Brief Histories: Polestar‘s Fresh Focus vs. Hyundai‘s Established Efforts
Polestar entered the EV market just in 2017 as Volvo‘s dedicated electric performance brand, whereas Hyundai has been selling electric vehicles since the first generation IONIQ launched in 2016. So while Polestar is still working to establish its reputation, Hyundai has already gone through multiple EV iterations to refine technology, features, and performance.
The Polestar 4 SUV set to launch in 2024 will be Polestar‘s third fully electric vehicle following the Polestar 1 hybrid coupe and Polestar 2 fastback. Early analysis suggests the 4 will advance Polestar‘s ambitious vision to lead the luxury EV segment with avantgarde styling and high-tech features.
On the other hand, the IONIQ 5 launched in 2021 represents the second generation of Hyundai‘s IONIQ electric crossover line. Building on the successes of the original IONIQ, the 5 model delivers major upgrades in range, charging speed, interior space, and technology while carrying on the line‘s reputation for value and efficiency.
Performance and Range
Both vehicles promise excellent range per charge along with zippy, responsive acceleration. However the Polestar edges out the IONIQ in terms of raw power and speed.
Range
- Polestar 4: 300+ mile target range from 94 kWh battery
- IONIQ 5: 303 mile range from 77.4 kWh battery
Power and Acceleration
- Polestar 4: Up to 544 hp, 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds (projected)
- IONIQ 5: 225 hp, 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds
The Polestar 4‘s maximum configuration with all-wheel drive and close to 550 horsepower promises sports car-like acceleration under 4 seconds 0-60 mph. While real world numbers remain to be validated, Polestar‘s performance claims clearly blow past the IONIQ 5. For drivers wanting thrilling speed, the Polestar 4 looks to outpace most rivals.
Meanwhile the IONIQ 5 delivers entirely adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. The juice isn‘t quite there for stoplight drag races, but balanced, responsive handling makes the IONIQ a pleasure to pilot. Efficiency is also a strong suit thanks to the 5‘s aerodynamic profile.
Charging Infrastructure and Speed
Both EVs come equipped for speedy charging to minimize downtime refueling on road trips. The IONIQ 5‘s charger edges out based on higher max power rating.
- Polestar 4: 200+ kW charging capability
- IONIQ 5: 220 kW charging capability
The IONIQ 5‘s 220 kW charging allows drivers to replenish energy even faster during public charging sessions. In optimal conditions on a 350 kW charger, the IONIQ 5 can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Polestar has not released charging time estimates.
When it comes to public charging infrastructure, both Hyundai and Polestar have cohesive networks to ensure drivers can conveniently top up battery levels on the go. Polestar makes use of the Volvo/Polestar charging network consisting of over 40,000 public charging points across North America.
Meanwhile, Hyundai IONIQ 5 owners get two years of free charging at Electrify America stations which provide access to over 600 fast charging sites and thousands of individual chargers. Both automakers also offer apps to easily locate stations and initiate charging sessions.
For at-home charging, the IONIQ 5 holds another slight advantage with support for both 400V and 800V charging compared to just 400V for the Polestar 4. This enables faster overnight charging with certain Level 2 home setups. However most residential chargers max out well below either vehicle‘s peak rates.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Dimensions suggest both midsize crossover EVs should offer similar passenger space along with decent cargo flexibility. Front seat occupants get identical headroom while the Polestar 4 appears slightly roomier in the back seat. It also provides an extra 1.5 cubic feet of frunk storage compared to a lack of front trunk in the IONIQ 5.
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Polestar 4
- Legroom: 42.2 inches (front), 39.8 inches (rear projected)
- Headroom: 41.5 inches (front), 39.7 inches projected (rear)
- 15.5 cubic feet frunk storage
- 57 cubic feet rear storage with seats down (projected)
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IONIQ 5
- Legroom: 42.1 inches (front), 35.9 inches (rear)
- Headroom: 40.2 inches (front), 38.1 inches (rear)
- No frunk
- 59.3 cubic feet rear storage with seats down
Polestar‘s avantgarde design results in a coupe-like tapered roofline that eats into some practicality. Meanwhile the IONIQ 5‘s boxy silhouette pays dividends for rear passenger and cargo space. Still, both vehicles promise comfortable seating for four or five as well as ample room for luggage and gear during road trips or runs to the home improvement store.
Technology, Safety, and Driver Assistance
As new EVs built with connectivity and autonomy in mind, the Polestar 4 and IONIQ 5 come loaded with the latest tech features targeted at ease of use and safety. However Polestar seemingly has an edge regarding cameras, sensors and driving assistance capability thanks to strong Volvo roots prioritizing accident avoidance.
