Has the fervor over EV’s cooled? Maybe. That’s a question to do with costs, infrastructure, rebates and more. Honestly, that’s probably above our pay grade. But the vehicles themselves, we have to say they are impressive, and one of our favorites has to be the Hyundai Ionic 5.
So while we’ve had some fun with EV’s lately including the stylish Ionic 6, the crazy BMW XM, and Toyota’s bZ4X and the rocket ship Kia EV6 GT, when we were offered another go ‘round with the Ionic 5, we jumped at the chance. Does it hold up to our memory, or has the slew of new competitors pushed it to the back of the class? Let’s find out.
A New Direction in Design
One of the things Hyundai wanted to do was make it clear that the Ioniq was something different – a set the bar for EVs being something else.
And even with the load of competitors, the Ioniq 5 remains cheeky and unique. What’s especially interesting is while the EV is touted as the latest and greatest in tech, the 5’s design has a cool 80’s retro vibe. Hyundai says they wanted to evoke the daring attitude of the Pony, the company’s first production car, as well as their 45-year journey to where they are today.
The playfulness starts at the front, where a clamshell hood minimizes gaps and keeps things aero smooth. You’ll find an 80’s-ish square motif throughout the vehicle, and it starts with the square LED headlamps and daytime running lights that create a signature look. There’s a crisp folded line sensibility to the design, and we also like the textured contrasting lower fascia that helps give an aggressive look.
The profile continues the fun with crisp folded lines, and deep cut-ins at the lower door panels. A long wheelbase – it’s in fact longer than the Pallisade SUV – adds some sleekness to the 5-door hatchback design, while the sharply angled C-pillar gives a sporty look. Adding to the vibe, contrasting fender flares and lower body trim, which is really set off by handsome 20-inch wheels with black centers. We also love the flip-out door handles that swing out to greet you as you walk up.
If you love squares, you’ll really love the Ioniq’s rear design, with a trim panel loaded with them that runs the width of the back. It’s also a perfect background for IONIQ5 spelled out in bold block letters. Adding to the sporty vibe is a slotted rear spoiler up top and an angled lower fascia below. All that’s missing are two fat exhaust pipes – just kidding. It’s an EV. The perfect finishing touch was our tester’s Digital Teal paint – it really sets off the light-colored trim and makes it pop in a world of silver, gray- and cement-colored vehicles.
The Great Indoors
Hyundai takes advantage of the EV layout to create a spacious place to be and adds a load of charm to make your drive more enjoyable.
You get that feeling of space when you open the door and see a wide, sweeping dash with dual digital displays. With no transmission tunnel, you get a flat floor that increases the feeling of spread-out space, while our tester’s white and gray interior has the kind of chic design you get in an Apple store. While it doesn’t open, the panoramic roof allows in loads of light making things even more bright and cheerful.
Don’t just look – have a seat! And what a great seat this is. Both driver and passenger enjoy a heated and cooled front seat, but the driver’s seat sports a footrest that swings up, creating a perfect “First Class” vibe, that’s ideal for kicking back while you’re charging up the vehicle. Adding to comfort, the center console on Limited models can slide fore and aft for added room. That flat floor and the long wheelbase also means those in the rear seat have loads of room as well.
The tech continues that advanced feeling, starting with dual 12-inch displays, including an adaptable gauge in front of the driver and an equally usable touch screen right next to it. After being frustrated with the setup in the VW Atlas we recently tested, the Ioniq is a breath of fresh air, with easy and familiar setups, and yes, even a volume knob! Below that, a touchscreen panel for climate control is also easy use – no need diving into an owner’s manual. Even if you’ve never been in an EV, everything feels familiar.
We also loved that big center screen for the 360-degree view monitor that makes parking easy and there’s also a cool “Augmented Reality” head up display that turns the windshield into a display screen.
Hyundai also took the opportunity to really hammer home the eco-friendliness of the vehicle, including materials from recycled PET bottles on the seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest. Plant-based and natural wool yarns, along with bio paint with plant extracts are also used. Go ahead, give the earth a hug!
A Special Drive
Hyundai gives you a choice of powertrains, starting with a single motor rear wheel drive model with 168 hp and an impressive 303-mile range. Our tester’s dual-motor AWD model boasted an impressive 320 hp, and even more telling, 446 lb.-ft of torque. Despite that power, you get good range with an estimated 266 miles on a full charge. (You can go over 300 miles if you’re willing to forgo AWD).
Speaking of charge, another strong point is the Ioniq’s charging – using an ultra-fast 800V DC charger gets you from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. Great for a quick lunch, coffee break or workout. Even without the super-fast chargers, Level 3 chargers will take you only 25 minutes, and if you use a Level 2 240V 10-100% is about 7 hours – perfect for the overnight.
While there have been many EV’s that have graced our columns, the Ioniq 5 remains one of our favorites to drive. Thanks to that mountain of torque, the AWD model easily dispatches 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, and it feels even faster, since there’s no noise or vibration. It’s a thrill that never went away, during our week zipping around in the car.
Another reason to love the Ioniq5, you can dial in “one pedal” driving that uses strong regenerative braking and slows the car to a stop just by taking your foot off the accelerator. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s fun once you’ve mastered it – and it also helps you extend your range.
And when you’re not looking for in-flight entertainment, the 5 is a supremely quiet cruiser, and since Hyundai’s safety suite, including the adaptive cruise control and lane management is one of the best, it becomes a very relaxing drive. We even cued up the audio systems atmospheric sounds – we loved “Lively Forest” and just did the electric glide down the road.
Handling is impressive too. AWD, massive tires and all the weight sitting low in the chassis gives athletic handling and loads of grip. Body lean is almost non-existent! The steering is light, but a little numb, still, you can throw the Ioniq around and have a ball doing it.
How Much to Get a Charge out of My Drive?
Hyundai gives you a range of prices and choices. The entry-level 2023 SE Standard Range comes in at $41,450 with a 220-mile range, that great style and room, the 2WD model could be all the EV you’ll ever need.
At the other end of the spectrum is our Limited AWD tester, with a $52,600 sticker. Add in Destination ($1,335), we rang the bell at $53,935. We’re not sure where the Ioniq will land on the new regs on rebates for EV’s, but there may be additional savings.
Competition would include the sibling Ioniq 6, at $51,265, a sporty sedan with similar performance. Another family member, the sibling Kia EV6, which would comp out at $53,975. They all offer a similar drive, but the styling/mission is different in each. Choose the one you like. BTW, there is a more expensive 576-hp EV6 GTmodel if you feel like hunting Porsches!
We also liked the stylish and friendly VW ID4, pricing in at $54,090. If you like the European vibe, the ID4 is your most affordable choice.
While there are many more EV competitors than just a couple years ago, we still love the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5’s style, spacious and techy interior and stunning performance.
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.