Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?

Hyundai Ioniq

$19,395 - $42,950

2021 price

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Volvo C40

$34,990 - $49,990

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Hyundai Ioniq

2023 Volvo C40

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Electric motor type

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Vehicle type

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Vehicle type

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Electric range

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Electric range

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Energy consumption

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Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Well-tuned electric drive
Range is about right
Excellent energy consumption

Great charging and range
Two well specified variants
Impressive driving performance

Dislikes

Feels very heavy
Design won't be for everyone
Still a little too pricey for mass adoption

Single motor not as good value
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear seat space compromised

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Summary

Hyundai's Ioniq range is nothing if not a flex in the face of Toyota.

Sure, Toyota has a dominating position in the Australian market, with its well-received range of hybrid models, but what happens after hybrid? Hyundai takes on the blocky Prius formula with not only a directly competing hybrid model, but a plug-in and a fully electric version, too.

This expansive range is as though Hyundai is trying to demonstrate it's ready for any future, near or far, and guess what, Toyota? Anything you can do; the Korean juggernaut thinks it can do better.

These cars aren't really designed to sell so much as they are offerings for early adopters, but a few years after its launch, with a host of rivals set to take it on, and an entire sub-brand based on the Ioniq just around the corner, is Hyundai's top-spec Ioniq electric worth a look? I took one for a week to find out.

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2023 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Hyundai Ioniq 2023 Volvo C40

Verdict

Just like the Kona EV, Hyundai's Ioniq is still one of the best EV options on the market today. It strikes an excellent balance by offering significantly more range and better energy consumption than the more affordable Nissan Leaf or MG ZS EV, while providing the familiarity of the Hyundai spec and drive experience at a price only a little higher than a top-spec Prius.

Its relatively high score is a product of these factors, but also the way in which its interactivity offers the early adopters the engagement they will be searching for.

Verdict

The C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.

Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.

Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.

Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo C40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Ioniq vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?