Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Hyundai Ioniq 5 review – cutting-edge EV with retro looks

"Though its design takes elements from the past, the Ioniq 5 is thoroughly modern thanks to its hi-tech interior and superb electric range"

Carbuyer Rating

4.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Price
£39,900 - £58,240

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Ultra-fast charging
  • Practical

Cons

  • Slightly fidgety ride
  • Can get expensive
  • So-so range from 58kWh battery

Verdict - Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a good car?

If you’re looking for an electric car that stands out, few will turn as many heads as the retro-futuristic Hyundai Ioniq 5. Thanks to its boxy shape there’s plenty of room inside the Ioniq 5’s modern and minimalist cabin – plus even entry-level cars come loaded with kit. While it may not be able to match its sharp-looking exterior in terms of driving dynamics, the Ioniq 5’s electric motors still provide plenty of punch and, when equipped with the larger battery, it offers a range of well over 300 miles.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 range

Hyundai has been in the electric car market for a while with models such as the Kona Electric. While that’s still a great EV, the Ioniq 5 was the first in the Korean manufacturer's next generation of electric cars. A purpose-built EV that'll never be available as a petrol or plug-in hybrid model, the Ioniq 5 features an upmarket interior and striking retro-futuristic exterior, with eye-catching eight-bit-style lighting.

Best electric family cars heroThe best electric family cars – our top picks of 2024

A rival for the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Toyota bZ4X, Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic and Tesla Model Y, the Ioniq 5 shares its underpinnings with the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 and is bigger than you'd first assume from how it looks in photos. More like a scaled-up hatchback than an SUV, the Ioniq 5 is actually wider and longer than a Hyundai Tucson SUV, albeit not quite as high off the ground.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Thanks to these dimensions, the distance between the front and rear axles and the flat floor, there's masses of space inside. Rear space is almost limo-like, the boot measures 527 litres and the Ioniq 5 can even tow a respectable amount, making it surprisingly practical. The interior also feels as modern as you'd expect, with twin digital screens for driving information and media or navigation. They can't quite match the Tesla Model Y for sheer wow factor but they're crisp, intuitive and offer plenty of connectivity.

There's a range of battery and motor options available, starting with an entry-level 58kWh battery and single 168bhp motor powering the rear wheels for up to 238 miles on a charge. Step up to the 77kWh battery – which grew slightly during 2022 – and range improves, with the most efficient version capable of up to 315 miles. Power is also upped to 225bhp, cutting the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds. Alternatively, this battery is also available with dual motors, 321bhp and the ability to get from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds.

All versions come with ultra-fast 800V charging, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in less than 20 minutes at a compatible 350kW public charging station. Up until now, this has only been seen in range-topping luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan. Pick the hotted-up Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – which we’ve reviewed in-depth separately – and the hatchback is transformed into an enthusiast’s car arguably even more fun to drive than the Porsche.

On top of choosing your preferred battery configuration, there are also three distinct trim levels to choose from: Premium, Ultimate and the range-topping Namsan Edition. Each offers an ascending level of equipment, however, even base ‘Premium’ cars live up to their name, with kit such as part-leather heated seats, 64-colour ambient lighting and a reversing camera.

Hyundai is fast becoming a leader for mainstream EVs and the Ioniq 5 features cutting-edge technology not seen before in its class. It also feels roomy, well built and boasts an excellent infotainment setup. For drivers who often head further afield, the 77.4kWh single motor version in Premium trim is our pick of the range, with plenty of performance and standard equipment, plus an excellent 315-mile range.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?
Citroen C3 Aircross front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive
Nissan Juke UK drive front quarter
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric
Ford Puma Gen-E
News
3 Dec 2024

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric

Have You Considered

Fiat 600 review – a stylish and charming small SUV
Fiat 600e front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Fiat 600 review – a stylish and charming small SUV

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin
MINI Aceman E front quarter tracking
In-depth reviews
28 Nov 2024

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

New Audi Q5 Sportback lands with SUV stance and a swoopy roof
Audi SQ5 Sportback front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New Audi Q5 Sportback lands with SUV stance and a swoopy roof

More on Ioniq 5 hatchback

Show me:
The 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy in 2024
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars
20 Nov 2024

The 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy in 2024

A hot hatch should combine driving thrills with everyday usability at a reasonable price – we round up the best
The best company cars 2024
Best company cars
Best cars
15 Nov 2024

The best company cars 2024

A good company car needs to be comfy, efficient and affordable – here are your best options
The best tow cars to buy in 2024
Best tow cars
Best cars
8 Nov 2024

The best tow cars to buy in 2024

Choosing the right car for towing can be tricky, so we’ve put together the best options on sale today
The best cars for snow and winter driving 2024
Best cars for winter
Best cars
10 Oct 2024

The best cars for snow and winter driving 2024

If you plan on driving this winter, these new and used options will keep you moving when the weather turns frigid
The best electric family cars – our top picks of 2024
Best electric family cars hero
Best cars
4 Sep 2024

The best electric family cars – our top picks of 2024

Are you and your family ready to go electric? We list the 10 best cars to supercharge your school run
The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks
Coolest family cars
Best cars
23 Aug 2024

The coolest family cars you can buy – our expert picks

Transporting your family needn’t be boring – these are our picks of the coolest family cars on sale
The best sounding cars you can buy today
best sounding cars
Best cars
16 Aug 2024

The best sounding cars you can buy today

These cars sound so good, you’ll be itching to drop the windows and wind out the engine
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: updated EV is now even cheaper
Hyundai Ioniq 5 2024 front quarter
News
18 Jul 2024

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5: updated EV is now even cheaper

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is refreshed with a sporty N Line trim, a longer range and a lower starting price
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Electric cars are part of the mainstream these days – here are the 10 best currently on sale
Hot car deal: talented Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV for an amazing £214 per month
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Deals
21 Mar 2024

Hot car deal: talented Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV for an amazing £214 per month

The striking Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers head-turning style and a high-tech interior; it’s our hot deal for March 21st at just £214 per month
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensationally quick and engaging
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
20 Mar 2024

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review - sensationally quick and engaging

“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N sets the benchmark for fast EVs, but all its tech doesn’t come cheap”
Top 10 best driver's cars 2024
Best drivers cars
Best cars
21 Feb 2024

Top 10 best driver's cars 2024

You don’t need a supercar to enjoy a twisty road – these driver’s cars offer just as much fun
Hot car deal: retro-modern Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV for £253 a month
Hyundai Ioniq 5 front cornering
Deals
31 Jan 2024

Hot car deal: retro-modern Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV for £253 a month

Our hot car deal for January 30th is the impressive, all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 for just £253 a month
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 – which should you buy?
Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6
News
25 Nov 2022

Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6 – which should you buy?

Two of the very best electric family cars go head-to-head, but which is better? We compare the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6
Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets new range-topping Namsan Edition trim
Ioniq 5
News
25 Apr 2022

Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets new range-topping Namsan Edition trim

Now available with a bigger battery, Hyundai has also reworked the electric Ioniq 5’s trim lineup
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gains new bigger battery option
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - front 3/4
News
10 Feb 2022

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gains new bigger battery option

Ioniq 5 EV now has the same 77.4kWh battery as the Kia EV6, while digital mirrors have become available
Top 10 best London Congestion Charge exempt cars 2022
Ioniq 5
Best cars
15 Nov 2021

Top 10 best London Congestion Charge exempt cars 2022

Find yourself regularly driving in London? Check out our list of the best Congestion Charge-exempt vehicles

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024