The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an elevated experience of what can be expected in an electric vehicle

The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 battery-electric SUV crossover is sold in rear- or all-wheel drive powertrains with driving ranges of 303 to 256 miles. Available incentives and rebates can total $10,250. (Photos courtesy of Hyundai)

Table of Contents

Next Level Design
10 IONIQ 5 Innovations
Pricing
Incentives and Rebates
Charging Times
Performance
Driver Assistance Systems
Ride and Handling
IONIQ 5 Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Awards
Why Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is almost iconic in how well it does everything. It’s not just a well-engineered electric vehicle, it is a well-designed car for family or executives.

The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle and built on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It and other electrified vehicles to follow will be marketed under the IONIQ subbrand. The upcoming battery-electric lineup will include the IONIQ 6 midsize sedan and IONIQ 7 large SUV.

At 118.1 inches, the IONIQ 5 has the longest wheelbase in Hyundai’s U.S. product lineup. It is almost 4 inches longer than the Hyundai Palisade large-midsize SUV, but the IONIQ’s overall length is nearly 14 inches shorter.

And Hyundai says the IONIQ 5 has more passenger volume (106.5 cubic feet) than the Ford Mustang Mach-E (101.1 cu. ft.) and the Volkswagen ID.4 (99.9 cu. ft.).

Sales currently are in the zero-emissions vehicle states of the Northeast plus Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Virginia, and Washington state. There will be a broader rollout later in 2022, Hyundai says.

The driver area is digitally sophisticated but easy to use.

Next Level Design

The IONIQ 5 exterior design is next level as a contemporary EV. Crafting a cohesive exterior appearance is a challenge when the electric powertrain is configured in a so-called “skateboard” layout. The battery-electric elements form a low and flat foundation. But the design challenge has been to build a body that doesn’t look like it is grafted onto the skateboard foundation.

Because that foundation raises the ride height of the vehicle, designers have adopted an SUV format. Adding SUV features to the body is one way to disguise the awkward foundation.

For the majority of mainstream EVs, exterior styling is a ground-up exercise. But the Hyundai designers appear to have created a top-down style for its IONIQ 5. From the outside, it looks more cosmic space shuttle than bulky SUV. And if there is such a thing as an open floor plan for a vehicle, the IONIQ 5 has it. The flat floor, spacious front-seat area, and long roofline create a light and inviting space.

Dual 12-inch screens with white backgrounds add to the lightness of the cabin. To the far left is the magnetic note board.

10 IONIQ 5 Innovations

Flush Mounted Automatic Door Handles. As an owner with the key nears the IONIQ 5, the door handles pivot outward. The design is for clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamics. But the lever-type handle gives more leverage on opening and eliminates the fingernail scratches in the paint from a traditionally styled pull handle.

Sliding Center Console. The so-called Universal Island moveable center console can slide back and forth 5.5 inches.

Magnetic Note Board, for photos or a shopping list.

Power Reclining Driver’s Seat with Footrest. So thoughtful when killing time at a public charging station.

Fast Charging. IONIQ 5’s E-GMP architecture can support 400-volt and 800-volt fast-charging. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, and it can accommodate 400-V charging without additional adapters. Hyundai says the multi-charging system is a world first.

Ownership by Subscription. A planned subscription service will feature a single, all-inclusive monthly payment, covering the vehicle, insurance, and maintenance.

Over-the-Air Updates. IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai vehicle to offer free over-the-air wireless updates for maps and multimedia software.

The Vehicle-to-Load function creates a power source on wheels.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Function. As a high-capacity electric source, the IONIQ 5 is part survival tool and charger on wheels. V2L allows charging of electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters, or camping equipment. Or it can be used to charge a stranded EV.

The 1.9 kW of peak power is tapped through a standard 120-volt outlet. The function won’t power an entire home, but it can power necessities during a power outage, tailgate parties, or outdoor projects.

Using the V2L function requires an optional accessory adaptor ($220) that plugs into the outside charging port. The Limited model also has an interior V2L outlet at the base of the back row seat for charging laptops, phones, and other devices.

Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. The IONIQ 5 head-up display uses an Augmented Reality mode, which essentially turns the windshield into a display screen. The projection appears to be nearly 4 feet in front of the driver’s line of sight and can include various information, such as turn-by-turn navigation, posted speed limits, and advanced safety alerts.

Free Fast Charging for 2 Years. Hyundai and Electrify America collaborated to provide 250 kWh of free DC fast charging for new owners of the IONIQ 5 or Hyundai Kona EV. Charging via app will be offered in unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years from the date of purchase.

Electrify America

Electrify America has about 800 charging stations with more than 3,500 ultra-fast chargers either open or in development, Hyundai says. See Electrify America’s plan for the

The Universal Island center console can slide back and forth 5.5 inches.

Suggested Retail Pricing

The IONIQ 5 is sold in three trim levels in rear- or dual-motor all-wheel drive with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Starting prices include the $1,245 freight charge from Ulsan, Korea.

Rear-drive models have a 168 kW, 225-hp motor with 258 foot-pounds of torque and battery capacity of 77.4 kWh for a driving range of 303 miles. AWD trims package a 74 kW front motor and a 165 kW rear motor for 320-hp with 446 ft.-lbs. of torque.

The Limited AWD tester was $55,940 with one option for carpeted floor mats, $195.

IONIQ 5 SE RWD starts at $44,895;

IONIQ 5 SEL RWD: $47,145;

IONIQ 5 Limited RWD: $51,845;

IONIQ 5 SE AWD: $48,395;

IONIQ 5 SEL AWD: $50,645;

IONIQ 5 Limited AWD: $55,745.

Available later this year will be the entry IONIQ 5 SE Standard; offered only in rear-wheel drive. It has a smaller electric motor — 125 kW, 168-hp — and smaller battery capacity (58 kWh) with fewer creature comforts but a full complement of safety and driver-assist technologies. It has a starting price of $39,700 and a driving range of 220 miles.

The top box, above the AWD motor, has about a cubic foot of storage space.

Paint and Interior Colors

There are six paint colors, including five nature-inspired hues exclusive to IONIQ 5. The color choices are Phantom Black (Pearl), Cyber Gray (Metallic), Atlas White (Solid), Digital Teal (Green Pearl), Lucid Blue (Pearl), Shooting Star (Gray Matte).

The Digital Teal is a color-changing metallic paint. In various light conditions, it can look aquamarine, silver, or gray.

The interior has three color options Obsidian Black Monotone, Dark Pebble Gray/Dove Gray, Dark Teal/Dove Gray.

There is a lot of easily digested information in the digital gauge array.

IONIQ 5 Incentives and Rebates

The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 qualifies for up to $10,250 in federal and state rebates or incentives.

Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit: $7,500. IRS tax forms are here.

California Clean Fuel Reward: $750. Available toward the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle with a battery capacity greater than 5. The customer must register the vehicle in California and the customer must reside in California.

California Clean Vehicle Rebate: $2,000.  Participants are eligible based on gross annual income, as stated on their federal tax return.

Find federal and state laws or incentives here.

And the IONIQ 5 qualifies for High-Occupancy-Vehicle freeway access, with the green DMV decal .

The Limited includes a V2L plug in the back seat

Ownership by Subscription

To help EV-intenders get comfortable with ownership, Hyundai plans to offer a simple automobile subscription service; it is now in the pilot phase. The subscription will have an all-inclusive monthly payment, covering the vehicle, insurance, and maintenance.

Parametic Pixel LED lighting.

IONIQ 5 Charging Times

Rapid DC 150kW (400V): 25 minutes, estimated, from 10 percent to 80 percent charge

Rapid DC 250kW (800V): 18 minutes, from 10 percent to 80 percent

Level 2 240-volt home unit: 6 hours, 43 minutes

Hyundai Bluelink

Bluelink is a car-connectivity system on all new Hyundai models that gives drivers remote access to their vehicles. The Bluelink app for IONIQ vehicles has redesigned home-screen displays for driving range, battery state, and charging times when plugged into public or private chargers.

Users can access an advanced battery management system to select charging times, particularly for off-peak electricity rates.

