Drive with us: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review (2022)

Does Hyundai’s spacious electric crossover live up to the hype?

Making a splash in the world of electric vehicles, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is very much a car of the future.

It’s rivalling some tough competition. The list includes the Ford Mustang Mach-e, Volkswagen ID.4, its sister car the Kia EV6 or even Tesla’s array of fantastic electric cars.

This deceptively sizeable crossover combines the best of Hyundai’s history and their big ambitions for the future. Donning its proverbial hat to the Hyundai Pony - the manufacturer's first mass-produced car of the 1970s - it has taken styling cues to create a refined finish that looks equally as futuristic as it does retro.  

We’ve been out in the Premium, 73kWh model to see how well it drives, how spacious it is and to decide whether or not it lives up to all the excitement that surrounds it.

What did we drive?

Model: Premium 73kWh 2WD + V2L

Transmission: Automatic

Power: Electric (217PS)

Colour: Shooting Grey (Matt)

Wheels: 19inch alloys

OTR from: £37,420

Price of model driven: £43,420

Price

If you’re looking to buy an Ioniq 5 outright, prices will start from £37,420 and range up to £47,890 for the Ultimate spec.

Carparison's best car lease deals are a cost-effective method of getting behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle, with prices for a Hyundai Ioniq 5 lease starting from around £314 per month (price ex VAT & subject to change).

Rivals like the Kia EV6 start at an increased £40,945, while the ID.4 comes in at a more affordable £34,995.

With 1% BIK tax rates and an estimated £10 per 300 mile running costs, there’s no denying that the Ioniq 5 would make for a cost-effective electric car lease.

Batteries & Power Units

Depending on the edition of the Ioniq 5 you lease, you can choose from three different battery and power unit combinations.

We were testing the 73kWh RWD 217PS option and while it doesn’t provide the most power in the Ioniq 5 line-up, it does still give you that punchy acceleration that electric cars have become known for.

It’s by no means a slouch, but if you do feel the need for more power then upgrading to the 305PS battery option will give you a noticeable boost.

The battery and power options are as follows;

• 58 kWh RWD 170PS – available on SE Connect, Premium & Ultimate– from £37,420.00
• 73 kWh RWD 217PS – available on Premium & Ultimate – from £41,690
• 73 kWh AWD 305PS – available on Premium & Ultimate – from £44,890

Electric Range and Charging

Hyundai claim that the Ioniq 5 is capable of up to 298 miles (model dependent). Throughout the course of our time with it, we were averaging around 2.9-3kW per mile – so around 220 miles.

This is still a competitive range in comparison to some rivals and I’m confident with some more efficient driving, you could easily eek out the very best of its range and surpass the 250-mile mark comfortably.

Charging the Ioniq 5 is simple and hassle free. It charges at up to 220kW, so if you can find yourself a trusty 350kW ultra-fast charging station, Hyundai say it'll take around 18 minutes to reach up to 80%, 

For your more traditional day-to-day charging at a 50kW station, this will take around an hour and add roughly 17 miles every five minutes.

The reality is, ultra-fast charging isn't going to be a regular occurrence for you right now. However, Hyundai have been smart by futureproofing the Ioniq 5. As the charging infrastructure grows and more ultra-fast charging stations become readily available, this will be just as practical in the years to come.

Our Premium edition came with Vehicle to Load (V2L) added on as an optional extra, but this does come as standard on range-topping trims. It’s a brilliant function to have, especially for busy families on the move – it allows you to use the Ioniq 5 as so much more than just a car. It can power items like a kettle or a mini fridge.  

Drive

What we experienced in the Ioniq 5 was a very composed and assured drive.

We were testing out the mid-range, 217PS 73kWh edition and the power was as you would expect from an electric vehicle of this nature. The 300PS option will provide you with more of a punch, but this was more than suitable.

Compared to some of its rivals, the Ioniq 5 wasn’t as dynamic to drive as something like the Ford Mustang Mach-e or a more premium competitor like the Tesla Model Y. It handles well on the move and feels good to drive with a weighty steering wheel but perhaps lack that bit of character that would see the overall experience go above and beyond.

Don’t get me wrong, it does everything very well. Even with a slightly firmer suspension, the Ioniq 5 does ride bumps well and comfort levels remain impressive throughout.

You do also get the option of customisable regenerative braking modes, so if you want a one-pedal driving system you have the option to create one.

Design & Interior

The Ioniq 5 does make a statement with its design. The way that Hyundai have combined a futuristic looking EV that so clearly recognises its history enhances the character and appeal.

Based on the Hyundai Pony, the manufacturer’s first ever mass-manufactured vehicle from the 1970s, it has a boxy shape that can give the illusion of a smaller, more compact vehicle.

The chrome molding and curves that run alongside the body gives it something of a robotic look from the 70s or 80s and while it may not be for everyone, it does look very effective.

