Summary
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the company’s first purpose-built electric car and heralds the start of Hyundai’s new Ioniq EV sub-brand. The Ioniq 5 has been collecting plenty of admirers since its 2021 release, as Hyundai sets its sights on becoming a mainstream EV brand.
With a unique retro-futuristic exterior design that looks like it comes straight from the concept art of the Back to the Future movies, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has become a real highlight for members of the motoring media in 2021.
Top Gear has called the Ioniq 5’s design “sensational”, while The Sunday Times commented that “If a vehicle were judged solely on its looks, the Ioniq 5 would be the car of the decade.”
Borrowing the ‘Ioniq’ moniker from predecessors like the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, the Ioniq 5 his being heralded by many as a key model in the development of the electric car. Along with the closely related Kia EV6, it looks set to challenge more expensive models like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and the Polestar 2.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has earned praise from Auto Express for its “practical battery range and charging ability that sets it apart from its rivals.” The Ioniq 5 supports ultra-fast charging, capable of taking the battery from 10-80% in less than 20 minutes, something no other EV in its price range can match.
What Car? is impressed by the Ioniq 5’s “composed handling, incredibly spacious and practical interior and lots of standard equipment.”
On the other hand, What Car? concede that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has “ride comfort and refinement that let the side down”, and The Telegraph has called the Ioniq 5’s rather rigid ride quality “dreadful”.
As of June 2023, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an outstanding Expert Rating of 88% based on 27 different UK reviews. It also won Best Medium Car at our 2021 Car of the Year Awards, before going on to be named World Car of the Year for 2022.
Ioniq 5 highlights
- Stylish retro-modern exterior
- Roomy and practical interior
- Impressive infotainment system
- Unmatched battery charging ability
Ioniq 5 lowlights
- Top range models get pricey
- Unforgiving ride comfort
- Retro styling may not age well
Key specifications
Body style: Medium hatchback
Power unit: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £43,445 on-road
Launched: Spring 2021
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The retro-modern Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a supremely talented all-electric family car that’s hard to fault.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an impressive all-electric family car, with loads of space inside, stylish looks and plenty of range.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 73kWh Ultimate AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a distinct character, both in its style and the way it chooses comfort over sharp dynamics, and pulls it off well. It won’t upend the electric SUV segment, but it’s a compelling option in a quickly developing class.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Premium 73kWh RWD
Score: 9 / 10
“Hyundai really is at the top of its game with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. A deserving award winner, it really will give EV rivals a headache as it’s such a complete car and thankfully very different proposition to its Kia EV6 sister car.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 73kWh Premium
Score: 9 / 10
“The Ioniq 5 catapults Hyundai – already a manufacturer with strong EV credentials – toward the top of the class, even among some very talented rivals, such as the Skoda Enyaq iV and Ford Mustang Mach-E.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an absolute show-stopper to look at, it has a thoroughly usable, spacious and appealing interior brimming with technology and neat tricks, it’s quick and its handling treads a fine balance between sporty and comfortable. We’d recommend a Premium-spec one with the 77kWh battery pack for the most range and a long equipment list.” (Tim Pollard)
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 310hp Ultimate AWD
Score: 10 / 10
“With its incredibly cool styling and refreshing approach to interior design, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an EV that stands out from the crowd. In its most powerful form, it’s a lot of fun to drive too, while the long electric range and stand-out rapid charging speeds really put it into a league of its own.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the first purpose-built electric car for Hyundai’s EV brand, and it’s a cracker.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s incredible retro styling really stands out, and it has a plush, comfortable interior that’s very spacious. Alternatives can go further on a charge, though.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD 73kWh Ultimate
“Striking design, well-crafted interior and performance that stacks up against some top-notch compact premium executive EV competition.”
