After Kia lowered lease prices this week, the automaker’s EV6 is now the same price to lease as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric crossover. Which EV are you going with?
Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. Kia EV6: Which EV is right for you
Hyundai and Kia are often grouped together because the former owns about a third of the latter, and the two share auto components and production.
However, they are not the same vehicles. Each automaker has a unique design philosophy that shows through each car. For example, Kia’s EV6 embodies the brand’s “opposites united” design vision with a new Kia logo, modern grille, auto sensor door handles, and more.
The EV6 electric sport crossover features the latest tech, including dual panoramic displays, an augmented reality head-up display, Meridian premium audio, and an onboard power generator (V2L).
Inside, you will find premium seating for up to five adults, up to 50.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and more.
Kia Drive Wise provides safety features such as a surround-view monitor, auto emergency braking with evasive steering assist, blind spot collision avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist 2.
2023 Kia EV6Kia EV6 GT (Source: Kia)Kia EV6 GT2023 Kia EV6 interior
For performance fans, Kia also offers a 576 hp EV6 GT version that will beat a Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder off the line (and keep up with the Porsche Taycan GTS).
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, on the other hand, has been deemed the ultimate family car (or for anyone who likes a versatile EV), checking all the boxes, including a bold exterior design, spacious interior, comfort, reliability, and safety. Like the EV6, the IONIQ 5 leads Hyundai into the EV era with a new design approach.
As such, the IONIQ 5 features a unique clamshell hood, flush door handles, and parametric pixel lights, giving a high-tech look.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Source: Hyundai)
The inside of the IONIQ 5 features up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an EV tech display, a 12.3-inch touch screen, and fully relaxing seats in the front.
Meanwhile, the IONIQ 5 and EV6 share the same E-GMP platform, providing a unique long base and 800 V fast charging capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 electric models available below.
2023 trims
EPA range (miles)
EPA-est MPGe (combined)
Horsepower
Starting Price (MSRP)
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range
220
110
168
$41,450
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE
303(RWD) 266(AWD)
114(RWD) 101(AWD)
225
$45,500
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SEL
303(RWD) 266(AWD)
114(RWD) 101(AWD)
225
$47,450
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited
303(RWD) 266(AWD)
114(RWD) 101(AWD)
225
$52,600
Kia EV 6 Light (RWD)
232
117
167
$42,600
Kia EV 6 Wind (RWD)
310
117
225
$48,700
Kia EV 6 Wind (e-AWD)
282
109
320
$52,600
Kia EV GT-Line (RWD)
310
117
225
$52,900
Kia EV GT-Line (e-AWD)
252
96
320
$57,600
Kia EV GT
206
79
576
$61,600
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs 2023 Kia EV 6
According to an incentive bulletin sent to dealers (via CarsDirect) this week, the Kia EV6 lease prices were lowered by $30 per month. This makes it the same price to lease as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 despite the higher MSRP.
In California, the EV6 Wind is $399 for 36 months, with $4,999 due at signing for 10,000 miles a year. The IONIQ 5 SE Long Range is also listed at $399 monthly, with $4,999 due at signing. According to the report, both vehicles will have an effective cost of $528 per month and can qualify for incentives, including the $2,000 California Clean Vehicle Rebate.
At the same price, which electric model are you taking?
Discover great prices at nearby dealers by using our links. Explore the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6 now.
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Climate XChange’s Annual EV Raffle is back for the 10th year running – and for the first time ever, Climate XChange has two raffle options on the table! The nonprofit has helped lucky winners custom-order their ideal EVs for the past decade. Now you have the chance to kick off your holiday season with a brand new EV for as little as $100.
About half of the raffle tickets have been sold so far for each of the raffles – you can see the live ticket count on Climate XChange’s homepage – so your odds of winning are better than ever.
But don’t wait – raffle ticket sales end on December 8!
Climate XChange is working hard to help states transition to a zero-emissions economy. Every ticket you buy supports this mission while giving you a chance to drive home your dream EV.
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Here’s how Climate XChange’s 10th Annual Raffle works:
Image: Climate XChange
The Luxury Raffle
Grand Prize: The winner can choose any EV on the market, fully customized up to $120,000. This year, you can split the prize between two EVs if the total is $120,000 or less.
Taxes covered: This raffle comes with no strings – Climate XChange also pays all of the taxes.
