What Is It?
It seems as though every automotive manufacturer has announced plans to offer a completely electrified lineup within the next several years, and Hyundai is no exception. The company plans to introduce 23 all-electric new vehicles worldwide by 2025, and leading the charge (apologies for the shopworn pun) is the all-new 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5. Built on a new Electric-Global Modular Platform, this mainstream EV fits well within the Hyundai lineup as a stylish, roomy, efficient crossover.

Test Vehicle
Hyundai provided us with a 2022 IONIQ 5 Limited AWD painted in Phantom Black. The Limited is the top trim of the IONIQ 5 lineup, so almost everything is standard equipment — the only option on our test vehicle was carpeted floormats. Total MSRP for this vehicle is $55,940. Competitors to the IONIQ 5 include the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach E and Volkswagen ID.4.

Standout Styling
The 202 Hyundai IONIQ 5 possesses sharp, angular lines and styling similar to the brand’s 45 EV Concept shown at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. The IONIQ 5 features the first use of a clamshell hood on a Hyundai vehicle, which improves aerodynamics while minimizing panel gaps. A narrow grille opening features distinctive headlights that will be easily recognizable at night, thanks to their signature rectangular LED running lights, which were especially striking on our test vehicle painted black.

Maximizing Aero
Contributing to the vehicle’s overall efficiency, the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 continues aerodynamic features along the vehicle’s flanks, where flush door handles provide maximum aero effect as well as a clean exterior look. The IONIQ 5 rides on 20-inch aero-optimized wheels that complement the vehicle’s unique proportions, realized through a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Sharp, chiseled lines around the front bumper and side panels add character, helping the IONIQ 5 further stand out on the road and giving the car a look of forward motion even not moving.

Rear View
At the rear of the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, taillights mimic headlights with the same rectangular LED design, and the same V-shape of the grille gets echoed below the IONIQ 5 name on the rear hatch. The lighting also gives the IONIQ 5 a unique, high-tech look.

Inner Space
Hyundai designers took full advantage of the new EV platform to provide a spacious interior for IONIQ 5 occupants. The stretched wheelbase combined with a flat floor both front and back evoke the feeling of sitting in a room rather than a car. This spaciousness gets enhanced by the steeply raked windshield and a panoramic glass roof.

Center Console
Between the front seats resides a large center console — the automaker refers to it as the IONIQ 5’s Universal Island — which provides plenty of storage space with integrated cupholders and wireless phone charging, as well as two additional USB ports. We like the large space for bags or purses, although it would be advantageous to have more covered storage. Aside from a small space in the armrest cubby, everything gets left out in the open for passersby to spy.

Lounge Seats
Given current charge times for electric vehicles, sometimes drivers must simply hang out while the vehicle charges, so Hyundai has attempted to make the wait as comfortable as possible. The driver seat has an extendable foot rest, and the entire seat can recline to a relaxing position (for sitting, not driving). Designers also reduced seat and seatback thickness to maximize space and additional rear-seat legroom.

High-Tech Look
The main interface of the IONIQ 5 features two 12.0-inch displays — an infotainment touchscreen display adjacent to the digital driver display / gauge cluster. Both displays are clear and easy to read. Climate and audio controls below the display allow easy access. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available and look great on the widescreen display, although these require wired connections. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column, which frees up space on the center console.

Rear Seat
The flat floor, decent legroom and the panoramic roof or the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 create a spacious rear seat comfortable enough for two or three people. Second-row seats can be moved forward or backward to maximize seating or cargo space; the rear seats also recline for additional comfort. Dual USB ports let rear-seat passengers keep their devices charged.

Cargo Space
The IONIQ 5 can hold a surprising amount of cargo behind the rear seats, easily handling a few suitcases or several grocery bags. The rear seats also fold down easily to extend the space for larger items, providing the utility expected of a  crossover.

Frunk
A feature that’s becoming more common in electric vehicles is a frunk, or front trunk. The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 doesn’t have a lot of storage space in the frunk, but it does provide a secure space to store some small items or even the car’s charging cable.