Remote Climate Control allows scheduled pre-heating or pre-cooling when the IONIQ 5 is connected to a power source. It helps save battery power that would otherwise be needed to heat or cool the vehicle on the road.

The map section of the app has also been redesigned to let customers filter between charger providers and charge type. It also will show the availability of a charger when the driver arrives.

Eight-way power-adjustable seats for driver and passenger.

IONIQ 5 AWD Performance

The dual motors of the IONIQ 5 Limited AWD provide smooth uptake from the start and give strong acceleration when needed. There are performance modes of Eco, Normal, and Sport. And when you try a full-on launch in Sport mode, the digital gauge array turns red and the force of acceleration is bristling. Hyundai cites 0-60 acceleration in less than 5 seconds.

All models have a top speed of 115 mph and can tow up to 1,650 pounds.

The i-Pedal regeneration system helps recupe de-acceleration energy simply by lifting off of the accelerator. It is especially handy around town. With careful driving, the i-Pedal function can almost take the place of slow-speed, stop-and-go braking. The force of the regeneration can be adjusted with the steering wheel paddles.

IONIQ 5 Ride and Handling

Electric SUVs are heavier than internal-combustion vehicles, mainly because of the large battery pack needed to achieve 300 miles. The IONIQ 5 Limited AWD weighs 4,662 pounds. By comparison, the seven-passenger Palisade with all-wheel drive at 4,387 pounds. The Tesla Model X SUV weighs around 5,441 pounds. And the VW ID.4 weighs 4,824 pounds.

Hyundai achieved a lower weight without extensive use of aluminum in the body. Instead, the body is comprised of advanced high-strength steel and high tensile steel.

Aero-optimized wheels in sizes of 19 or 20 inches.

Suspension

The engineering challenge in hefting upward of 3 tons in a smallish vehicle is to provide a comfortable ride. It is common for an EV suspension to clunk and jolt over rough patches.

Hyundai engineers applied some secret sauce in its steel-spring suspension that mitigates the clunks and jolts. The setup of MacPherson struts at the front and a rear multilink includes high-performance shock absorbers.

Credit the long wheelbase for the smooth highway ride. Only a couple of times over very lumpy highway section did I notice any heave to the ride, but never a clunk. And that is without any electronics to quicken the suspension response time.

Brakes, Tires, and Wheels

Four-wheel-disc brakes have ventilated 12.8-inch front rotors and 12.8-inch solid rear rotors. The regenerative braking system includes brake control paddles at the steering wheel to maximize downhill regeneration.

With careful driving and attention to regen braking, the driving range can be extended by a few miles.

Highway road and wind noise are well controlled, aided by the 20-inch Michelin Primacy Touring “Acoustic” touring tires (255/45). For this tire, Michelin’s noise-reduction tuning combines frequency canceling shoulder grooves and block chamfers with ultra-smooth belts. I’d never before experienced these “acoustic” tires but highly recommend them. With a midrange treadwear rating of 540 (rubber hardness), the tires have a warranty of 55,000 miles and a standard limited warranty of 6 years. That coverage is important because the hefty EV curb weights tend to wear out tires sooner than expected, owners say.

The large 20-inch alloy wheels are aero-optimized for reduced turbulence. The wheels are also positioned at the very edge of the body to help block wind from entering the wheel well. And special aero-optimized fender overriders also help break up airflow and reduce drag.

There are many small aerodynamic elements on the body to trim drag, such as these slash marks on the fender overriders.

Driver-Assist Systems

The IONIQ 5 debuts Highway Driving Assist 2 as the next level of Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance systems. When driving on a highway, HDA 2 actively responds to close-range low-speed cut-ins by other drivers and motorcycles. The system also will automatically assist lane changes in certain conditions when the driver uses the turn signal. HDA 2 also adjusts the steering weight according to drive mode.

In my experience, the driver-assist systems functioned reliably and kept the IONIQ 5 well centered in the lane. That precision is reassuring in heavy commuting. I experienced no random system shut-offs, which can be caused by shadows, bright sunlight directly into the forward camera, and even white semi-trucks with white trailers. Because these systems are not foolproof, it is best to drive with both hands on the wheel, despite what some Tesla owners seem to believe.

