Overview
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a trailblazing family crossover that serves as a cornerstone of the modern EV market. Built on Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP architecture, it positions itself as a premium yet mainstream family EV designed to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and Kia EV6. It bridges the gap between retro-inspired styling and cutting-edge 800V engineering, establishing a strong market position as one of the most well-rounded and complete family cars available today.
Design
The exterior styling of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a major selling point, featuring a bold future-retro aesthetic that blends sharp creases with pixel-inspired LED lighting. Though it has the clean proportions of a traditional mid-sized hatchback in photographs, it actually masks a surprisingly large, commanding crossover stance. The front utilizes a distinctive pixel light motif that bleeds through the trim rather than relying on a traditional fake grille, while the side is defined by aggressive, angular slash lines and flush door handles. The rear architecture completes the look with a wide, pixel-dense light bar and a clean tailgate that benefits from a highly requested rear window wiper introduced in recent updates.
Interior
The cabin leverages the dedicated electric platform by moving the wheels to the absolute corners, resulting in an open, flat-floor layout that feels remarkably airy and expansive. Dual 12.3-inch horizontal screens dominate the dashboard to handle the driver instrumentation and central infotainment, featuring clear graphics, over-the-air updates, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High-quality sustainable materials are used extensively throughout, creating a sophisticated environment that punches well above its class. Ergonomics are very well thought out, featuring a sliding centre console and physical climate controls, though some drivers may find the steering column lacks a bit of adjustment.
Performance & Powertrains
The vehicle is available with two battery packs and three distinct RWD or AWD motor configurations. The entry-level variant uses a 63 kWh battery paired with a 168 bhp rear-mounted electric motor, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a range of up to 273 miles. Upgrading to the 84 kWh Long Range battery increases output to 225 bhp in the rear-wheel-drive setup, lowering the 0-62 mph sprint to 7.5 seconds while maximizing the range to 354 miles. For maximum performance, the dual-motor AWD version produces 320 bhp to achieve a rapid 0-62 mph time under 5.3 seconds. Thanks to its advanced 800V electrical architecture, ultra-rapid DC charging speeds peak at 350kW, allowing the battery to replenish from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. On the move, the ride is quiet and refined, favouring absolute passenger comfort and highway stability over sharp, aggressive handling.
Practicality
Passenger packaging is exceptional, offering a massive 3,000 mm wheelbase that delivers more rear legroom than many large premium SUVs, making rear seating for 3 adults entirely viable. The rear seats feature manual or electronic sliding mechanisms to let owners prioritize either second-row legroom or cargo space. Boot capacity stands at a competitive 520 litres with the seats up, expanding to a generous 1,580 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Small items are handled well by the large sliding glovebox drawer and deep central storage bins, while a small frunk provides an extra 57 litres of storage, perfect for charging cables.
Buying
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 range starts at £40,695 for the entry-level Advance trim and stretches up to £56,755 for the range-topping AWD N Line S variant. Standard equipment is generous even in the base Advance model, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual screens, and a highly efficient heat pump. Stepping up to the Premium trim adds a hands-free smart electric tailgate, part-leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the 84 kWh Long Range RWD in the Premium trim, which offers the optimal blend of maximum range, rapid charging, and upscale equipment for £46,755.