New Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Tesla Model 3 vs Volkswagen ID 4: verdict

Our verdict

If you’ve been seduced by the Ioniq 5’s looks long before reaching this verdict, we aren’t surprised. And if that is the case then rest assured: you’ll be buying a very good electric car with a near-250-mile real-world range and the ability to recharge extremely quickly. It’s also the quietest of our trio, the easiest to see out of and, by a small margin, the most comfortable.

That isn’t (quite) enough to beat the Model 3, though. Tesla’s bestseller has the performance to put its rivals to shame, plus it’s the most fun to drive and the smartest inside. But what really seals the deal is Tesla’s unrivalled Supercharger network, which more than makes up for the car’s slightly shorter range compared with our other contenders.

The ID 4 has its strengths, namely practicality and safety, but less than a year after its launch, it already finds itself in the ‘also-ran’ ranks. A new dashboard layout and infotainment system would bring it closer to the class leaders.

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1st – Tesla Model 3

For Dedicated Supercharger network; most efficient; fastest acceleration; most standard kit; smartest interior; most fun to drive
Against Noisiest cruiser; firmest ride; shortest range
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read out full Tesla Model 3 review >>

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2nd – Hyundai Ioniq 5

For Longest official range; fastest charging capability; good visibility; flexible seating
Against Woolly handling; interior feels comparatively cheap; shallow boot
Recommended options Metallic paint (£585), V2L Pack (£365)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read out full Hyundai Ioniq 5 review >>

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Volkswagen ID 4

For Lots of rear space; big, practical boot; impressive safety score
Against Poor infotainment system; heaviest depreciation; slowest to charge; expensive options
Recommended options Heat pump (£1000)

What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5

Read out full Volkswagen ID 4 review >>

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Specifications: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 214bhp
Peak torque 258lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 6.9sec
30-70mph 6.1sec
Top speed 115mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 44.6m
Noise at 30mph 60.1dB
Noise at 70mph 65.3dB
Kerb weight 1910kg
Wheel/tyre size (std) 235/55 R19
Estimated range 247 miles
Official range 298 miles
Efficiency 3.4 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 73kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 232kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 11hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 18min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Specifications: Tesla Model 3

Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 321bhp
Peak torque 310lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 5.3sec
30-70mph 4.3sec
Top speed 140mph
30-0mph 8.3m
70-0mph 44.1m
Noise at 30mph 61.9dB
Noise at 70mph 68.0dB
Kerb weight 1684kg
Wheel/tyre size (std) 235/45 R18
Real-world range 214 miles
Official range 278 miles
Efficiency 4.2 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 51kWh (est)
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 170kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 8hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 21min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Specifications: Volkswagen ID 4

Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 229lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
0-60mph 7.8sec
30-70mph 7.5sec
Top speed 99mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 44.4m
Noise at 30mph 60.8dB
Noise at 70mph 67.0dB
Kerb weight 2109kg
Wheel/tyre size (std) 235/55 R19 (front), 255/50 R19 (rear)
Real-world range 231 miles
Official range 324 miles
Efficiency 3.0 miles/kWh
Battery capacity (usable) 77kWh
Rapid charging type CCS DC
Maximum charging rate 126kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 34min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Test weather conditions Dry

Cars pictured

Hyundai Ioniq 5 73kWh RWD Premium with Lucid Blue Pearl paint (£585)

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with Deep Blue metallic paint (£1100) and Black & White interior trim (£1100)

Volkswagen ID 4 77kWh Pro Performance 1st Edition with Blue Dusk metallic paint (£645) and Platinum Grey/Florence Brown interior trim

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