2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Overview

A little bit of 1980s eight-bit styling mixed with some seriously impressive new-era electrification, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 dazzles as a fast-charging SUV with good driving range. The lineup spans a 168-hp, single-motor, rear-drive Ioniq 5 with an EPA-estimated 220 miles of range up to a 320-hp, all-wheel-drive, dual-motor unit with an estimated 256 miles of range. The big-range, single-motor, rear-drive model with 303 miles of range is among the furthest-driving EVs sold today for under $60,000. Its 350-kW DC fast-charging capacity is the real hero, though, enabling charging speeds as quick as those offered by far more expensive and luxurious EVs such as the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air. Inside the Ioniq 5, there’s plenty of room, with more rear-passenger space than both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. With a wide spread of pricing and range availability, the Ioniq 5 makes a compelling choice for anyone taking a first swing at EV ownership.

What’s New for 2023?

As the Ioniq 5 just debuted last year, Hyundai makes subtle equipment changes, but enough to bump its EPA-rating higher in a few areas. All-wheel drive models now get an EPA-estimated 266 miles of range, up from last year’s 256-mile rating. All-wheel drive models now get a 113 combined, 90 city, and highway MPGe rating, which is an improvement from last year. A battery heating system, as well as a preconditioning function, is now standard on all models. Finally, in the rare chance you tow something with the Ioniq 5, know that the maximum tow rating for SEL and Limited models is up to 2300 pounds.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

SE

$41,500 (est)

SEL

$47,500 (est)

Limited

$52,500 (est)

Going big will get you home when it comes to the 2023 Ioniq 5. That’s why we’d recommend the rear-drive Ioniq 5 SEL with an EPA-estimated 303 miles of range and 225 horsepower for well under $50,000. It comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, artificial-leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and more.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Ioniq 5 has an electric-only powertrain that’s available in multiple potencies. The standard-range battery paired with a single, rear-mounted electric motor generates 168 horsepower. With the longer-range battery, the rear-drive configuration generates 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which Hyundai says will propel the Ioniq 5 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version is much more powerful, with 320 horses and a substantial 446 pound-feet, and quicker, too. It catapulted to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds at our test track. The Ioniq 5 we drove demonstrated its smoothness on a variety of road surfaces, and its wide-for-an-EV tires combined with a low center of gravity made it feel athletic going side to side. We only wish its steering provided more feedback and the suspension was a smidge firmer.

More on the Ioniq 5 Hatchback

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

With the standard 58.0-kWh battery pack, the Ioniq 5 is estimated to provide 220 miles of range. The larger 77.4-kWh pack is rated at 266 miles with dual motors and 303 miles with a single motor. Hyundai says the larger battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes or add 68 miles in about five minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The Ioniq 5 with the long-range battery and rear-wheel drive has a combined EPA rating of 114 MPGe, adding all-wheel drive drops that estimate to 98 MPGe. With rear-wheel drive and the standard-range battery, the EV SUV is expected to get 113 MPGe combined. Once we can test these on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate their real-world efficiency. For more information on the Ioniq 5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While not as artsy as the cabin teased by the Hyundai 45 Concept, the Ioniq 5’s interior boasts a tech-savvy space with a digitized dashboard and a heavy dose of eco-friendly materials. A head-up display with augmented reality that can project navigation directions on the windshield is just one fanciful feature. The compact crossover also takes advantage of its all-electric packaging, with a completely flat floor for maximum passenger and cargo space. The front seats also recline and incorporate footrests, which will let folks relax while the Ioniq is charging. With a wheelbase that’s longer than the three-row Hyundai Palisade, the 5 has ample front- and rear-seat passenger room. Its large center console has lots of storage space, and on top-spec Limited trims, it slides back and forth between the front seats.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai says the Ioniq sub brand emphasizes connected living, and the Ioniq 5 has a host of innovative infotainment and connectivity features. A 12.0-inch touchscreen shares a panel on the dash with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, but the former acts as a hub for all things entertainment. This includes smartphone-integrated apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as advanced voice-recognition technology.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Along with a suite of driver-assistance technology, the Ioniq 5 will offer a Level 2 autonomous drive mode called Highway Driver Assist 2, which is similar to GM’s Super Cruise in that it can drive on the highway and change lanes with little to no driver intervention. For more information about the Ioniq 5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features should likely include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry. Likewise, it comes with an impressive amount of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD

Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $48,745/$57,245

Options: Limited trim (20-inch wheels, sunroof, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, head-up display, highway driving assist II, Smart Park, 360-degree camera view, evasive steering assist, rain-sensing wipers, hands-free liftgate), $7500; Shooting Star paint, $1000

POWERTRAIN

Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 99 hp

Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 221 hp

Combined Power: 320 hp

Combined Torque: 446 lb-ft

Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.4 kWh

Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW

Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink

Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc

Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S

255/45R-20 105V M+S GOE

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 118.1 in

Length: 182.5 in

Width: 74.4 in

Height: 63.0 in

Passenger Volume: 103 ft3

Cargo Volume: 28 ft3
Curb Weight: 4687 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 4.5 sec

100 mph: 12.6 sec

1/4-Mile: 13.2 sec @ 102 mph

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.8 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.0 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec

Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 98/110/87 MPGe

Range: 256 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED