I drove futuristic $40,000 electric SUVs from Kia and Hyundai — I'd pick the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in a heartbeat

• I drove the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, two of the most exciting new electric SUVs.
• They share a basic platform and have a lot in common, but I'd pick the Ioniq 5.

The latest electric SUVs from Hyundai and Kia just dropped to rave reviews. And although the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are built around the same electric platform (Hyundai owns the Kia brand) and both cost around $40,000, they couldn't be more different in the way they drive, look, and feel inside.

Testing both models proved that both are excellent options. But if you handed me a stack of cash and forced me to pick, I'd choose the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Here's why.

Styling: Hyundai

Although the aggressive, sporty looks of the EV6 grew on me after a few days, the Ioniq 5 remains the more attractive option in my book. I love the Hyundai's hard edges, squat proportions, and retro-futuristic design. Its "pixelated" headlights and taillights, made of tiny little squares arranged in a grid, are a stylish touch.

However, the EV6 turned way more heads than the Ioniq 5. So I may be in the minority here.

Driving experience: Kia

If you're after an engaging driving experience, the Kia EV6 is your best bet.

With steering that's precise and responsive, the EV6 handles better than the Ioniq 5. Whereas the EV6 feels sporty and agile, the Ioniq 5 is more about comfort. In all-wheel-drive configuration, both SUVs should deliver thrilling straight-line acceleration, but the EV6 does better around corners and down twisty roads.

Interior and cargo space: Hyundai

The Ioniq 5's cabin is refreshingly open and uncluttered. There's a wide-open space in front of its center console (which can slide forward and backward) that could fit a sizable backpack. Its seats are comfortable, and there's lots of room in the back seat.

The EV6 is also nice and roomy as both vehicles have stretched-out wheelbases, but the Ioniq 5 feels bigger and more pleasant. The Hyundai offers 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, compared to the Kia's 50.2.

Tech and safety: Tie

The Kia has a slight advantage in terms of tech features, offering a WiFi hotspot and wireless device charging as standard equipment, but both models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and identical touchscreens that are responsive and intuitive.

Both EVs bring a generous assortment of safety tech, including lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Both offer extras like a head-up display projected onto the windshield, blind-spot cameras, and an excellent highway-driving feature that automatically brakes, accelerates, steers, and watches surrounding traffic.

Range and charging: Tie

In their longest-range, rear-wheel-drive configurations, the Environmental Protection Agency rates the EV6 for 310 miles of range and the Ioniq 5 for 303 miles. All-wheel-drive versions, which gain a second motor, lose some mileage. The Kia earns a rating of 274 miles, while the Hyundai can travel 256.

Thanks to their compatibility with 350-kilowatt charging stations, the most powerful available, both vehicles claim to charge faster than the competition. They promise to replenish 10-80% of their charge in just 18 minutes. In some trims, both vehicles can power household appliances through an included adapter, a rare and interesting feature.

The Kia comes out with a slight range advantage, but not enough to strongly sway a buyer's decision. Bottom line: Rear-wheel-drive EV6 and Ioniq 5 models both offer a range-to-price ratio that's tough to beat.

Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are terrific options for buyers interested in a mix of crossover utility and electric flair. While the Kia is more fun to drive, the Hyundai's more usable cargo area and comfier interior push it over the edge.