A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
IONIQ 5 starts ZAR 1149900 cheaperIONIQ 5 from ZAR 859,900 · Tank 500 from ZAR 1,149,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Engine Power
225
340
Torque
605
750
Engine Size
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
2999
Claimed Mileage
454
2.5
Ground Clearance
160
224
Boot Space
527
580
Airbags
7
8
Kerb Weight
2190
2680
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
IONIQ 5
93
/ 100
+17
pts
#2
Tank 500
76
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
IONIQ 5 holds a noticeable edge over Tank 500, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
IONIQ 5
+20 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tank 500
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 5
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
20/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
Tank 500
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Tank 500
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
IONIQ 5
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Tank 500
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Length
4635
5060
Width
1890
1996
Height
1605
1905
Wheelbase
3000
2950
Ground Clearance
160
224
Kerb Weight
2190
2680
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
527
580
Rear Track Width
1648 mm
1570
Gross Vehicle Weight
2370 kg
3200
Front Track Width
1624 mm
1560
Turning Radius
5.9 m
13.0
Towing Capacity
1600 kg (Braked)
3000
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Front Legroom
Available
1050
Rear Legroom
Available
890
Front Headroom
Available
990
Rear Headroom
Available
960
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1520
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1480
Boot Space Seats Folded
Available
780
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
-
Boot Volume
Available
580
Front Overhang
Available
880
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
80
Rear Overhang
Available
890
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Engine
Dual Motor AWD Electric
3.0L GW4C30D V6 Turbocharged Petrol + Front Electric Motor
Engine Type
Electric
V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol Hybrid
Cylinders
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
6
Power
225
340
Torque
605
750
Fuel System
Electric Drive
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
185
210
0-100 km/h
5.1
340
Displacement
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
2999
Power @ RPM
Instant Torque (0–7500 rpm)
5,500 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable (Electric)
24
Torque @ RPM
0–3500 rpm
2,000-4,000 rpm
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable (Electric)
10.5:1
Engine Position
Front
Front Transverse
Fuel Grade Required
Electric
Petrol
Engine Type Config
Inline
V6 (V6) DOHC 24-Valve Twin-Turbocharged
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Cylinder Bore
Available
-
Piston Stroke
Available
-
Engine Code
Available
GW4C30D
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
7.5
Power
150
456
Cylinder Layout
Available
V6
Engine Aspiration
Available
Twin-Turbocharged
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
5,500
0–100 km/h
Available
4.8
Battery Capacity
Available
27.0 kWh
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
2999
EV Range
Available
135
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Transmission
Single-speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
AWD e-4WD
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Dual Motor AWD
Yes
LSD Available
No
Yes
Differential Lock
Electronic LSD
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
1
9
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.73
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
14.7:1
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Available
All Wheel Drive (Hi4-T Hybrid)
Transmission
Available
Automatic
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Claimed Mileage
454
2.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
72.6
80
Emission Standard
Zero Emission
Euro 5
Highway Mileage
5.2 km/kWh (highway)
6.8
Auto Start Stop
Yes (Regenerative Braking)
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
City Mileage
5.8 km/kWh (city)
8.0
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.5
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
2.5
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Good
Real-world Mileage
Available
7.5
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Airbags
7
8
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
5
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
Yes
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Seat Material
Nappa Leather
Nappa Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 12-way
Yes
Heated Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Digital Instrument Cluster
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
No
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Available
2
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
12-Way Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Hands-Free Electric Tailgate
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Yes
Boot Opener
Inside
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Yes
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
3
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.38
Driver Display
Available
Digital
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
2.5
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
195
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
Yes
Payload Capacity
Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40
Rear Wing
Available
Integrated Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
Available
Yes
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Shark Fin Antenna
Seat Type
Available
High Bolster Sports Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Side Steps
Available
Yes
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Infotainment Screen
12-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
12
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
12-inch Digital Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
14
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
No
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
5-Spoke Premium Alloy
Body Cladding
Wheel Arch Cladding
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Available
6
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
285/45R22
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre Repair Kit
Alloy
Tyre Speed Rating
H
V
Tyre Load Index
91
114
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Electronic
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Highway All-Terrain
Spare Tyre
Steel
Yes
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
308
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
292
Wheel Rim Size
Available
22
Front Tyre Width
Available
285
Rear Tyre Width
Available
285
Wheel Diameter
Available
22
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone with Adaptive Dampers
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link with Adaptive Dampers
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Available
Air Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Terrain Modes
Normal / Sport / Snow
Yes
Underbody Protection
Underbody Battery Guard
Yes
Approach Angle
16°
33
Wading Depth
100 mm
800
Departure Angle
18°
28
Locking Differential
No
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
22
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
4WD System Type
Available
Full-Time AWD with Low Range
Ramp-over Angle
Available
22
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Service Interval
12 months / 15000 km
10000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160000 km
8 Years / 160,000 km
Approx Service Cost
R1,200 – R2,000 per service
Included in Service Plan
Service Plan Duration
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
First Service At
15000
5000
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lithium-Ion
Alternator
120A
110A
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
CO2 Emissions
0
58
Hybrid System Type
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Plug-In Hybrid AWD (Hi4-T)
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Noise Level
64 dB
Low
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
EVAP Canister
Fuel Octane Requirement
Electric
95 Octane Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Available
No
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
5/5
Idle CO2 Output
Available
58
Spec
IONIQ 5
Tank 500
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
3.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
3.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
5.5
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai IONIQ 5
wins with 93 pts
vs 76 pts for Tank 500
In structured scoring, IONIQ 5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tank 500 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the IONIQ 5 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: IONIQ 5 20 vs Tank 500 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: IONIQ 5 20, Tank 500 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: IONIQ 5 20, Tank 500 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: IONIQ 5 13, Tank 500 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: IONIQ 5 20, Tank 500 20. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The IONIQ 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The IONIQ 5 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between IONIQ 5 and Tank 500 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: IONIQ 5 scores 20 vs 20.
Efficiency: IONIQ 5 scores 20 vs 0.
Safety: IONIQ 5 scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: IONIQ 5 scores 13 vs 16.
Ownership: IONIQ 5 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 5
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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