Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review 2023

The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is quite simply one of the best electric cars currently on sale. There's no caveat to that – we don't mean for a budget brand – it stacks up against the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge. With futuristic styling, a spacious cabin and a generous electric range, it'd be quite sensible to end your search for a new electric car right here.

Sharing its platform with the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is pitched against rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Don't be fooled by the pictures – the Ioniq 5 might look like a Golf-sized hatchback, but it's very definitely SUV in stature.

Measuring 4.6 metres long and 2.2 metres wide (including door mirrors), the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is considerably bigger than the brand's small electric SUV, the Kona Electric. It utilises its dimensions well, though, with a whole three metres between the front and rear wheels translating to an enormous amount of space inside.

Indeed, the cabin is lovely, combining retro charm with modern minimalism. You get two 12.3-inch digital displays (including the central touchscreen infotainment system and an extra digital instrument cluster), while touch-sensitive buttons operate the climate control. It's very different from, say, a Tesla, as there are even physical shortcut buttons to important features for the navigation system. There's a start/stop button, too, while you twist a column-mounted drive selector to get it moving.

When it first went on sale in 2021, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was available with two battery sizes: a smaller 58kWh unit with a 238-mile range and a bigger 73kWh version with a 298-mile WLTP range. The latter is being replaced by a new 77kWh battery pack later in 2022 – although the exact range figure for this is yet to be confirmed.

So far, we've spent the most time in the 73kWh model with the rear-wheel-drive layout. While its 7.4-second 0-62mph time isn't going to trouble Tesla drivers, it feels pretty urgent. Acceleration is instantaneous, as with all electric vehicles, while the suspension does a relatively impressive job of shrugging off the Ioniq 5's hefty kerbweight.

If you want a punchier Hyundai Ioniq 5, there's also a twin-motor all-wheel-drive version with a total power output of 305PS. This will accelerate to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, although it's no sports car still. 

The Ioniq 5 range is made up of three trim levels: SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate. None of them are sparsely equipped, with even the entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect coming with the aforementioned twin-screen display, 19-inch alloy wheels, interior mood lighting, wireless phone charging and an extensive list of driver-assistance tech.

The mid-spec Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium adds highlights such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an electric tailgate, front and rear parking sensors and an electrically adjustable driver's seat. Topping the range, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate comes with 20-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on the 58kWh model), a Bose premium sound system, heated outer rear seats, a sliding centre console, ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a clever vehicle-to-load system that lets you power your kettle or charge your electric scooter.

With prices for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 starting from around £37,000 and edging closer to £50,000 for the most desirable variants, it's not exactly a budget electric car. Factor in the cost savings on things like fuel and road tax, though, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts to become easier to justify. It also looks like a very tempting proposition alongside pricier, premium-badged electric vehicles.

As the Ioniq 5 looks like a hatchback, it's easy to forget that it's actually bigger than the Hyundai Tucson SUV. And because it's been designed from day one as a pure-electric vehicle, there's no wasted space where you'd normally find an engine or gearbox.

A flat floor and a long wheelbase mean the interior feels remarkably spacious, while legroom for those in the rear is very generous. Even a six-footer sat behind another six-footer will have space to spare, while the rear seats can slide backwards and forwards depending on whether you want to prioritise boot or passenger space.

With all the seats in place, the Hyundai Ioniq 5's 527-litre boot is bigger than you'll find in a conventional family hatchback, but it's quite shallow. There is a small storage area for cables under the bonnet, but it's not really spacious enough to carry anything else. You get slightly more luggage space in a Skoda Enyaq iV, while the Tesla Model Y – with its bigger front boot – can accommodate significantly more.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5's interior generally feels well finished, but it's not quite as posh as you'll find in premium alternatives like the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Maybe we're being a little harsh on the Hyundai here, but you have to bear in mind that it very definitely isn't priced as a budget option.

Still, it's not exactly low-rent in terms of quality. The few hard plastics here and there don't detract from the space-age look of the cabin, while they'll no doubt cope very well with family life.

Whichever Hyundai Ioniq 5 trim level you go for, you'll get a very user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system that sits alongside an equally impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

It might look rather futuristic, but it's much less overwhelming than some infotainment-heavy rivals (the Tesla Model Y, for example). You still get physical shortcut buttons and an actual knob for the volume control – a bit weird in a car like this, but something you'll be grateful for when you're trying to skip tracks or navigate the infotainment system on the move.

The touch-sensitive climate control buttons below are a little less user-friendly when driving, but at least you won't have to trawel through the infotainment screen to adjust the temperature in the cabin.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate models come with a head-up display and a premium Bose sound system – neither necessary features, but both desirable extras in our view.

2023 model year Ioniq 5s will be available with digital interior and exterior mirrors. We're yet to sample these but, based on our experience with other cars, these can be less gimmicky than you might think. They might also be quite useful as the Ioniq 5 frustratingly does without a rear windscreen wiper, which means the view out of the back window can get obstructed in wintery conditions.

Prices for the entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect with the 58kWh battery start from around £37,000, while higher-spec models with the more powerful drivetrain are nudging £50,000. Make no mistake, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is not a budget electric car (you might want to look at the MG ZS EV if that's what you're after).

