Hyundai Ioniq 5 2022 review

• For: Blend of style and practicality, capable of very fast charging, claimed range
• Against: It’s bigger than you might want, not really an SUV, real-world range
• Verdict: One of the best electric cars you can buy

There’s something otherworldly about the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The deep fold-lines through its doors, wheels that seem to be spinning at 100mph even when stationary, the geometric front panel with LED lights spying out from beneath the bonnet. It’s like nothing else.

The design is so well balanced that the car could be small, medium or large – it’s hard to tell from a photo. Hyundai capitalises on this, suggesting that it falls into the family SUV category.

However, the reality is the Ioniq 5 is simply a big five-door family hatchback, and none the worse for that.

Striking a balance

What’s inside the box? Tucked under the floor is the same electrical package as the Kia EV6, although Hyundai offers a smaller battery in order to get the starting price below £40,000.

While the electric car market is still in its infancy – and it has a very long way to go yet – it’s hard to know where the balance between ‘affordable’ prices and must-have long driving range falls.

So, the buyer must choose between a 58kWh battery with a claimed 240-mile range, or the 73kWh model that will nudge 300 miles. The latter commands a £2,650 premium, but for many the greater range will be a no-brainer.

That said, as with every other electric car, there’s disappointment in store when it proves hard to achieve close to these figures in warm weather, and simply impossible in the winter.

World Car of the Year 2022

At any price, the Ioniq 5 is one of the most desirable electric cars you can buy – a fact recognised by its recent triumph in the World Car Awards 2022. The Hyundai fought off competition from the closely related EV6 and (also electric) Ford Mustang Mach-e to take the overall title.

The cabin matches the exterior for style, with a fascia that is simply fantastic. The extra-wide electronic display is highly impressive, while the buttons below mean you don’t have to stab at the screen to make quick adjustments to the heating, for example. 

There is generous passenger space, the seats are comfortable – especially with the reclining ‘relaxation’ seat option – and visibility for the driver, both over-the-shoulder and when parking, is far better than in the EV6.

Boot space is large, but a bit shallow. Dog owners cite this as a common problem in electric cars, due to batteries below the floor. The Skoda Enyaq iV is better here. 

Ready to charge

A killer feature in the Ioniq 5’s armoury is the ability to charge at 800 volts. It’s the way forward, until now only possible on high-end electric cars from the likes of Audi and Porsche. It will revolutionise roadside charging with its sheer speed. Unfortunately, a widespread network of suitable chargers is not available quite yet. 

That is not Hyundai’s fault, though. It has built a very fine electric car in the Ioniq 5, one that should be on anyone’s list for consideration.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2022
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC