The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia Niro EV are pretty similar cars. The Kia Niro has recently received some major upgrades for the 2023 model year. Several changes have been made to the hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and EV models which increase its value to consumers.

So, how do they relate to their competitors? Here are four reasons to consider the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 over the 2023 Kia Niro EV.

1. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 offers more torque than the Kia Niro EV

Torque is important for your vehicle because it tells you how much twisting force the vehicle can put out. This, in turn, can help determine how fast your vehicle can go, as well as how much towing capability it has. Torque is also a key component of AWD systems, as your vehicle sends torque to all four tires without input from the driver. 

It’s not quite as simple as picking the vehicle with the most torque, as there are many other factors to take into consideration, but in many cases, more is better. According to Hyundai, the 2023 Ioniq generates 258 lb-ft of torque. This is 70 lb-ft of torque more than the 2023 Kia Niro EV, which only produces 188 lb-ft.

2. Ground clearance is close, but Hyundai has the advantage

Ground clearance is crucial for anyone who wishes to go off-road. The higher height allows your vehicle to go over obstacles, which would damage the chassis of a vehicle with less ground clearance.

It’s also important on paved roads because a greater ground clearance means the vehicle can absorb more shock. For anyone who has ever ridden in a muscle car that bounces over paved roads and jars you so hard you’d almost rather walk barefoot on gravel roads, you understand what this means.

Kia reports that the Niro EV has a ground clearance of 5.9. The Hyundai Ioniq has more, with 6.1 inches. To be fair, that’s a negligible amount but the Ioniq 5 comes out on top.

3. Kia offers virtually no towing capability on the Niro EV

If you’re planning to go camping, to the lake, or have a job where you need to haul heavy loads, the towing capacity is something that is crucial. While neither the 2023 Kia Niro EV nor the Ioniq 5 are capable of pulling massive boats and large campers, there are things they can pull.

Examples of things you can pull with one of these two vehicles include snowmobiles, jet skis, teardrop campers, small aluminum boats, ATVs, and A-Frame campers. 

It’s important to know the exact amount you can tow, as hauling too much weight can lead to accidents. This is why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes out on top yet again. It can tow up to 2,300 lbs.

In comparison, the Kia Niro EV can only tow up to 1,653 lbs. This is a difference of 647 lbs, which is nothing to scoff at. Keep in mind that towing may reduce the range of your electric car.

4. Hyundai offers an all-wheel drive version of the 2023 Ioniq 5

Winter is on the way, and unless you live in a mild climate, this means messy weather. The roadways can quickly become treacherous from snow, sleet, and even ice. Because of this, it’s very important to have a vehicle that can handle what Mother Nature is blowing out.

This is why AWD is such an excellent option to have. If you live in areas where the snow falls thick, then 4WD might be a better option, but it’s not necessary to have.

While AWD is not standard on the Ioniq 5, it is an available option. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all have AWD options. The SE Standard Range, which is the base trim of the Ioniq 5, does not.

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Niro EV does not offer AWD on any of its trims. In fact, it is an FWD vehicle only. While this may not be a dealbreaker for Kia lovers, it’s certainly something that should be taken into consideration.