I would say Google infotainment is a disadvantage right now, not an advantage. For me, the XC40 just looks better, not like some design trying to be futuristic. I don’t think the Ioniq will age well.

 

Te equivocas diciendo que el infroentreteniemto de google es una desventaja. A futuro verás que no lo es.

 

That's a no-brainer to me: XC40!

My experience/thoughts on the Ioniq5:

• No route-planning
  When I testdrove, the car had 98% SOC. It told me, I would not come to my destination with it's charge and suggested charging stations 2 miles away. I mean, it's 2022???? The car costs a fortune!
• The whole system seemed very beta (we drove it, the first days it came out). E.g. to change the radio-channel you had to actually confirm, that you wanted to change channels.
• It did not deliver the No. 1 feature, that makes it interesting: 18 Min to 80%. Coldgate!
• I hated the navigations system and could not see, where it wanted me to turn or change lanes or anything. My husband actually got sick driving with the navigation
  
• Navigation had to be confirmed several times - no UX-feature

 

It sounds like you are “tuned into” the geographic location which will be your playground. I would guess your area is sunny and warm. For me, I like the driver's seat height you get with the XC40/C40. Since I drive in snowy conditions, I value the clearance I get with the Volvo. I was also seeking a smaller vehicle and my C40 is the perfect size for me. So, there you have it. Three more variables to add to the mix, seat height, clearance, and overall dimensions. As you would expect, one person’s Pro is another person’s Con. Main takeaway, buy the EV that is best for you and drive off happy. When you are happy with your decision making, it does not matter what is in your rearview mirror.

 

Really comes down to personal preference. If you want a car that screams “electric car” get the Ioniq5. If you want a lovely little suv that is electric get the Volvo. I love the AAOS system but it does have a shortage of good apps. I like the understated luxury of the Volvo. I would have probably been happy with the Ioniq but it’s less my style.

 

My 2 cents.. Which vehicle makes you "feel" good when driving it and happy to get back in it? I think the Ionic 5 is very good looking and cool but the style isn't going to go the distance. Yes, it's cool and almost futuristic-looking but IMHO, that'll get old and never become classic. The Volvo, is classy-looking and is already classic in it's design and look. The infotainment system in the Volvo has much to be desired and is not without it's own issues. However, since I also have a Polestar 2 and I actually like the system in it; I have hopes that Volvo will get their act together and make the necessary improvements. I've not driven the Ionic 5, so I can't speak about that, however, the ~25 mile difference is not enough (again, IMHO), to make the rating. I'd focus more on the speed of charge, battery size, and even location of charging for my typical driving routes. Personally, I try to never get that low in remaining miles for it to be a concern so I don't give that much consideration.

Either choice you make, we'd all love to know which way you choose and have a great time making it.

P.S. - distance to dealer also equates to distance to the service shop if needed..

 

Apples to cucumbers.
My suggestion for you would be that instead of creating a big list of pros and cons, outline a list of what you want of your future EV and see which one fits best to your needs/wants.

Don’t want to speak for others but I would say most of the current recharge owners considered the ioniq 5 at a certain point but the benefits of the Volvo out weighted the ones of the Hyundai.

On top of the car itself, look into the overall customer service, dealer service, insurance, etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Oh wait, why not both?🙂

 

Thanks very much for your insights and perspectives; the rationale for initiating the question was a result of watching endless video reviews of both vehicles, but not really seeing any actual user perspective. The reviewers typically only have the car for a short time and have no real financial or emotional investment. I am interested in obtaining what real owners think.

To perhaps provide a bit more information, my purchase time frame is most likely this fall, so there is time to evaluate other entrants, like the Ariya, RZ450e, Q4 etron, GV60, etc.

Again, I do appreciate your thoughts.

 

One advantage of the XC40 (and, to a lesser extent, the Ioniq 5) is that they will have been in production for a while now. The XC40 will be in its 3rd model year, so you will better know "what you're in for" regarding problems and pain points. And presumably many of the first model year problems will be addressed either by running production changes or system updates. The Ioniq 5 is a year newer, but I would expect the 2023 models to have a similar benefit form experience with the 2022's. Likewise with the Q4, which has at least been in use in Europe for a little while now. The GV60 came out most recently, but it may still see some fixes and improvements by 2023. For the Ariya and RZ, however, all bets are off. Consider yourself a beta tester if you buy either of those in 2023.

 

Go test drive both (or as many as you like) properly and choose the one that you prefer the most. Its not really that useful just watching videos or reading stuff online, its mostly just opinions.

 

Thanks for the reply, but I must respectfully disagree. Obtaining independent user information (e.g, Consumer Reports) is extremely valuable; can I assume that during my brief, maybe multiple test drives, am I going to think of every potential characteristic or the way the vehicle behaves in various circumstances? I certainly can't. IMHO obtaining this type of information provides a way for risk reduction.

 

+1 that you need to get in and drive each one. I was interested in the EV6, but immediately on sitting in one, the interior seemed cheap. I was surprised to feel so strongly about it.