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD 73kWh Ultimate
“Stepping into the elegant cabin of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, I half expected to hear the epic strains of Also Sprach Zarathustra — the stirring music used in Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Read review
Discover EV
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With standout retro looks, spacious and practical interior and a good range the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fine family car and stands out against premium electric rivals.”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“With more presence than most supercars, ultra-rapid charging capability and luxury-car-like ride quality and interior comfort, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is hard to fault.” (Ben Custard)
Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 58kWh SE Connect
Score: 8 / 10
“Stylish, impressive interior space and it’s capable of super-fast charging speeds. The Ioniq 5 will change perceptions of the Hyundai brand.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 73kWh Premium
Score: 10 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a very impressive all-round car. It has a refined, premium feel, distinctive looks, it’s spacious, and it has a range of almost 300 miles. It’s also more affordable than many rivals.” (Paul Clarke)
Read review
Model reviewed: Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD 73kWh Ultimate
Score: 9 / 10
“While the Ioniq 5’s styling will undoubtedly polarise some opinions, it’s better value than the Audi Q4 and arguably makes far more of a statement than the likes of the Skoda Enyaq or VW ID.4. You certainly couldn’t mistake it for anything else.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Good battery range of up to 298 miles. Rapid charging as standard, able to add 62 miles of driving range in five minutes.”
Read review
Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a spacious, well-equipped and stylish EV that is nigh-on perfect for any family looking to make the switch to an electric car. Ride comfort might be compromised, and the range is decent but not spectacular, but for a large EV it’s a hugely appealing choice in an ever-growing market.” (Sam Phillips)
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“People use the term gamechanger a lot these days, but it genuinely feels to be apt here – more for Hyundai than for the electric car market, though.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The mega-fast 800v charging tech adds 62 miles of range in just five minutes. The only other car that can do that today is a Porsche Taycan. But this isn’t Porsche money. This is a £37k Hyundai.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD 73kWh Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“If a vehicle were judged solely on its looks, the Ioniq 5 would be the car of the decade. The exterior is a masterpiece of modern retro design, while the interior is beautifully laid out and fabulously practical.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 73kWh Premium AWD
Score: 10 / 10
“Few people buy electric cars like this to hurl them at back roads. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 instead scores where it matters; it’s spacious, versatile, and practical, and in Premium form at least, it’s comfortable around town and on the motorway. It also handles tidily, if not particularly excitingly.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 73kWh 4×4 Ultimate
Score: 8 / 10
“The terrific looks and lovely interior are the main attractions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but are they attractive enough to justify the dreadful ride quality? While you might think so, I feel it’s too high a price to pay on this model, although smaller wheels on a rear-wheel-drive model might change my mind.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A sensational-looking all-electric crossover that blurs boundaries, challenges the status quo, and makes us yearn for a Korean hatchback.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 combines standout looks with composed handling, an incredibly spacious and practical interior and lots of standard equipment.”
Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.7 / 10
“The Ioniq 5 makes a real statement about Hyundai’s position in the market: this isn’t just a great value car, it’s a great car full stop. The AWD version is superb to drive, and all cars have an immensely practical amount of space for passengers and cargo. The technology is cutting edge with lots of welcome touches. Maybe this isn’t the direct Tesla competitor some have called it, but the Ioniq 5 is still one of the best EVs on the market.” (James Morris)
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Grand in size, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 certainly delivers on cabin space and comfort. Its pure electric drive system is smooth and punchy, and it delivers a decent, if not class-leading, single-charge range. This is a highly impressive five-seat family hatchback and a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 63%
Safety assist: 88%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 58 kWh Electric RWD Automatic
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 9.1 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 9.3 / 10
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Ioniq 5 has scored very highly in Green NCAP testing, achieving a full five-star rating.
Reliability rating
As of June 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Ioniq 5, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has received
2023
- Auto Trader Awards – Most Loved Car
- Company Car and Van Awards – Best Large Electric Car
2022
- World Car Awards – World Car of the Year + World Electric Vehicle of the Year + World Car Design of the Year
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Car of the Year + Best Family Car
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Car of the Year + Best Premium EV
- Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
2021
- The Car Expert Awards – Best Medium Car
- Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Mid-size Company Car + Best Premium Electric Car + Best Design
- Business Car Awards – One to Watch
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car + Best Family Electric Car
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Design + Motoring Innovation Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia e-Niro | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
Buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai Ioniq 5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Lease a Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai Ioniq 5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Subscribe to a Hyundai Ioniq 5
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Electric car subscriptions from Elmo.
Find out more
Electric car subscriptions from Onto.
Find out more