Driver Assistance and Active Safety
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Polestar 4
- 12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 1 radar
- Hands-off detection
- Driver attentiveness camera
- Blind spot information system
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IONIQ 5
- Forward collision avoidance
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alerts
- Lane keeping/centering and following assistance
- Driver attention warning
The Polestar 4‘s dozen cameras and sensors paired with radar enables advanced perception around the entire vehicle to feed active safety systems. Details remain unconfirmed, but Polestar‘s driver attentiveness camera and hands-off detection suggest robust autonomous driving aids to reduce accidents.
By comparison, the IONIQ 5 comes with plenty of now-standard advanced safety features, yet lacks state-of-the-art surround sensing capabilities to power more cutting-edge self-driving tech. Hands-free highway driving or automatic accident avoidance isn‘t on the cards. But the IONIQ still represents one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Both vehicles run large touchscreen infotainment panels supporting Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration. Unique to Polestar is an HD rearview camera replacing the traditional mirror, while the IONIQ 5 touts wireless device charging.
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Polestar 4
- Google Android infotainment
- Digital rear view camera
- Integrated Google Apps
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
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IONIQ 5
- 12-inch touchscreen
- Wireless charging pad
- Multi Bluetooth pairing
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Digital key
Polestar‘s standard Google Android operating system may appeal to users already embedded in that ecosystem. Google Assistant enables intuitive voice controls as well. Meanwhile the IONIQ 5 offers the convenience of cord-free device charging while supporting multiple Bluetooth device connections. Either way, both EVs serve up tech-savvy, connected interiors brimming with features.
Comfort, Convenience, and Interior Quality
Opinions on interior comfort come down to subjective tastes, but reviewers praise both EV‘s unique cabin aesthetics and material quality. The minimalist Polestar design looks to push boundaries while Hyundai plays it safer with a conventional crossover layout. Clever features add functionality.
The Polestar‘s fixed panoramic glass roof enhances perceptions of spaciousness though impedes overall headroom. Heated rear seats, a premium audio system, and customizable ambient interior lighting round out the comfort-focused cabin.
IONIQ 5 test drivers describe an airy, lounge-like environment enabled by the flat floor thanks to the dedicated EV platform. Plush seating surfaces, dual 12-inch screens, and sustainable materials stemming from recycling processes elicit positive reviews as well.
Both automakers have prioritized eco-friendly interiors using animal-free upholstery. Plus they provide multiple years of complimentary maintenance for added owner value. The choice comes down personal reactions to the rather radical Polestar interior compared to Hyundai‘s more ordinary — yet still creative — approach.
Cost, Availability and Ownership Considerations
As the Polestar 4 won‘t hit roads until 2024, pricing remains unannounced. Industry observers expect starting prices around $60,000 positioning it as a premium player above the IONIQ 5 and alongside rivals like Tesla‘s Model Y or the BMW iX.
The well-equipped 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited trim with both all-wheel drive and a 77.4 kWh battery retails right around $60,000. Lower standard range configurations dip down below $50,000 cementing the 5‘s reputation for value. Being an established model, IONIQ 5 shoppers also benefit from potential purchase incentives plus an accurate assessment of operating costs from early owners.
Certain ownership considerations around insurance premiums, resale values, charging expenses and maintenance can‘t be predicted for the Polestar 4. Meanwhile the IONIQ 5 has already collected multiple awards praising reasonable lifetime costs of operation thanks partly to Hyundai‘s sterling 10-year powertrain warranty. For budget-focused buyers, the known quantity of the IONIQ 5 carries less financial uncertainty.
Inventory could be tight for the 2024 Polestar 4 at launch with limited allocations concentrating mostly on coastal and urban regions. The made-in-America IONIQ 5 may prove easier to track down throughout its nationwide distribution network of over 800 dealers. Interested Polestar shoppers in smaller metro areas face the likelihood of needing to travel or pay added delivery fees versus the convenience of buying locally with Hyundai.
The Verdict: Two Compelling Choices Showing EV Diversity
This initial sketch of the Polestar 4 versus Hyundai IONIQ 5 matchup provides intriguing early insights on differentiated visions within the maturing electric vehicle marketplace. As more Polestar 4 details emerge, a clearer recommendation one way or the other may materialize for certain consumer priorities around performance, tech or value.
But for the moment, there appear two excellent electric SUVs in the making playing to unique identities. The 2024 Polestar 4 excels as a technology showcase promising sports car acceleration encased in Scandinavian avantgarde design. Meanwhile the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 impresses as an eco-conscious people mover nailing the crossover essentials at pleasing price points aided by Hyundai‘s manufacturing scale and warranty coverage.
Most electric shoppers will find either choice commendable. Discerning drivers seeking visceral performance and cutting-edge cockpit gadgets lean Polestar, whereas practical families needing space, safety and road trip readiness match better with Hyundai. As always, test drives dictate decisions. But the future looks bright if early examples like the IONIQ 5 and Polestar 4 signal the expanding diversity of EVs aiming to fit more lifestyles and use cases. Different strokes for different folks!