Runner-up prizes: Even if you don’t win the Grand Prize, you still have a chance at the 2nd prize of $12,500 and the 3rd prize of $7,500.
Ticket price: $250.
Grand Prize Drawing: December 12, 2025.
Only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle.
The Mini Raffle (New for 2025)
Grand Prize: Choose any EV on the market, fully customized, up to $45,000. This is the perfect raffle if you’re ready to make the switch to an EV but aren’t in the market for a luxury model.
Taxes covered: Climate XChange pays all the taxes on the Mini Raffle, too.
Ticket price: $100.
Only 3,500 tickets will be sold for the Mini Raffle.
Why it’s worth entering
For a decade, Climate XChange has run a raffle that’s fair, transparent, and exciting. Every ticket stub is printed, and the entire drawing is live-streamed, including the loading of the raffle drum. Independent auditors also oversee the process.
Plus, your odds on the Luxury and Mini Raffles are far better than most car raffles, and they’re even better if you enter both.
Remember that only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle and only 3,500 for the Mini Raffle, and around half of the available tickets have been sold so far, so don’t miss your shot at your dream EV!
Climate XChange personally works with the winners to help them build and order their dream EVs. The winner of the Ninth Annual EV Raffle built a gorgeous storm blue Rivian R1T.
How to enter
Go to CarbonRaffle.org/Electrekbefore December 8 to buy your ticket. Start dreaming up your perfect EV – and know that no matter what, you’re helping accelerate the shift to clean energy.
Who is Climate XChange?
Climate XChange (CXC) is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies because they’re critical in accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions economy. CXC advances state climate policy through its State Climate Policy Network (SCPN) – a community of more than 15,000 advocates and policymakers – and its State Climate Policy Dashboard, a leading data platform for tracking climate action across the US.
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The CSC Monterey – one of the most charming little electric scooters on the US market – has dropped to a shockingly low $1,699, down from its original $2,899 MSRP. That’s nearly half off for a full-size, street-legal electric scooter that channels major Honda Super Cub energy, but without the gas, noise, or maintenance of the original.
CSC Motorcycles, based in Azusa, California, has a long history of importing and supporting small-format electric and gas bikes, but the Monterey has always stood out as the brand’s “fun vibes first” model. With its step-through frame, big retro headlight, slim bodywork, and upright seating position, it looks like something from a 1960s postcard – just brought into the modern era with lithium batteries and a brushless hub motor.
I had my first experience on one of these scooters back in 2021, when I reviewed the then-new model here on Electrek. I instantly fell in love with it and even got one for my dad. It now lives at his place and I think he gets just as much joy from looking at it in his garage as riding it.
You can see my review video below.
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The performance is solidly moped-class, which is exactly what it’s designed for. A 2,400W rear hub motor pushes the Monterey up to a claimed 30 mph or 48 km/h (I found it really topped out at closer to 32 mph or 51 km/h), making it perfect for city streets, beach towns, and lower-speed suburban routes.
A 60V, roughly 1.6 kWh removable battery offers around 30–40 miles (48-64 km) of real-world range, depending on how aggressively you twist the throttle. It’s commuter-ready, grocery-run-ready, and campus-ready right out of the crate.
It’s also remarkably approachable. At around 181 pounds (82 kg), the Monterey is light for a sit-down scooter, making it easy to maneuver and park. There’s a small storage cubby, LED lighting, and the usual simple twist-and-go operation. And it comes with full support from CSC, a company that keeps a massive warehouse stocked with components and spare parts.
My sister has a CSC SG250 (I’m still trying to convert her to electric) and has gotten great support from them in the past, including from their mechanics walking her through carburetor questions over the phone. So I know from personal experience that CSC is a great company that stands behind its bikes.
But the real story here is the price. Scooters in this class typically hover between $2,500 and $4,500, and electric retro-style models often jump well above that.
At $1,699, the Monterey is one of the least expensive street-legal electric scooters available from a reputable US distributor, especially one that actually stocks parts and provides phone support.
If you’ve been curious about swapping a few car errands for something electric – or you just want a fun, vintage-styled runabout for getting around town – this is one of the best deals of the year.
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In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss a big Tesla Robotaxi setback, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV, Bollinger is over, and more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. Sales end on Dec. 8th for its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
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After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:
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