Head-to-head
Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Tesla Model Y starts $4,210 (6%) below the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai's retro-futuristic Ioniq 5 shares mechanicals with the Kia EV6 but adopts a more upright, lounge-like cabin and pixel-art lighting. The N performance variant brings tracky thrills to the family EV space.
- From
- $76,200
- Range
- 507 km
- Battery
- 84 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Battery · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 carries a 21.5 kWh larger battery (84 vs 62.5 kWh).
- 2
Range · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes 41 km further on a charge (507 vs 466 km WLTP).
- 3
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 327 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 527 L).
- 4
DC charging · advantage Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 accepts 63 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
Power · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y puts down 52 kW more (220 vs 168 kW).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $4,210
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 7.4s)
Where the Hyundai Ioniq 5 wins
- ▸ 41 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 170 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Hyundai Ioniq 5
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive design inside and out
- ✓ Class-leading 800V fast charging
- ✓ Cavernous flat-floor interior
What we don't
- ✕ 5-year vehicle warranty trails Kia
- ✕ Rear visibility hampered by tall belt-line
- ✕ Wide turning circle for the segment
Frequently asked: Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model Y or the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
- The Tesla Model Y is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $71,990 versus $76,200 for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, a $4,210 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 507 km, 41 km further than the Tesla Model Y's 466 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 170 kW for the Tesla Model Y. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model Y does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.5 s quicker than the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 7.4 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Tesla Model Y better value than the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
- On paper the Tesla Model Y is $4,210 cheaper, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want to save $4,210 on the sticker
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (327 L more boot)
Choose the
Hyundai Ioniq 5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (41 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: design-led buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.