The federal clean-vehicle tax credit ended for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025, so the sticker price now matters more than ever, and two compact electric SUVs still define the mainstream: the Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EPA and NHTSA list the current five-seat Model Y as a 2026 model, and Hyundai's 2027 Ioniq 5 pricing took effect Aug. 3, 2026. Both now plug into Tesla's Supercharger network without an adapter, because the Ioniq 5 has a native NACS charging port.
Model Y vs. Ioniq 5 at a glance
| Metric | Tesla Model Y | 2027 Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $39,990 (RWD) | $35,250 (SE Standard Range RWD) |
| Destination/fees | $1,640 | $1,650 |
| Longest EPA range | 357 mi (Premium RWD) | 318 mi (RWD, 84 kWh) |
| Most efficient version | 24.3 kWh/100 mi (RWD, 18-in. wheels) | 29.0 kWh/100 mi (Standard Range) |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 29.5 / 74.8 cu ft, plus 4.0-cu-ft front trunk | 26.3 / 58.5 cu ft |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (with $1,000 hitch) | 2,700 lb (XRT with hitch) |
| NHTSA overall | 5 stars | Not rated |
| IIHS | Top Safety Pick+ (2027) | Top Safety Pick+ (2026) |
| Battery warranty | 8 yr/100,000–120,000 mi | 10 yr/100,000 mi |
Prices exclude destination; the federal EV tax credit no longer applies. EPA figures from fueleconomy.gov. NHTSA and IIHS results as published in early October 2026.
Price and range
Tesla sells the Model Y RWD at $39,990, AWD at $41,990, Premium RWD at $45,990, Premium AWD at $49,990 and Performance at $57,990, plus $1,640 in destination and order fees. A longer six-seat Model Y L Premium AWD costs $61,990. The 2027 Ioniq 5 runs from $35,250 for the SE Standard Range to $49,125 for the Limited AWD, with SE ($37,750 RWD, $41,250 AWD), SEL ($40,200 RWD, $43,700 AWD), Limited RWD ($45,225) and XRT AWD ($46,525) in between, plus $1,650 freight. Hyundai's 2027 prices are $150 to $400 higher than the 2026-model-year prices it set in July 2026.
The most interesting matchup is at the bottom of the long-range lineups. The Ioniq 5 SE RWD, with its 84-kWh battery, is EPA-rated at 318 miles for $37,750. The Model Y RWD is rated at 321 miles on 18-inch wheels, or 303 on 19-inch wheels, for $39,990. Spend more and Tesla pulls ahead: the Premium RWD is rated at 357 miles and the Premium AWD at 327, while AWD Ioniq 5s are rated between 259 (XRT) and 290 miles. The Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range offers 245 miles from a 63-kWh pack.
Efficiency, charging and space
Efficiency and performance
Tesla's efficiency advantage is large. The EPA rates the Model Y RWD at 24.3 kWh per 100 miles (138 MPGe combined) and the AWD at 26.5 kWh (127 MPGe). Comparable Ioniq 5s use 30.0 kWh (RWD, 114 MPGe) and 31.7 kWh (AWD, 106 MPGe). That means the Tesla uses 16 to 19 percent less electricity to cover the same distance, which shows up on every home-charging bill. Hyundai is more open about power: 168 hp for the Standard Range, 225 hp and 258 lb-ft for the long-range RWD and 320 hp and 446 lb-ft for AWD models. Tesla doesn't publish horsepower but quotes 0-60 mph times of 6.8 seconds for the RWD, 5.4 for the Premium RWD and 4.3 for the Premium AWD.
Charging
Tesla quotes peak Supercharging rates of 225 kW for the Model Y and Model Y AWD and 250 kW for Premium and Performance versions, with 144 to 182 miles added in 15 minutes depending on version. The Ioniq 5 is quickest on high-power CCS stations: Hyundai quotes a 10-80 percent charge in 20 minutes on a charger above 250 kW (using the included NACS-to-CCS adapter). On a 400-volt, 150-kW NACS charger, Hyundai quotes 30 minutes for the long-range battery and 24 minutes for the Standard Range.
Space and towing
The Model Y is the more practical hauler. Tesla's owner's manual lists 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, 74.8 cubic feet with it folded and a 4.0-cubic-foot front trunk. Hyundai lists 26.3 and 58.5 cubic feet for the Ioniq 5, plus a 0.85-cubic-foot front tray. A seven-seat option is available on the Premium AWD, and the Model Y L seats six. With its $1,000 hitch, the Model Y is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, while Hyundai lists 2,700 pounds for the XRT with its tow hitch.
Tech, safety and ownership
Every Model Y uses a 16-inch center touchscreen, and Premium, Performance and Model Y L versions add an 8-inch rear screen. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is standard, and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is offered by subscription at $99 a month. The Ioniq 5 pairs a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, adds a head-up display on the Limited, and offers Highway Driving Assist on SE models and Highway Driving Assist 2 on SEL, XRT and Limited.
Both are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners. The 2027 Model Y earns Good ratings in every crash test and for headlights and front crash prevention. The 2026 Ioniq 5 matches it in the crash tests but gets an Acceptable for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention, and its headlights are rated Good or Acceptable depending on trim. NHTSA gives the 2026 Model Y five stars overall and in every category; it has published only a five-star rollover rating for the 2026 and 2027 Ioniq 5. Hyundai has the stronger warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and EV battery, against Tesla's 4 years/50,000 miles basic and 8 years with 100,000 miles (RWD and AWD) or 120,000 miles (Premium, Performance and Model Y L) on the battery and drive unit.
Which should you buy?
Buy the Tesla Model Y. It is markedly more efficient, holds more cargo, tows more and has a complete set of five-star NHTSA ratings alongside its IIHS award. The Premium RWD, at $45,990 and 357 miles of EPA range, is the version to get if you can stretch. Otherwise, the $39,990 RWD covers most needs.
The Ioniq 5 is the better pick if price is the priority or you want Hyundai's longer warranty and faster charging on 350-kW stations. The SE RWD at $37,750 is the bargain: it offers nearly the same EPA range as the base Model Y for $2,240 less.
How we rated it: this comparison is based on manufacturer specifications and pricing from Tesla and Hyundai, EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA/IIHS results available in October 2026. Drive Edition has not road-tested these vehicles.