Skoda Enyaq vs. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Duel of the Electrics!

Things sure move at a breakneck speed in the electric car domain, and 2023 is no exception. With more new electric models hitting UK roads this year than ever before, it’s hard for potential buyers to determine the right time to make the switch. Amidst this flurry of releases, two vehicles that have caught significant attention are the Skoda Enyaq and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Exterior Design: Skoda Enyaq vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Skoda Enyaq bears a resemblance to Skoda’s established design language but evolves it for the electric age. With its imposing grille, which surprisingly remains prominent despite not being needed for cooling an internal combustion engine, it’s unmistakably Skoda. The grille is framed with sleek LED headlights, imparting a modern yet familiar face.The side profile showcases a more traditional SUV silhouette, with a raised stance and robust wheel arches. Its smooth lines and limited creases give it an elegant appearance, reducing visual clutter. The rear is adorned with a full-width light bar, a design choice becoming increasingly popular in the modern automotive world.

While Skoda is known for its understated and practical designs, some might find the Enyaq’s exterior to be a bit too conservative, especially in a segment where bolder and more futuristic designs are becoming common.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, on the other hand, takes a more radical approach. Inspired by Hyundai’s 45 Concept, the Ioniq 5’s design feels retro-futuristic. Its angular lines, combined with pixel-inspired lighting elements, provide a unique identity that’s hard to miss on the road.From the front, the Ioniq 5 sports a clamshell hood which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional in reducing panel gaps, and thus, improving aerodynamics. The car’s profile is characterized by a sharp beltline and flush door handles, adding to its sleek look. Unlike the Enyaq, the Ioniq 5 has a more hatchback-like silhouette, despite its size. This gives it a sportier stance, further accentuated by its large angular wheel arches.

The rear mirrors the front’s pixel design in the taillights and carries the angular theme. It looks modern and, to some eyes, might seem more like a gadget than a car, reflecting the tech-focused era we live in.

Interior and Space: Skoda Enyaq vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Skoda Enyaq offers an interior that seamlessly marries tradition with the contemporary. It maintains the brand’s signature clean and functional aesthetic, incorporating modern touches that reflect its electric heart. Premium materials, coupled with minimalistic design elements, create an ambiance of understated luxury.The central infotainment display is sleek and intuitive, offering a hub for both entertainment and vehicular functions. As with the exterior design however, the interior doesn’t stand out enough for an all new EV.

Space

One of Skoda’s hallmarks has always been offering ample space, and the Enyaq is no exception. Thanks to its dedicated electric platform, the car offers a flat floor, maximizing legroom for both front and rear passengers. The boot space is generous, making it suitable for family outings or longer journeys that require substantial luggage. The rear seats can also be folded down to accommodate larger items, adding to its versatility.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 presents an interior that is a departure from the norm. Its design ethos can be described as ‘tech-forward’, highlighted by a dual-screen setup that spans from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard. This setup provides both the driver’s display and the central infotainment system.Minimal physical buttons and a futuristic gear selector emphasize the car’s next-gen appeal. You wont even find a Hyundai logo on the steering wheel. Instead , it is substituted by 4 LED lights continuing the pixel theme.

Space

The Ioniq 5 boasts a spacious interior, a direct benefit of its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The absence of a central tunnel grants passengers more space and freedom to move about. One of the standout features is the “Universal Island”, a movable center console, which can be shifted to create more space, particularly beneficial for the front passenger.

Both cars, thanks to their ground-up EV design, maximize space, making them ideal for families. However, when it comes to boot space, the Enyaq offers a slightly larger 585 liters compared to the Ioniq 5’s 531 liters.

Batteries, Range, and Charging

Battery and Range: The Enyaq offers two battery sizes. The more substantial option is a 77 kWh battery that delivers an impressive range of up to 327 miles. For many drivers, this would cover more than a week of typical commuting without needing to recharge.  Skoda has incorporated a 125-kilowatt charger into the Enyaq. However, this isn’t standard. If you want this faster charger, you’ll need to pay an extra £440; otherwise, you get a 50 kWh charger as standard. While this might seem like a substantial amount, the faster charging can be quite beneficial for those long trips or last-minute charging needs.

Battery and Range: The Ioniq 5, similar to the Enyaq, offers two battery options. The one in focus here is a slightly smaller 73 kWh battery. While this might seem like a disadvantage, the Ioniq still manages a commendable range of just under 300 miles. Hyundai’s 800-volt electrical charging system is where the Ioniq 5 genuinely shines. Comparable to what you’d find in luxury electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan or the Audi e-tron GT, this system can charge at speeds of up to a staggering 350 kilowatts. In real-world terms, if you’re at a compatible high-speed charging station, you could add 60 miles of range to the Ioniq 5 in just five minutes! This feature is standard for all UK Ioniq 5 models.

In terms of raw range, the Skoda Enyaq slightly edges out, but when you consider charging capabilities, the Ioniq 5 races ahead, especially for those who prioritize quick charging on long journeys.

Driving Experience

The Enyaq feels a tad sharper and sportier in its handling. Its response to driver input might surprise some, especially those expecting a more laid-back ride commonly associated with family cars. The power delivery of the Enyaq is smooth and linear. It’s not overly aggressive, making it aptly suited for its positioning as a family car. It strikes a balance between being fun and practical.

On a test drive, the Enyaq demonstrated decent efficiency, averaging around 3.8 miles per kilowatt-hour. Although this is slightly lower than its claimed range, it remains commendable.

The Ioniq 5 feels more refined, calm, and mature. Its wheelbase is notably long, which is evident in the stability it offers, especially at higher speeds. The Ioniq 5 is both swift and smooth. Its delivery of power feels effortless, and the car manages to maintain a quiet and relaxing atmosphere inside, even during acceleration.

Pricing and Incentives

The Skoda Enyaq’s entry-level model starts at a competitive £32,000 after the plug-in car grant. A more specced-up Sportline version, which we reviewed, sits at £42,900. On the other hand, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, in its “Ultimate Edition,” comes in slightly steeper at £45,000, although there are cheaper models available.

Verdict

Both vehicles, without doubt, represent a giant leap forward in the electric vehicle market. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with its rapid charging and a unique design language. In contrast, the Skoda Enyaq, despite its more traditional stance, offers a better range and larger space.

If fast charging and futuristic aesthetics are your priorities, the Ioniq 5 is hard to resist. However, for a balanced family car that’s both spacious and efficient, the Skoda Enyaq might just edge out as the victor.