Hyundai began as a value brand and has evolved to become one of the world's most innovative automotive manufacturers.. They are constantly releasing new products, creating new segments and striking vehicle designs. Hyundai has introduced the brand new 2022 full EV IONIQ 5 to its lineup.From the moment you see this car it's obvious there is nothing else quite like it on the road. Its style is futuristic yet retro combined with a practical interior packaging.
The IONIQ 5 is offered in several configurations. The base RWD model starts around $45,000 Canadian and offers 125kW Electric motor + 58kWh lithium-ion polymer high-voltage battery. This translates to 168 HP and a driving range of 350 km. Stepping up the Long Range version gives buyers 168kW electric motor + 77.4kWh lithium-ion polymer high-voltage battery. This version would be our top recommendation and gives drivers a more than adequate 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with a 487 km range. Hyundai claims a 0-100 km time of 7.4 seconds. The top spec version is the dual motor, which adds AWD 320 horses and a huge 446 pound-feet. Hyundai is promising a 0-100 time of 5.2 seconds. There is a trade off when going with the AWD version, this model is set up for performance, reducing the driving range to around 411 km.
The IONIQ 5 is unmistakable in its prominent design. The body has several sharp creases and angles to delight. It sits with an upright muscular stance with a long hood leading up to a tall windshield. The body has a striking Z pattern line that crosses the doors. The LED headlights, while futuristic in design, look and feel as if they were taken from a 1980's rally car. Whether you love or hate the look of the IONIQ 5, compliments to the design team for convincing the execs to allow this car to be built. With so many soap bar shaped EV’s and hybrid vehicles on the market, it is refreshing to see something so unique at this price point.
We have a couple of complaints about the car's exterior. The first being the retracting door handles. This continues to be a growing trend in the auto industry. We appreciate the effort to create a car with door handles that can hide themselves but we question the practicality and long term quality of this aesthetic decision. Our other issue is with the location of the trunk release button. The Prefered Long Range tester does not have an electric trunk relase. It was hard to find during our test drive. The button is located very low down and this part of the trunk lid is likely to collect dirt.
The interior is modern while simultaneously practical, each version comes standard with two large 12.3 inch displays. One for instrument cluster, drivers aids etc., and the other for the infotainment system. Hyundai continues to be an industry leader in terms of automotive software the IONIQ 5 will surely impress any computer engineer. Just below the screen is a set of dedicated buttons for the infotainment and climate controls. While we love that these controls are not buried in the touch screen, like a Tesla Model Y, we have to question why Hyundai chose to go with touch sensitive controls for the HVAC system as opposed to hard buttons. All the modern safety tech is standard including Hyundai’s excellent adaptive cruise control system and auto steer.
The interior for driver and passengers is a very well laid out space. Storage is abundant with a large center console and large door cards. The rear floor is completely flat which helps make the middle seat as comfortable as possible. Being able to lay flat across the floor of the car is a great pet feature. The rear seats also slide and recline giving passengers more spaciousness and comfort level. Our Prefered test drive model’s interior fit and finish is a bit more on the utilitarian side. Door panels and dashboard are nice but probably the best reminders that you are in a car from a brand that has new vehicles starting from under $20,000. We are curious to see if the fit and finish in the Ultimate top of the line version will have some nicer trim and interior surfaces.
The IONIQ 5 looks as great as it performs, it has a solid feel and may just be one of the best Hyundai's we've tested. The steering feels great and the acceleration is smooth. In comparison to the Ford Mustang Mach-E (read our full review of the Mach-E here) we find the drive very similar. The big difference is the IONIQ 5 does not have the name of legendary muscle car to live up to. Where the Mustang may have underwhelmed in driving engagement we felt the IONIQ 5 has a connected feel to the road and will satisfy most EV buyers. While an EV’s brakes often feel sensitive we did not find the regenerative brakes in the IONIQ 5 to be anywhere near as intrusive as the Tesla Model Y (read our full review of the Model Y here). While the Model Y can prove challenging to new drivers in traffic, we do not have the same feeling in the Hyundai.
Overall, we really love what the IONIQ 5 brings to the table, it is a great combination of price, power, range and style. People looking to try out their first EV and experienced EV drivers alike will be happy to have this car in their garage. This car might just beat Tesla at their own game. This is an opportunity for the auto industry to take note and recognize that a well priced, stylish and fun to drive EV can be done well.
Comments