Electric Power
Three different power levels are available on the IONIQ 5 — the test vehicle we drove was equipped with the most powerful variant. A dual-motor system delivers 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque for excellent performance via quick responses to throttle inputs.

External Power Available
Adding another level of vehicle versatility, the IONIQ 5 has the ability to deliver up to 1.9 kilowatts of external power — a great feature for running power tools, camping equipment or even charging larger electric devices such as an e-bike or scooter. This system can even be used to deliver power to a stranded electric vehicle. The Vehicle to Load feature uses an adapter that attaches to the vehicle’s exterior charge port. (An additional port can be found in the rear seat area of the IONIQ 5 Limited.)

Range and Charging
According to the U.S. EPA, the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD is rated at 256 miles of range, which matches what we observed during our drive. Fuel economy is rated at 110 MPGe city / 87 MPGe hwy / 98 MPGe combined, making IONIQ one of the more efficient AWD vehicles in America. Charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes about 25 minutes on a 150 kw DC fast charger. A Level 2 charger (a typical home unit) takes a bit less than seven hours to completely charge the IONIQ 5 — easily accomplished overnight.

On the Road
Admittedly we are fond of the sounds and performance aspects of internal combustion engines, although there is something to be said for the quiet, smooth ride of an EV. The IONIQ 5’s easy driving characteristics and responsive electric powertrain in what could be called a mainstream vehicle could easily convert almost anyone into an EV fan.

One Pedal Driving
The driver of the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 can select the EV’s level of brake regeneration via steering wheel paddles, with the maximum regeneration engaging “i-pedal,” which allows one pedal driving. The throttle works as expected, but lifting off the throttle acts the same as applying the brakes, so it’s possible to never actually touch the brake pedal. A one pedal setup makes it possible to bring the vehicle to a complete stop by simply easing off the throttle. One pedal driving takes some practice, but after a short time most will find it intuitive enough that they never return to two pedal driving.

Sport Mode
Selecting Sport Mode via a dial on the steering wheel transforms the IONIQ 5 into a machine with much quicker throttle response as well as a sportier look at the digital gauge cluster. The IONIQ 5 already provides a very satisfying level of performance, and Sport Mode amps the fun to 11. Acceleration from a stop is immediate with instant torque and AWD traction. And when a traffic light turns green, it’s easy to leave all other vehicles behind.

Great Handling
The IONIQ 5 is no sports car —it’s billed as a small crossover — and that makes its performance even more impressive. Handling is commendable with precise steering and excellent grip at road level. The one pedal driving reveals its value on winding backroads of the Pacific Northwest, providing quick, easy acceleration out of turns.

Real World Charging
In our travels we’ve discovered that the vehicle charging infrastructure of most areas to be lacking in terms of reliability — stations are often out of order or malfunctioning. We plugged the IONIQ 5 into an Electrify America DC 150KW Fast Charger with the battery at 47 percent. The first attempt resulted in no charge, although trying a different charger resulted in a very quick recharge rate, getting to 80 percent in a mere 13 minutes — plenty of time for an IONIQ 5 owner to run into a grocery store while the car charges.

Larger Turning Circle
The large wheelbase gives the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 a roomy interior, although one drawback is lack of maneuverability. The IONIQ 5 doesn’t turn very sharply — the turning circle is almost 40 feet (about double that of a Hyundai Elantra) — so fitting into tight parking spots can be challenging.

Rating: 8.5
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a prime example of a mainstream crossover EV that could fit the lifestyle of a typical U.S. driver. With striking exterior looks and a stylish, roomy interior, the IONIQ 5 is already appealing on styling alone. Add in its efficient, potent electric powertrain and the ability to charge overnight or quickly at a DC fast charger, and this next-gen EV from Hyundai would certainly fit the bill for most crossover shoppers. Hyundai has already announced that its next EV model — the higher-end IONIQ 6 — will arrive later this year. The EV future is certainly looking good for Hyundai.

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