Strong demand means you won't save a great deal of cash by looking for a secondhand Hyundai Ioniq 5, either. But these high residual values translate into some tempting finance offers, while you won't lose a lot of money if you buy outright.

As a comparison, a Skoda Enyaq iV is priced in-line with the Ioniq 5, as is the Kia EV6. The upcoming Nissan Ariya is a little more expensive, starting from close to £42,000.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available with two different battery sizes: 58kWh and 73kWh. The smaller battery has a WLTP range of up to 240 miles, while the bigger battery pack can cover up to 300 miles between charges.

Both battery sizes can be charged at a rate of up to 350kW, which means an 80 per cent top-up will be complete in as little as 17 minutes. You’re more likely to find a 50kW charger, which will still add 80 per cent of charge in less than 45 minutes for the smaller battery model, and sub one hour for the 73kWh Ioniq 5.

At home, plug the Ioniq 5 into a 7kW wallbox and you’ll be able to fully charge it overnight – taking around eight hours for the 58kWh Ioniq 5, and just below 11 hours for the 73kWh version. You can charge the Ioniq 5 using a three-pin plug but we wouldn’t recommend it; the bigger-battery model takes more than 30 hours to fully charge this way.

The cost of a full charge of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at home will vary depending on your electricity provider. Assuming you’re paying around 28p per kWh for your electricity, a complete top-up will cost around £15. Fully charging the 73kWh version will require about £20 worth of electricity.

When you’re out and about, you might find that the cost of electricity costs anything up to 50p per kWh. That’ll be at the fastest, most convenient chargers, though – so you’re unlikely to charge the Ioniq 5 from 0-100 per cent at one of these (around 20 to 80 per cent is more typical).

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 73kWh model is set to be upgraded to a 77kWh model later in 2022, although exact range and charging information for this is yet to be confirmed.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes a softer approach to handling than the Kia EV6. Indeed, buy one with 19-inch alloy wheels and you'll find it copes with uneven road surfaces much better than a lot of electric cars – matched only, perhaps, by the Skoda Enyaq iV.

Despite this, the Ioniq 5's low centre of gravity means it goes around corners perfectly well, while there's plenty of grip on hand (even from rear-wheel-drive models). The light steering feels a bit woolly compared to, say, a Ford Mustang Mach-E, but it does mean it's easy to pilot around town. The Ioniq 5's plethora of tech helps here, too; even the most affordable models come with a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

The entry-level 58kWh Hyundai Ioniq 5 is offered solely with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. By electric car standards, it takes quite a leisurely 8.5 seconds to reach 62mph, yet its instant acceleration means it'll feel sprightlier off the line than many petrol alternatives.

The 73kWh Hyundai Ioniq 5 is also available in rear-wheel-drive single-motor form, albeit with 217PS providing 0-62mph acceleration of 7.4 seconds. This feels peppier than the entry-level car, but for more Tesla-like acceleration you'll need the top-of-the-range Ioniq AWD. This adds an electric motor to the front axle, providing a combined 305PS and 0-62mph acceleration in 5.2 seconds.

It doesn't have the ability to churn your stomach under acceleration that the fastest Teslas do, granted, with more of a satisfying surge than any real excitement. If you want that, Kia will (in due course) bring out a super-fast GT version of the EV6 - though it remains to be seen if that powertrain will make it over to the less sporty Ioniq 5. 

As you'd expect for a modern electric car like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, there are cameras and sensors everywhere to help keep you safe on the road. All Ioniq 5 models come with a Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system which can detect other cars, pedestrians and cyclists, applying the brakes if it detects an impending collision.

There's also a standard-fit Lane Keep Assist system, while Highway Drive Assist Level 1 is essentially an advanced cruise control system that can also keep you in your lane on the motorway. For the ultimate in driver-assist technology, specify the optional Tech Pack (available on Ultimate trim) which adds a Parking Collision Avoidance Assist system as well as a clever Remote Smart Parking Assist which allows you to slot the Ioniq 5 in or out of a parking space using an app on your phone. The Tech Pack also adds a useful Blind View Monitor, which warns you when other vehicles are approaching the side or rear of the car.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes as standard with seven airbags as well as Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer rear seats. It was awarded five stars by Euro NCAP when it was crash tested in 2021.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD has an impressive braked towing capability of up to 1600kg. That ought to be enough to tow an average-sized caravan, while its hefty two-tonne kerb weight means it shouldn't be easily unsettled.

Rear-wheel-drive models can tow up to 750kg.

Standard equipment on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Connect includes 19-inch alloy wheels, electric driver's seat lumbar support, sliding rear seats, dual-zone climate control, automatic windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with smart high beam, a heated rear windscreen, an electric parking brake, rear-view monitor, smart cruise control, keyless entry with a power on/off button, 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless phone charging pad.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium adds electric seat adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, grey cloth seat trim, dual LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors and an electric tailgate.

Topping the range, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate comes with 20-inch alloy wheels (on Ioniq 5 73kWh models), 64-colour interior ambient lighting, alloy pedals, electric passenger seat adjustment and lumbar support, ventilated front seats, outer heated rear seats, leather seat trim, privacy glass, laminated glazed windows, a sliding centre console and a vehicle-to-load adapter. A head-up display and premium Bose sound system are also standard on the Ioniq 5 Ultimate.