.

The front seats look simple and are surprisingly comfortable, with heating and ventilation functions. The rear seat is equally comfortable, although the seating position is somewhat low, resulting in a knees-up posture. What’s nice is that the backrest reclines to a comfortable angle. Rear-seat passengers are also treated to a dedicated touchscreen capable of controlling climate functions, streaming content and even gaming.

One major drawback is that the sunroof still lacks a dedicated sunshade, causing the cabin to heat up considerably under the afternoon sun. The rear windows also miss out on sunshades.

The Ioniq 5’s interior takes a more balanced, user-friendly approach. Not only does it get motorised pop-out door handles, but its cabin also combines touch-sensitive controls with physical buttons and knobs, creating an environment that feels intuitive from the moment you step in.

Material quality is impressive, and where the Hyundai truly excels is in comfort and practicality. Storage areas are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, and the sense of space is outstanding, making the Ioniq 5 particularly easy to live with.

The front seats are broader and more comfortable, with extensive adjustment, including an ottoman-style leg support. Both front seats can be set up in a ‘zero-gravity’ position, where your back is reclined and legs lifted on the ottoman, making it very comfy. Plus, you can have the seats cooled or heated too, which adds to the relaxing experience. Rear-seat comfort is equally impressive, thanks to a bench that both slides and reclines. While it doesn’t get a dedicated rear screen like the Tesla, it does offer window sunshades and a 3-pin socket to power larger electronic devices.

The Tesla regains some lost ground when it comes to luggage-carrying capacity. Its front luggage compartment is broader and deeper than the Ioniq’s, and its boot is more spacious too. Additionally, it offers even more storage space beneath the boot floor. The Ioniq 5, on the other hand, not only falls a bit short in outright boot capacity, but also has a relatively higher loading lip, making it slightly more challenging to load heavy luggage.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Powertrain and performance

Hyundai has increased the battery size from 72.6kWh to 84kWh (gross capacity) while continuing to use Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry. This feeds a 229hp/350Nm rear-mounted motor, which is 12hp more than before. However, the larger battery has pushed kerb weight up to 2,165kg, which is 150kg more than the outgoing version.

In contrast, the Model Y uses a 64kWh (gross capacity) battery with Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry, powering a 299hp/420Nm rear-mounted electric motor. While it is significantly more powerful, the Tesla is also 162kg lighter. As a result, its performance feels considerably stronger. It feels quicker off the line, accelerates harder and responds more eagerly to throttle inputs than the Hyundai. 

Tesla keeps things simple with just two drive modes: Standard and Chill, the latter serving as an economy setting. Impressively, Chill mode remains highly usable and, despite being toned down, still accelerates as strongly as the Hyundai in its sportiest setting.

To put its performance into perspective, the Model Y accelerates from 0-100kph in just 6.19 seconds in Standard mode and reaches its 203kph top speed in roughly 25 seconds. Even in Chill mode, it completes the 0-100kph run in a respectable 8.25 seconds, just 0.28 seconds slower than the Ioniq 5. More interestingly, the Tesla reaches 160kph in 18.58 seconds, making it 1.6 seconds quicker to the mark.

In the Model Y, regenerative braking has just two modes – Standard and Reduced – and the retardation is seamless, though quite strong when you lift off the accelerator. Notably, Standard mode generates stronger deceleration than the Ioniq 5 in its most aggressive single-pedal setting. And while both cars support true one-pedal driving, the Tesla’s implementation feels more natural and intuitive. The Ioniq, though, with its multiple levels, can be set up to have retardation feel more ICE-like and thus very familiar.

Turning our attention to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it may not dominate traffic-light drag races, but the good news is that power delivery is exceptionally smooth, and the overall driving experience feels highly refined. It offers multiple drive modes that alter part-throttle responses, steering feel and brake-pedal feel, although outright acceleration remains largely unchanged between them.

In general, the Ioniq 5’s cabin feels slightly more hushed than the Model Y’s, with a quieter motor and lower levels of road and tyre noise. Notably, though, the Tesla’s frontal sound insulation is exceptional – from inside the cabin, you would swear its horn is rather meek, but we assure you, that isn’t the case.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Ride and handling 

On the move, the Model Y inspires confidence. High-speed stability is excellent, and it changes direction with greater eagerness compared to the Ioniq. The small-diameter steering wheel offers different weight settings, but even its lightest mode feels substantial; it isn’t that light, one-finger-twirl setup and does come across as heavy. Ride comfort also doesn’t feel particularly plush. The suspension is quite firm and thuds noticeably over potholes and broken surfaces, making it less suited to rough Indian roads.

The Ioniq 5 takes a different approach. It feels far more comfortable and user-friendly, thanks to lighter steering and a softer suspension that, despite its 20-inch alloy wheels, absorbs road imperfections with much greater composure than the Tesla. The result is a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience. Sure, it doesn’t feel as sporty while changing direction and can feel a touch floaty at higher speeds, but that is a compromise many buyers will gladly accept for its low-speed pliancy and overall comfort.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Range and efficiency

For our real-world range test, we ran the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Eco mode and the Model Y in Chill mode, with the former’s regenerative braking set to Level 2 in the city and Level 1 on the highway, and the latter’s set to Standard in the city and Reduced on the highway.

As far as efficiency goes, the Ioniq 5 was more efficient in the city, delivering 6.22km/kWh, while the Model Y managed 5.84km/kWh. On the highway, the Tesla’s superior aerodynamics yielded 6.52km/kWh, whereas the Ioniq 5 managed 5.71km/kWh. However, thanks to Hyundai’s substantially larger battery, its overall average range extrapolates to 501km, comfortably ahead of the Tesla’s 371km.

As for charging performance, we plugged the Model Y into a 250kW Tesla Supercharger, where it achieved peak charging speeds of 183kW. However, the Model Y does not sustain such high speeds for long, and its 60kWh battery is charged from 20-80 percent SoC in 23 minutes. From there, it took an additional 30 minutes to reach a full charge.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 performs even better. Connected to a 360kW DC fast charger, its 800V electrical architecture enabled it to consistently maintain higher average charging speeds, peaking at 251kW. As a result, its 84kWh battery charged from 20-80 percent SoC in just 16 minutes. Like the Tesla, however, it required an additional 33 minutes to charge from 80 percent to full.

Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Verdict

The Tesla Model Y makes a compelling case for itself. It is quicker, more technologically advanced and backed by software that remains among the best in the automotive world. Crucially, it is now the more affordable option, making it a very tempting proposition. However, its over-reliance on the touchscreen, heavy steering, a firm low-speed ride and limited range due to the smaller battery count against it.

In comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains the more rounded package. Its superior ride comfort, more intuitive cabin, significantly longer real-world range and impressive charging performance give it a clear edge where it matters most. More importantly, it feels better adapted to Indian roads and daily usage, thanks to its lighter steering and more comfortable ride.

At current prices, though, the Hyundai no longer holds the value card, nor does the brand command the same equity or snob value as some similarly priced rivals. But judged purely on its merits, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 continues to be the best all-round EV at this price point and thus gets our vote.