Despite some hiccups in their plans, Hyundai and General Motors are charging ahead with their lofty electrification goals. Their entry-level electric SUVs, the Ioniq 5 and Chevrolet Equinox EV, offer generous tech features, serviceable driving ranges, and excellent safety features, making them solid options in their segment. Though very similar, key differences between the two deserve a deeper dive. The Ioniq 5 has been on sale for a few years, but the Chevy is brand-new for 2024, so let’s take a closer look at how the pair stacks up.
But Chevrolet intentionally denied owners access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, whereas that comes standard with the Ioniq 5 (and I believe wirelessly from the 2025 model year; someone please check that, though).
Key feature, everyone has some physical buttons! Though Chevy has tactile buttons for climate:
Whereas the Ioniq seems to have a capacitive touch area.
Physical buttons are a must-have for me. Our Bolt EUV has them and I can reach for them without taking my eyes off the road and having to click through submenus to find what I need. Also love having the audio controls as paddles so I don’t have to take my hands off the wheel.
Touchscreens are a cost cutting measure, not a better user experience IMO.
If only we had simple electric vehicles with buttons.