 

I fell in love with the xc40 after test driving it for about 1 minute. Found one and canceled my Model y performance order. The mix of luxury, power, fantastic driving dynamics, perfect tech for me (Google Maps and Spotify) was exactly what I wanted. I also appreciate that it is a stealth ev. When I see the ionic on the streets it just looks silly to me.

 

We are same. Availability was a big deal too but I drove several ev’s and once I drove the xc40 I was finished.

 

It depends. At first the Ioniq5 was to be the next car and ev for me. But then the real tests showed up on the internet such as cold gate charging, the lack of OTA updates(might be or not fixed in the future), crappy navigation(Simple test set destination far enough and see if the car navigation can add the required the chargers into the route). Yes, some of those might be fixed with update(s) in the future but that is unknown. Promises vrs reality... Compare it with Volvo/Polestar ota update rate of 1 update per month. Yes, I know that it is not working for all people and TCAM modules are crap...

The final deal breaker is the local dealer network. All current model EV's are prototypes and you are the tester. Either you have Tesla level of OTA or good dealer support when the problems will show up. In Finland Hyundai dealer network has some issues with lack of after sales support and old fashioned attitude (sold the car, get lost, don't care anymore) compared Volvo dealer network.

 

Another thought: having more range would have been nice on my recent trip, but I think the charging network will improve enough over the next couple years that it won't be as big of a deal.

 

My heart was set on Tesla for 6 months - had a folder with ALL printed materials you can imagine, countless hours of YouTube...... then I drove it.....went into depression for 48 hours due to how disappointed I was (coming from 2 Audis before)...gave the whole folder to my co-worker the next day. Few days later, got into the P8 without much material or videos out there....and within 30 mins of driving it, it was love at first sight !

In short, if possible test drive ALL of them.... you will find that very, very quickly through process of elimination, you'd be surprise what you'd immediately rule out in 20 mins! With the remaining few, DEEP DIVE into what what you can live with and without.

What I value of P8:

• The ICE version has been out a few years, so you know what you're getting into.
• Given the accessories for ICE has been out, its easier to find accessories for P8 (90% of them)
• The OPD is sooo smooth.....
• All the internal knobs and buttons are still familiar, a much easier transition from ICE to EV, not as intimidating
• The body and sturdiness of the car is built like a TANK....literally.....coupled with the weight, I cannot get over how comfortable I am when sandwiched between 18 wheelers and then fly by them in a split second with the tires gripping down the road AND the firm steering of it
• The sunroof (I havent studied I5 to know if they have one). Tesla didn't have one, and if I remember correctly, nor did IPace
• The style of the body appears to be timeless.....

Above are core ones that come to mind.....

 

Thanks for the comments thus far; what I find very interesting is perspective is everything: an example...the XC40 design is ~5 years old, for an ICE car. One perspective is, wow, its old and not optimized for an EV; another perspective is, thats great, its a proven, stable platform that will minimize potential issues.....interesting.

 

Yes, for every possible feature/usage/capability you will find folks who love/hate, like/dislike, don't care about them. For context find the threads about drilling holes in the front bumper to mount the license plates and the lack of Apple car play. For some the end of the world has been witnessed for others, they just don't care, they have other hills to die on.

 

If I was faced with the decision to choose between the XC40 Recharge and Ionic5, on paper I think I would lean toward the Ionic5. However, I would definitely need a test drive and more deep dive into its feature set before being able to make a decision. We have a C40 and I think it's great as long as you can live with its range (the C40 is my wife's car and she refuses to drive a Hyundai, so Ionic5 was never in consideration).

One question for the OP is whether you live in a location with cold winters (below 40F). If so, I would suggest going for as much range as possible if everything else is roughly equal, especially if this is going to be the primary vehicle. I knew EV range takes a hit in the winter before getting into my first EV last fall, but I was still surprised by just how much of it hit it could take. A 50% hit to the range is very real in places like Minnesota in the winter.

 

Yes, range hit is true (especially here in MN and similar climates). Having said that, the XC40 performed similarly to our old Bolt, so I don't think winter range issues are manufacturer-specific......

 

When I went to the Volvo dealership I went in not wanting to like the Volvo - i just figured it’d be a fun way to kill an hour or so. I strongly dislike Google, range is mediocre, charging speed is so-so, no carplay, no phone as key, … long list. I was basically just there to confirm my negativity.

BUT ****. I couldn’t believe how much I liked it after driving it.

 

I drove both. The Volvo feels much more premium and is quicker. The I5 is stylish in a funky way and roomier.

I've had my C40 for a month now and haven't had a single glitch.

 

One thing for me is which design will age better? I like what Kia/Hyundai are doing, but their designs may not hold up in 3-5 years, where the Volvo will age more gracefully in my opinion.

 

I wanted the taller hatch/cargo area of the SUV style so my dogs could get in and fit easier. Thankfully my current German Shepherds are normal size so they fit my previous 3 were 34" at the shoulder and could barely stand in my old 4 Runner which is much taller in the cargo area. Plus the taller height of the vehicle is much easier on my back getting in and out. Selling my Porsches and giving away my Audi because they sit too low for me now.
I do like the Hyundai and would consider it as a second EV.

 

I also think there are only a few true SUV EVs, Volvo c/XC40, ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron that currently provide anything like SUV ground clearance and ride height. I like the height of the Volvos and the fact that due to the low center of gravity does not ride like a typical SUV, rides more like a luxury sedan. The Volvo (at least to me) feels the most premium inside. The Audi would be next, but those capacitive touch buttons hurt it.

 

After reading this review, I'd add the EQB to your watch list.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive: Miss Congeniality Goes EV

The all-electric 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB is everything we like about the gas-powered GLB, just with more torque and better handling.

www.motor1.com

 

I’ve read in different places that Mercedes has had some reliability issues lately.

 

Thanks for the suggestion; what I find some what frustrating is that the manufacturers don't seem to understand that some of us would rather have more range than 0-60 performance.

 

That comment itself should make you rethink the Volvo. Volvo it’s an amazing car but if long range is your concern you might want to look elsewhere.

How soon or how much are you willing to wait?
Would you consider Rivian or Fisker?

 

A few of my own thoughts and insights.
1,) Proximity for service should be a factor. If something goes wrong, a lengthy car ride for pickup and dropoff is an issue. I have learned that driving 1 1/2 hours round trip to a dealer is too much of an inconvenience. My Volvo dealer does not offer routine concierge service.
2.) The Volvo form is great. It is a subcompact SUV. It has the shortest wheel base of a luxury SUV. The Volvo is 174 inches in length. The Ioniq is 182.5 inches. I like the smaller size.
3.) Volvo turning radius 18.7 feet . Ioniq 5 is 19.65 feet
4.) The drag or coefficient of drag on the Volvo is abysmal. 0.34. Ioniq 5 drag is .288
5.) Volvo MPGe 92/79. Ioniq 110/87

I like the looks of theVolvo. Who knows about the Ioniq? It may turn out to be long lasting. It is a good looking car in person.
The Volvo has issues in that it is an ICE car turned into an electric car. The Ioniq is built to be electric from the ground up.

The Ioniq Limited has heads up display, 3D reality augmented screens to show the car position.Apple and Android car play, but only wired.

I find the XC40 acceleration great, but the ride can be firm with the 20 inch tires. The Ioniq in the limited edition has the same acceleration and is a little softer.

If you're buying now, the Ioniq limited, (which is the comparable to the XC40) is going for above MSRP by 5-10% in most markets. The Volvo is pretty much MSRP and some discounts.

There appear to be few complaints about GPS/LTE and batteries on the Ioniq forums. There are some mentions of 12volt battery issues, but these appear to be very limited and from the initial release.

Both are great cars. Just realize they are both early production runs and there may be issues.

 

A few of my own thoughts and insights.
1,) Proximity for service should be a factor. If something goes wrong, a lengthy car ride for pickup and dropoff is an issue. I have learned that driving 1 1/2 hours round trip to a dealer is too much of an inconvenience. My Volvo dealer does not offer routine concierge service.
2.) The Volvo form is great. It is a subcompact SUV. It has the shortest wheel base of a luxury SUV. The Volvo is 174 inches in length. The Ioniq is 182.5 inches. I like the smaller size.
3.) Volvo turning radius 18.7 feet . Ioniq 5 is 19.65 feet
4.) The drag or coefficient of drag on the Volvo is abysmal. 0.34. Ioniq 5 drag is .288
5.) Volvo MPGe 92/79. Ioniq 110/87

I like the looks of theVolvo. Who knows about the Ioniq? It may turn out to be long lasting. It is a good looking car in person.
The Volvo has issues in that it is an ICE car turned into an electric car. The Ioniq is built to be electric from the ground up.

The Ioniq Limited has heads up display, 3D reality augmented screens to show the car position.Apple and Android car play, but only wired.

I find the XC40 acceleration great, but the ride can be firm with the 20 inch tires. The Ioniq in the limited edition has the same acceleration and is a little softer.

If you're buying now, the Ioniq limited, (which is the comparable to the XC40) is going for above MSRP by 5-10% in most markets. The Volvo is pretty much MSRP and some discounts.

There appear to be few complaints about GPS/LTE and batteries on the Ioniq forums. There are some mentions of 12volt battery issues, but these appear to be very limited and from the initial release.

Both are great cars. Just realize they are both early production runs and there may be issues.

Thank you for the comprehensive post. Yes, one of the major issues I have with the I5 is that the dealer I would most likely purchase it from (no ADM) is an hour away. Hopefully, as time goes on and supply increases ADMs will fade away and perhaps a dealer closer will emerge. This is clearly an advantage for the Volvo - no ADMs and on line ordering, although I suspect that trade ins will involve the dealer directly.

 

Surprising that Volvo gets criticized for 226 mile range with AWD and 400HP, yet the new Toyota BZ4 seems to only do 226 miles with AWD and a measly 215HP and a 72kWh battery. Sure is will be substantially less expensive.

 

New Mercedes suv gets like 230 miles and has 220bHp. Considering the power, and shape, of our lovely little monsters-the range is fine.