Hyundai Ioniq 5: All-New EV

The electric vehicle market continues to expand as new players enter. Hyundai is not new to the scene, but the Ioniq 5 is. This model builds on its Ioniq line of electrified vehicles to deliver an all-electric model with a long-range. We tested one such version recently, equipped with two electric motors and an all-wheel-drive system.

What is the Hyundai Ioniq?

The Ioniq line launched in 2017 and yielded a trio of electric vehicles. A plug-in hybrid, standard hybrid, and an all-electric vehicle based on a compact platform gave the Ioniq family a start. We knew that the first batch of Ioniq vehicles would yield additional models. The Ioniq 5 is it, a model based on the company’s all-new and fully dedicated electric vehicle platform. It is a compact vehicle with room for five. It offers standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 in SE ($44,000), SEL ($46,250), and Limited ($51,100) trims. Add $3,500 for all-wheel drive ($3,900 Limited trim). All models incur a $1,225 delivery fee. A fourth model, the SE Standard Range, arrives later this year. This one starts at $39,700. Eligible buyers will find a $7,500 federal tax too.

Choose the rear-wheel drive and that one achieves an EPA-estimated 303-mile range. If you prefer all-wheel drive, the range drops to 256 miles. As for the SE standard range, that model comes with rear-wheel drive and a 220-mile range.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Powertrain

The Ioniq 5 is an all-electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine. This means there is no gas or diesel engine to supplement power. Propulsion comes from one or two electric motors working with a battery pack and a single-speed transmission.

Choose the rear-wheel drive version and these produce 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Selecting all-wheel drive boosts energy with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque available. With the latter, you not only enjoy the benefit of power distributed to all four wheels but more boost follows.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 by the Trims

As with any model, trim distinctions make a difference for the Ioniq 5. Some of those differences are further amplified with the all-wheel-drive versions.

Ioniq 5 SE

Hyundai furnishes the SE trim with LED headlights, LED taillights, automatic open and retracting flush door handles, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Slip inside and this trim has cloth seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. A tilt-and-telescopic steering column and dual-zone climate control come standard.

This trim includes lane keep assist, lane centering assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection on the safety front. Moreover, Hyundai equips it with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, vehicle exit warning, and a rear-seat reminder.

In the tech arena, customers will find a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation. A 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio and HD Radio is standard. Other features include Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports.

Ioniq 5 SEL

Move up to the mid-range SEL trim and this one supplies a power liftgate. Synthetic leather seating surfaces and soft-touch door inlays are included. A heated steering wheel with interior ambient lighting is another feature included here. Wireless device charging and front parking sensors appear with this trim.

Ioniq 5 Limited

Choose the Limited trim and this one supplies a full range of luxury features. Moreover, choose the all-wheel drive, and the Limited gains 20-inch wheels (19-inch for rear-wheel drive). A full panoramic roof, cooled front seats, a driver’s seat with relaxation mode, and rear window sunshades are standard. Other features include door sill plates, a sliding center console, a power-controlled front passenger seat, and a head-up display. An 8-speaker Bose audio system replaces the standard system.

On the Road

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivers a comfortable ride. It also supplies quick step-off acceleration and excellent passing power. Our test model was the all-wheel drive version, so we benefited from the onset with the extra power boost.

The transmission controls are on a stalk fixed on the right side of the steering column. There are also several drive modes for the choosing, including normal, eco, and sport. A snow mode comes in handy for the appropriate conditions.

Hyundai employs what is known as one-pedal driving. Although both an accelerator and a brake pedal are present, it is the former that gets the most use by far. Indeed, removing your foot from the accelerator while driving immediately kicks in braking. This means the Ioniq 5 can come to a full stop without touching the brake pedal. Of course, when you absolutely need to stop fast you can do so with the left pedal.

What is the benefit here? Firstly, the wear and tear on the brakes are greatly diminished. You’ll spend less time and money on brake pads and brake calipers. Secondly, each time the vehicle brakes, it causes regenerative braking. Regenerative braking means that the power from slowing down, which is known as kinetic energy, is transferred to the battery system. In effect, this feature extends the driving range accordingly.

The steering is light, not especially engaging, with decent handling noticed. We can’t describe the experience as athletic, but the Ioniq 5 manages twisty roads just fine. We found that cornering is best handled by simply easing up on the accelerator to allow this hatchback to slow down. Then, once the wheels are pointed forward, to apply power again.

Buyer Considerations

Depending on availability, buyers may not find an extensive choice of Ioniq 5s on dealer lots. We recommend ordering one. Starting your search with the SEL trim is a sensible approach. Also, we would go with all-wheel drive for improved handling and power. All in all, we believe that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a strong player in a segment that includes the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Specifications

Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Statistics from Tom Keegan.

See Also — Cadillac Announces Lyriq EV Pricing and Range

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