Other driving-assistance systems include:

Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning. The system tries to mimic the driver’s tendencies for acceleration and spacing with the vehicle ahead;

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist;

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist;

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, to match the posted speed;

Blind-Spot View Monitor, uses side mirror-mounted cameras to show the driver views to the left and the right of the vehicle. The image is displayed in the digital gauge cluster screen when the turn signal is activated.

The gear selector is located behind the steering wheel.

Interior Function

EV interior design is evolving and each manufacturer finds new ways to innovate and use space.

Slip behind the wheel of the IONIQ 5 and the dual 12-inch digital screens with white backgrounds are different, even alien. But after some exploration, the screens become completely functional and easy on the eyes.

The contiguous 2-foot span of screens connects gauges and infotainment with cabin controls. But at driver’s left is a magnetic board that extends the contiguous span to about 30 inches. Hyundai says the magnetic surface, about 5-by-5 inches, is ideal for posting pictures and notes just like on a refrigerator.

Many interior touchpoints in the IONIQ 5 — seats, headliner, door trim, floor, and armrest — are of sustainably sourced materials. These materials include recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns and bio paint with plant extracts.

The raised ride height provides comfortable entry and exit. And the open interior of the IONIQ 5 has wide open driver visibility, across the hood or over the shoulder. Front headroom of 39.1 inches, with the panoramic roof, and legroom of 41.7 inches should accommodate taller drivers.

Both front seats in the Limited are eight-way power-adjustable and seat support is comfortable for the entire driving range. The leatherette upholstery with perforated centers is supple and neatly stitched.

Cabin audio and climate controls are not difficult to master through the infotainment screen, but I wished for external screen access for the heated seats or the Limited’s heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. A rear wiper and washer are missing, but Hyundai says it will address that feature in the future.

The interior’s most notable feature might be the moveable Universal Island center console; it can slide back and forth 5.5 inches. The armrest of the sliding console also helps accommodate elbows of short and tall drivers. The open console also packages cup holders, a 15-watt wireless phone charger, and USB ports. The base of the console is big enough to hold a large handbag or a drive-through bag of food.

The console’s adjustability, flat floor, and gear selector located behind the steering wheel allow easier driver access if shoehorned into a narrow spot. Or just use the automated Remote Smart Parking Assist parking feature to solve the problem.

Also smart are the long door-side armrests that allow varied leverage points for closing the door. And just as important, the long grip helps control the force of opening the door and avoiding a ding in an adjacent vehicle.

The Surround View Monitor uses an array of cameras to give a 360-degree view of the area surrounding the vehicle. With guidance lines, it is helpful when parking to stay in the lines.

The back seat has adult-length thigh support and max legroom of 39.4 inches.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

Back-seat roominess is a standout in the IONIQ 5. The door opening is large, the doors open wide, and there are 39.4 inches of max legroom (depending on who is sitting in front).

The second-row seats can slide forward up to 5.3 inches, recline, and have a 60/40 seatback fold.

The Limited’s panoramic glass roof is an extra-large sky view that makes the space feel very open. The fabric sunshade is divided in the middle and one half rolls open toward the front and the other rolls backward for full daydreaming capability. The light provided by the glass roof is helpful to those sensitive to motion or who are claustrophobic, particularly children and my girlfriend. And vertical b-pillar vents keep a friendly flow of air to trim that occasional urpy feeling.

With 57.7 inches of shoulder room (door to door) and the flat floor, three-across seating is reasonably comfortable. The bench seat has adult-class thigh support and there are a few inches of seatback recline.

Back-seat extras include a fold-down armrest with can holders, large door-panel storage with bottle slots, above-door grab handles (with a jacket hook on the left handle), two USB charging ports. And the Limited adds manual side-glass sunshades.

Cargo space is flexible and accommodating for weekend getaways. But the space is modestly cropped by the tall cargo floor and angle of the back glass and tailgate. The opening is 41 inches wide by 38 inches to the seatback for 27.2 cubic feet of space. Fold the 60/40 seatback for 6 feet of flat capacity. There also is slim subfloor storage for the tire-mobility kit and charging cable.