The attention to detail gives the Ioniq 5 a sense of character, be that the stylish kick plates in the doors or the four dots on the steering wheel, which translates to 'H' in Morse code.

Hyundai should be applauded for the bold and creative design, but if the looks aren’t to your taste, you could consider a Kia EV6 lease, which is built on the same E-GMP platform but looks a little more dynamic.

Space & Practicality

From the exterior, the Ioniq 5 doesn’t do itself justice when it comes to space. The wheelbase is a whopping 3 metres long. That creates an incredibly welcoming space for passengers.

This is helped by the decision to open what would be the traditional centre console. The arch-like design that they have used instead creates a flowing space that reminds you of almost what you would experience in a van (and that is meant in a good way!).

Head and legroom for rear passengers is generous, thanks to a flat floor and a comfortable middle seat. An adult could comfortably sit in the middle of two child seats if required.

The storage space on offer provides fantastic versatility if you’re planning on carrying big loads or using the Ioniq 5 as your family car. With a flexible boot floor and 527 litres of space, you’ve got more than enough room.

There’s also up to 57 litres – model dependent – in the front storage area, which is ample room to hide away your charging cables, leaving your rear boot space free.

Offering something a little different, the Ioniq 5 has a pull out drawer, rather than a traditional ‘glovebox’. I’m not sure if it creates any great extra space, but it’s a handy and innovative feature that's in keeping with the rest of the vehicle.

Technology

There are two 12.3inch screens in the Ioniq 5’s cabin and its reminiscent of what you might find in a Mercedes set-up.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying it has been incorporated better – there seems to be more screen thanks to a wide display and less of the outer casing that can take away from that premium edge.

The system is responsive and very informative. It’s easy to use and has been laid out in a sensible manner. It’s not particularly groundbreaking, but it doesn't overcomplicate things.

Strangely enough, I did find that the volume wasn’t particularly loud in the Ioniq 5. With the Premium trim, we didn’t have the upgraded Bose system, which could be a worthwhile investment if you enjoy your music.

It surprised me that there were no USB C ports in the vehicle. Hyundai have opted for traditional USB ports. The success of this ultimately depends on what lead you have laying around…but given the recent push from most manufacturers to switch their focus to USB C ports, this caught us off guard.

As well as wireless charging, there is also a traditional three-pin plug socket tucked neatly underneath the rear seats, opening up further charging opportunities for internal devices. There are also four USB ports and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.

Safety

Scoring top marks in its Euro NCAP safety rating tests, the Ioniq 5 has all five stars with an 88% score for adult occupants and safety assist.

The on-board Lane Keeping Assist was quite sensitive, so you don’t need to worry about steering out of line anytime soon.

The Lane Keeping Assist is one of many driving assistances included on this electric crossover, as well as Forward Collision Avoidance, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Follow Assist and Driver Attention Warning.

Model Lines & Equipment

Cars can come so well equipped these days that it’s not always necessary to go for the range-topping spec to get the best bang for your buck, but with the Ioniq 5, it’s hard to look past the Ultimate Trim for your next Hyundai lease deal.

By upgrading to that, you get the bigger eye-catching 20inch wheels, the V2L charging functionality as standard and the potential to customise your interior space with the retractable centre console.

SE Connect

• 12.3” Touchscreen
• 12.3” inch Driver‘s Supervision Instrument Cluster
• 19” Alloy Wheels
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Mood Lighting
• Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance and Reverse Parking Distance Warning
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Static Centre Console
• Tinted Rear Windscreen and Rear Windows
• Wireless Phone Charging Pad

Premium

(In addition to/replacement of SE Connect)

• BCA (Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist)
• Chrome Side Body Moulding
• Dual LED Low and High Projection Headlamps
• Electric Driver’s Seat Adjustments
• Electrochrome Rear View Mirror
• Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel
• Parking Distance Warning
• Smart Electric Tailgate

Ultimate

(In addition to/replacement of Premium)

• 20” Alloy Wheels (19” for 58 kWh battery variant)
• Alloy Pedals
• Black Shadow Leather Seat Trim (Seat Facing only)
• BOSE Premium Audio
• Front Passenger Seat Electric Adjustments
• Heated Rear Seats (Outer)
• Head Up Display
• Rear Privacy Glass
• Sliding Centre Console
• Solar Glass
• V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): Inside and Outside
• Ventilated Front Seats

*Model lines correct at the time of publication

Verdict

The Ioniq 5 delivers the best of both worlds. It represents what the next generation of electric cars should be like as we transition into a more efficient driving world.

Its head-turning good looks make it stand out from the crowd with seriously unique features.

It does all this without compromising on performance either. In return you’ll enjoy a hugely practical, spacious family-friendly EV that delivers on competitive range and equally good charging times.

Does it live up to the hype? Well, the numbers and performance speak for themselves. This is a genuine rival to the very best EVs.