With its space-age styling and bold character, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has established itself as one of Europe’s most acclaimed and more interesting electric SUVs since its launch in 2021. Its striking retro-futuristic design meets with advanced EV technology, plus a spacious interior and surprisingly agile dynamics. It’s built on Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP platform, offering ultra-fast charging up to 800v. Now established in the market, the Ioniq 5 continues to impress and feel fresh, with a choice of battery sizes and rear- or all-wheel drive, plus a host of advanced tech and safety features. It’s not cheap, but its low running costs, strong resale values, and Hyundai’s reputation for reliability give it appeal.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 changed the landscape for mainstream electric SUVs when it appeared, with a unique, space-age style, excellent practicality and the very latest cutting-edge tech, which means it doesn’t feel dated today. It’s one of the most complete and appealing EVs you can buy, with only its premium price holding it back from a perfect score. If you can stretch to it, you’ll enjoy one of the best electric family cars on the market. A used one is a particularly alluring option.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe new Hyundai Ioniq 5 is priced from £43,445 (for the Standard Range RWD SE), with Long Range and AWD versions rising to £57,169. According to AA Cars listings, well-maintained models from the 2022 model year, with typical mileage between 20,000 and 30,000, are generally available from £32,000 to £36,000. Lower mileage examples or those with higher trim levels can fetch upwards of £38,000, especially if equipped with desirable features such as the panoramic sunroof or upgraded infotainment system. Older models, or those with higher mileage, may dip below £30,000, offering good value for buyers seeking a more budget-friendly entry into electric motoring, which may be a good idea as reliability has been excellent so far. The Ioniq 5 is in strong demand on the used market, holding its value well.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available with two battery sizes, Standard Range (58 kWh) and Long Range (77.4 or 84 kWh depending on the year), offering power outputs from 170 bhp for the rear-wheel drive model up to 320 bhp for the all-wheel drive variant. The Standard Range RWD achieves a range of 238 miles and accelerates from 0–62 mph in 8.5 seconds, while the Long Range RWD manages 315 miles with a 0–62 mph time of 7.3 seconds. The Long Range AWD provides 298 miles of range and gets from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
Each version uses a single-speed e-CVT transmission. The Ioniq 5 also supports ultra-fast 800v charging, enabling a 10-80% top-up in as little as 18 minutes. For those seeking a sportier experience, the Ioniq 5N, from 2024, is a high-performance model with an uprated dual-motor arrangement producing up to 641 bhp in boost mode, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds. In addition to its powertrain, the 5 N is equipped with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and high-performance brakes.
In standard tune, the Ioniq 5 is tuned for comfort, with a supple forgiving ride and well-insulated cabin. Its long wheelbase and wide track give it a stable feel at speed, while the steering is light and accurate for urban driving. Despite its size, it’s easy to manoeuvre, and the AWD model offers extra grip in poor conditions. The Ioniq 5N is a different beast altogether, and is one of the first truly sporting electric cars.
One of the standout features of the Ioniq 5 is its superb ride quality – it’s excellent, well-damped and acquits itself brilliantly, even on harsh and broken surfaces. A low centre of gravity and well-sorted suspension deliver impressive composure and predictable handling. The extra weight of the AWD version is noticeable but doesn’t detract from stability or comfort, not least because of the extra traction it offers. The handling of the Ioniq 5N is a real highlight, elevating the driving experience with its specially tuned chassis and adaptive suspension.
Compared to the standard models, the 5N feels more agile and responsive through corners, with sharper steering and enhanced grip from its performance-focused tyres and all-wheel drive system. It’s genuinely engaging on twisty roads despite its size, demonstrating that Hyundai’s engineers have created a genuinely rewarding driver’s car – a real shot in the arm for the electric car market’s image. Interior and Features
The cabin is modern, spacious and airy, with a flat floor and sliding centre console with multiple storage arrangements. Five adults fit comfortably, with generous headroom and legroom. Rear seats slide and recline, and there are two Isofix points. Higher trims offer heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
With the rear seats in situ, the boot space is 527 litres, expanding to 1,587 litres with seats folded. There’s also a small front trunk (frunk) for cables, so they don’t end up buried under your luggage. The boot is wide and flat, and most trims feature a power tailgate. Cabin storage is excellent, with large bins and clever cubbies.
The Ioniq 5’s interior is very smartly finished with high-quality materials and minimalist design. Technology includes a pair of 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instruments, wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto), wireless phone charging, and premium audio on higher trims. Physical climate controls are a bonus and are both intuitive and easy to use. Safety is enhanced by Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Ioniq 5 is offered in several trims: SE Connect, Premium, Ultimate, and the Namsan Edition. The SE Connect trim comes equipped with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a rear camera. Moving up to the Premium trim, features include keyless entry, heated seats, parking sensors, and a power tailgate. The Ultimate trim adds further accoutrements, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and more advanced driver assistance features.
The Ioniq 5N unique features include an N Drift Optimiser, which allows it to kick the back end out slightly when driven enthusiastically, an ‘N Pedal’ for sharper throttle response, and active sound design to heighten the driving experience. The interior features N-branded sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and exclusive trim finishes, while the exterior receives N-specific bumpers, side skirts, and 21-inch forged alloy wheels. In terms of exterior colour options, buyers can choose from Atlas White, Digital Teal, Lucid Blue, Phantom Black, Cyber Grey, and Gravity Gold. Interior choices are available in either cloth or eco-leather, with light or dark highlights depending on the selected trim colour.
In terms of safety, the Ioniq 5 achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing. Breaking down the scores, it secured 88% for adult occupant protection, 86% for child occupant protection, 63% for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), and 89% for its safety assist systems. These results place it among the safest vehicles in its class, with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite playing a key role in its strong performance. Hyundai’s reputation for reliability is strong, and the Ioniq 5 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus eight years/100,000 miles on the battery.
As a pure electric vehicle, the Ioniq 5 produces zero CO₂ emissions. Its official WLTP range varies between 238 and 318 miles, depending on the chosen specification, with energy consumption figures ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 miles per kWh, again based on the WLTP test procedure. As of April 2025, a standard rate of £10 for the first year then £195 per year has applied to all EVs registered from that date onwards. All but the entry-level Ioniq 5 are subject to the Expensive Car VED Supplement, which kicks in after the first year, meaning an annual tax bill of 620 in years two to six of ownership. Insurance groupings for the Ioniq 5 fall between 30 and 40, depending on the trim level selected, which is on the upper side of average for the class.
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