Since its debut back in 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has emerged as a key lynchpin in Hyundai’s electrification plans with the SUV bringing futuristic style in a package that comes with an impressive degree of baked-in practicality. With the Ioniq 5 N just now entering the market, we wanted to find out if the standard 5 still had the chops to be a good gatekeeper model especially for buyers that are willing to trade in performance for more baked-in practicality.
Pixels still reign supreme in Ioniq 5
The exterior styling of the Ioniq 5 continues to be a strong suit for the model, with the SUV having a stronger resemblance to a hatchback than any kind of typical SUV or CUV. Pixels are still a defining trait and while some folks might be turned off by that, we think that it adds personality to the Ioniq 5 with crisp design lines adding extra layers of personality and character.
With how old the Ioniq 5 is now, there may be some questions about how well it’s aging when compared to the rest of the segment. Evolution and keeping up to date are two key requirements for the EV segment and the Ioniq 5 is rapidly getting close to an update. However, we might not see it for awhile with Hyundai choosing to focus the bulk of its recent Ioniq 5-related updates on the all-new Ioniq N which brings more performance and track-ready poise to the model. That might distract some eyes from the Ioniq 5’s age and also bring more sales from buyers looking for more performance in their EV purchase.
Clean interior continues to boast comfort, age is starting to show though
The Ioniq 5’s interior continues to place a strong emphasis on comfort and technology with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system continuing to be two of the three pillars that Hyundai used when they crafted the interior. There are also plenty of eco-friendly materials scattered throughout the vehicle and occupants get an impressive amount of room especially in the second row.
The center console enhances storage further and Limited models like our tester allow it to slide back and forth between the front and rear passengers. These little details are a core strength for the Ioniq 5, but age is also starting to creep inside too. The core design is still modern looking but feels like it’s stuck in a time warp especially when rivals from Tesla and others have received updates that help keep their interiors up to date with the times. Visibility is good for the most part, but the pinched rear window continues to be a weakness. Hyundai does address this by adding a camera-operated blind-spot feature to assist with lane changes.
Smooth operator on the road and freeway
The standard Ioniq 5 has always been tailored towards comfort and not much has changed on that front with our Limited tester being powered by a dual-motor setup that makes a combined 320 hp. The setup is spirited but it will also not set the world on fire with its performance manners either. That will be the N’s job but look for the performance that’s on hand to be enough for most owners with Hyundai saying that a dual-motor mode like our example can make the sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Rear-wheel drive is also available but power dips to 225 hp though the range figure goes up from 260 miles in the dual-motor model to 303 when only the single motor is equipped. Handling in the Ioniq 5 is smooth and composed but it also follows the same theme of balance and as a result, it will not be the number one pick in corners like the N model will be. Road noise in the Ioniq 5 is kept to a minimum and the sound-deadening material helps silence tire noise too.
The Ioniq 5 also boasts potent charging behavior too with the company saying that the model can be charged from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 20 minutes with 68 miles being added in about five minutes. That’s pretty good for its segment and that has helped the Ioniq 5 make a strong impression especially when it first appeared in the segment.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $41,800 for the standard SE Standard Range model with the Ioniq 5 staying firmly in the $40,000 range as you climb through the bulk of its trim ladder. Limited models like our example start at $53,500 and are the most luxurious Ioniq 5 models you can buy despite being replaced by both the N and the D100 Platinum Edition. The D100 is made through a collaboration with Disney and is helping the company celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The 2024 Ioniq 5 is shaping up to be an enduring success for Hyundai and while age is beginning to creep into some aspects of the Ioniq 5’s personality, it’s still a compelling entry in the EV segment. As Tesla and other rivals make the necessary updates to their models, we hope that Hyundai can maintain a similar pace with the Ioniq 5 especially as it prepares to accelerate its electrification plans.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.