Fold the 60/40 seatback for 6 feet of cargo length.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Awards

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 was revealed globally on Feb. 23, 2021, and since its debut has earned many 2022 car-of-the-year awards. Among them:

• New Zealand Car of The Year;
• German Car Of The Year;
• Best Import Cars of the Year, by Auto Bild, in the “Electric Car” category;
• No.1 Electric Car by Auto Zeitung, receiving the highest score among electric cars;
• Car of the Year 2021, Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2021; and Premium Electric Car of the Year 2021, by Auto Express;
• 2021 IDEA Design Award’ Gold prize;
• Best Design at the TopGear Electric Awards 2021.

Source: Wikipedia

Why Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5?

Despite more than two dozen electric vehicles headed to market in the next two years, EVs are still in their pioneering stages of development.

For its ease of use, voluminous interior, and driving range, the IONIQ 5 is an elevated experience of what can be expected in an EV, and what more evolution will follow — by Hyundai and others.

The transition to a battery-electric vehicle will be an expensive lifestyle adjustment, including the purchase of a home charger. But the security of always having a full tank when you leave home will pay dividends as owners wave bye-bye to weekly visits to the neighborhood filling station.

The biggest obstacle to overcome will be explaining to friends why you choose not to drive around on 15 gallons of flammable liquid.

Every 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (and 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric) includes 250 kWh of free DC fast charging through Electrify America.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD Specifications

Body style: Compact class 5-door crossover SUV; unibody construction of advanced high-strength steel and high tensile steel

Motors: Permanent-Magnet Synchronous; 165 kW rear motor, 74 kW front motor for AWD

Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer, 697 volts; 272kW output

Power: 320-hp with 446 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear with drive modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Snow); steering-wheel-button selectable

Top speed: 115 mph

0-60 mph acceleration: less than 5 seconds in Sport mode

Driving range: 256 miles, AWD

MPGe: 110/87/98 mpg city/hwy/combined

CHARGING TIMES

Rapid DC 150kW (400V): 25 minutes, estimated, from 10 percent to 80 percent charge

Rapid DC 250kW (800V): 18 minutes, from 10 percent to 80 percent

Level 2 240-volt: 6 hours, 43 minutes

Onboard charger: 10.9kW

BY THE NUMBERS

Coefficient of Drag: 0.288

Cargo space: 27.2-59.3 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.1*/41.7 inches *w/sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 37.5/39.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 182.5/118.1 in.

Height/width: 63/74.4 inches

Curb weight: 4,662 pounds

Turning circle: 39.3 ft.

Maximum trailer weight: 1,650 pounds, with or without trailer brakes (towing not recommended for Standard Range RWD model)

FEATURES

Standard Limited equipment includes: Surround View Monitor, Driver Seat with “Relaxation” function, Blind-Spot View Monitor, premium door sill plates, reverse sliding center console, rear-door sunshades, panoramic fixed glass sunroof with power shade, Vehicle to Load (V2L) two-way onboard charger (2nd row), heads-up display with augmented reality functions, roller cargo cover, integrated memory system for driver seat, Digital Key, 8-way power front seats (heated and ventilated), remote smart parking assist, Bose Premium 8-speaker Audio, electric parking brake, 20-inch alloy wheels, battery heater, and heat pump

Safety features include: 6 air bags, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist, rear cross-traffic-collision avoidance assist, high-beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, parking collision avoidance assist, hill-start assist, 4-channel ABS with brake-force distribution, brake assist and regen brake control paddles

PRICING

Limited AWD base price: $55,745, including $1,245 freight charge; price as tested $55,940

Options on test vehicle: carpeted floor mats $195

Where assembled: Ulsan, South Korea

Warranties: 10-years/100,000-miles electric-vehicle system; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain limited warranty; 5-years/60,000-miles new vehicle limited warranty and 7-year anti-perforation warranty; free scheduled maintenance for 3-years/36-000 miles