Surrounded by Tesla Owners I'm Choosing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for Its Smooth Ride and Unique Appeal

For years, Tesla has dominated the electric vehicle (EV) market with BYD, becoming the go-to brand for those looking to switch from gas to electric. With its innovative technology, impressive performance, and a loyal fanbase, Tesla seemed like the obvious choice for first-time EV buyers. However, as the EV market expands, more people are exploring alternative brands, and one contender that’s gaining a lot of attention is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. "Despite being surrounded by Tesla owners, I’m choosing the Ioniq 5 for its smooth ride, unique design, and overall appeal," writes Kevin Forrer in Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV group on Facebook.

First Impressions: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Offers More Than Meets the Eye

I recently came across a post by Kevin Forrer, who says he is about to purchase his first EV - a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. In a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners group, Kevin shared that many of his friends drive Teslas, but he was leaning toward the Ioniq 5. He asked the community about their experiences before making his final decision. What followed was a flood of positive replies from Ioniq 5 owners, offering valuable insights into why this EV stands out.

A Smooth Ride and Zero Issues: Owners Love Their Ioniq 5

One of the first responses came from Susan Clizbe, who shared her experience with the Ioniq 5 SEL AWD. "I love mine. It’s a 2024 Ioniq 5 SEL AWD. Nine months and 13,500 miles with zero issues," she wrote. This is a big deal because many people, especially first-time EV buyers, worry about the reliability of an electric vehicle. But Susan’s experience suggests that the Ioniq 5 is not just reliable but durable, even after significant mileage.

Jules Sherman, another Ioniq 5 owner, chimed in with a similar story. "I purchased a pristine used ‘22 AWD Limited in Digital Teal with a gray interior. I now have 36,000 miles on it and have had no issues. I couldn’t be happier. It’s such a pleasure to drive," he said. Jules' point about driving pleasure is crucial—EVs aren’t just about tech and range. The driving experience matters, and Jules’ comments highlight how the Ioniq 5 delivers on comfort and enjoyment, key factors that set it apart from the competition.

Range Anxiety? Owners Say You’ll Get Over It

A common concern among new EV owners is range anxiety—worrying about whether the car will have enough battery charge to get from point A to point B. Susan admitted she had some anxiety at first, but said she quickly got over it: "Minor range anxiety at first, but I got over it." For new EV drivers like Kevin, it’s reassuring to know that range anxiety is more of an adjustment period than a long-term issue.

Once drivers get used to the charging infrastructure and understand their vehicle’s range capabilities, the anxiety fades. The Ioniq 5 offers a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, depending on the model, which is comparable to many Tesla models and more than enough for most daily driving needs.

Charging Convenience: Level 2, Level 1, and Fast Charging Options

One point that often comes up when comparing EVs is the convenience of charging. Many Tesla owners install Level 2 home chargers, which provide a faster charge than the standard Level 1 charger that plugs into a regular wall outlet. But Susan shared that she’s been fine using a Level 1 charger: "Everyone will tell you that you need a Level 2 charger, but I’ve been happy with Level 1 and DC fast charging when I have a busy day." This flexibility in charging options is another plus for the Ioniq 5.

However, for those who want faster home charging, several Ioniq 5 owners do use Level 2 chargers. John Schetino, who owns a 2022 Ioniq 5 AWD, noted that he uses a Level 2 charger, but what really makes a difference for him is that he has solar panels at home: "I have a Level 2 charger and solar at home, so I’m charging on sunshine." Charging with renewable energy like solar adds an extra layer of eco-friendliness to the Ioniq 5 experience, which is a bonus for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Battery Health: Minimal Degradation Over Time

Battery degradation—how much a battery’s capacity decreases over time—is another major concern for EV owners. But Mark Miller, who has been driving a 2022 Ioniq 5 RWD SEL for a year, shared that his battery is holding up incredibly well. "I’ve driven 20,000 miles and used my OBD2 and Car Scanner to check my battery health. My numbers indicate maybe 0.9% degradation after a year of ownership," he explained. This minimal level of degradation after 20,000 miles is impressive and shows that the Ioniq 5’s battery is designed for long-term use.

Mark also mentioned that he’s still on his original 12-volt battery, another good sign for the vehicle’s durability. He even compared the Ioniq 5 to Tesla: "It’s quieter, smoother riding, often faster charging, and better looking than the Tesla Model Y." That’s high praise, considering how popular the Model Y is among EV enthusiasts.

The Tesla Comparison: Ioniq 5 Holds Its Own

One thing Kevin mentioned was that many of his friends own Teslas. This brings up the inevitable question: How does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 compare to Tesla models like the Model Y?

Several Ioniq 5 owners, like Mark Miller, have drawn direct comparisons, and many find that the Ioniq 5 holds its own—or even surpasses Tesla—in key areas. For one, the design of the Ioniq 5 is a major selling point. With its retro-futuristic look, it stands out on the road, offering a unique aesthetic that Tesla’s minimalist design lacks.

Then there’s the driving experience. Owners describe the Ioniq 5 as quieter and smoother, which means it offers a more comfortable ride than Tesla models. Charging speed is another area where the Ioniq 5 shines, thanks to its advanced 800V charging architecture, allowing it to charge faster than many competitors, including Tesla in some scenarios.

More Charging Options: Access to Tesla Superchargers

Another exciting development for Ioniq 5 owners is that they will soon have access to Tesla’s MagicDock chargers and Supercharger network, which has long been one of Tesla’s key advantages. Susan mentioned that Kevin should download the Tesla app because “you can use their MagicDock chargers now, and all of them by next year, with an adapter." This means that Ioniq 5 drivers will soon enjoy access to one of the most extensive charging networks in the world, giving them even more flexibility when on the road.

Final Thoughts: The Ioniq 5 Stands Out

Despite being surrounded by Tesla fans, I’ve chosen the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for several reasons. From its unique design and smooth driving experience to its flexible charging options and minimal battery degradation, the Ioniq 5 offers a lot of what Tesla does—and in some cases, more. Whether it’s the quieter ride, faster charging, or even just the joy of driving something that looks a little different, the Ioniq 5 proves that there are worthy alternatives to Tesla in today’s EV market.

For those like Kevin, who are considering their first EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands as a top contender, offering a well-rounded package that combines practicality with pleasure.

Also, see 5 Important Things To Know About The Hyundai Ioniq.

Have you had any personal experience with the Hyundai Ioniq 5? I would love to hear your thoughts! Share your story in the comments below, and let us know how you think the Ioniq 5 stacks up against the Tesla Model Y—whether it's the driving experience, charging, or overall appeal.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

Image by John Goreham, who reviewed the Ioniq 5 and it's linked in the article above.