Unlikely EV Hot Hatch Matchup: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Rivian R3X, and Dodge Charger Daytona
By Edward A. Sanchez — March 15, 2024
In the days when internal combustion vehicles were the predominant paradigm, vehicle classification was simple. Vehicles could be grouped together by body type, engine size, powertrain configuration, and even chassis construction. In the age of EVs, the configuration is largely the same: rear motor, sometimes front, and a battery pack in between. The main difference is in the “top hat” – the body on top of the powertrain and battery pack. That brings us to this unlikely matchup of three EV hot hatches. Two are logical rivals, and one is an outlier, at least on the surface. The cars I’m talking about are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the Rivian R3X, and the Dodge Charger Daytona.
We have the most information on the Ioniq 5 N, including pricing. We know it has 601 hp (641 in N Grin boost mode), will do 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.25 seconds, and will cost $67,475, including $1,375 destination. Dodge is claiming the Charger Daytona will have up to 670 hp, a claimed 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, and quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds. Pricing on that one is TBA.
In terms of the Rivian R3X, we have less official information other than Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe’s statement that the tri-motor R2 (which the R3 shares a platform with) would have a 0-60 time of “well under 3 seconds.” Seeing as the R3 and R3X are smaller and presumably lighter than the R2, and assuming a similar level of power, its 0-60 time should also be 3 seconds or less.
On paper, the R3X and Ioniq 5 N are fairly closely matched, although one is positioned as a track star and the other as more of a high-speed off-road animal.
Dimensionally, the Ioniq and R3/R3X are within a few inches of each other. Once again, the Charger is the outlier here, with a comparatively gargantuan overall length of 206.6 inches, or just under two feet longer than the Ioniq 5 at 185.6 inches. We don’t have dimensions for the R3, but we do for the R2, which matches the Ioniq 5 at 185.6. Estimates for the R3’s length are in the 172-176-inch range, which would make it considerably shorter than the Charger, potentially more than 30 inches shorter.
Pricing is another big question mark on the R3X. At the R2’s reveal, when the R3 and R3X were unexpectedly unveiled as well, it was said the R3 would be “less than” the R2, which would start at $45,000. But the R3X will be the flagship of the R3 line, so we expect that model will be in the high $50,000 to low $60,000 range. We do not have official pricing for the Charger, although I’m expecting the Scat Pack version to also be in the $60,000 range.
And while the Ioniq 5 and R3X are easily and immediately identifiable as hatchbacks, the Charger hides it more cleverly, being a liftback. But it’s still a hatchback nonetheless.
I’d consider any of these three for my next car, although the Charger may be off the consideration list by virtue of its size. I simply don’t think it would fit in my garage, in addition to my toolbox. Having been an owner of two previous hatchbacks (one being a borderline wagon), I am a big fan of the practicality of the body style. The question is whether the forthcoming Tesla “Redwood” compact will be even more compelling than any of these three.
The next three years are shaping up to be interesting in the EV space.
(Images courtesy the manufacturers)
