A Week With: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD

With consumer consideration of battery-electric vehicles growing daily, Hyundai is entering the EV sweepstakes with its all-electric Ioniq sub-brand, of which the Ioniq 5 is its first vehicle.

This is not Hyundai’s first EV; that honor belongs to the Kona EV. But the new Ioniq 5 feels like a far worthier EV premiere, and one that proves to be a serious competitor. 

Overview

Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes in four ascending trim levels — SE Standard Range, SE, SEL and Limited — with rear- or all-wheel drive. Built using the corporate E-GMP electric platform that’s used for the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, it proves to be every bit as good as its corporate siblings. The Ioniq 5 we drove is a 2022 model; it remains unchanged for 2023.

Exterior

Viewed in photos, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s shape vaguely resembles any number of ’70s and ’80s era econoboxes. But to dismiss its styling as derivative would be careless. Its crisp, boxy, angular styling may cause you Back to the Future-era flashbacks, but it’s carried out with a host of futuristic details that render it far more interesting to look at, such as the strakes that cascade from the wheel arches, the finely shaved planes along its flanks, or the distinctive grille, headlamp and fascia. 

And you might not think it’s very big. Yet it’s as tall as a Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover, slightly shorter than the Elantra sedan, with the wheelbase longer the Hyundai Palisade, and the width of a Ford Bronco Sport. Yet these oddball proportions don’t look odd at all thanks to its future-think appearance, a helmet-like electric warrior ready for a fuel-free future.

Interior

Inside, you’ll find a well-assembled cabin that’s efficient in its space utilization and minimalist in design. There’s a lot of head and leg room here, a feeling enhanced by the car’s substantial height and its lengthy 118.1-inch wheelbase. The upright seating position and firm-yet-comfortable seats provide a good perch, and all seats recline. The cabin benefits from a completely flat floor, and the center console slides forward and back on Limited models. 

The instrument panel is anchored by two large 12-inch horizontal screens bonded to a single piece of glass. The one on the left is the instrument cluster, the one on the right, an infotainment touchscreen. Below it are some quick access buttons, with an easy-to-use touch-sensitive climate control screen below that.

There’s also a mammoth fixed sunroof, handy if you’re a star gazer. Then again, the Limited is lavishly equipped with such indulgences like a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, rear side window sunshades, and fake leather upholstery. 

Hyundai says the cargo area measures 27.2 cubic feet, and while there’s good width and length, it’s not especially deep, with the most of the space above the beltline. It expands to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Note, however, that it lacks a spare tire, coming only with a “tire mobility kit.”

Powertrain

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. SE Standard Range models have a 58-kWh battery pack rated at 168 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque and a 220-mile range and rear-wheel drive. SE, SEL and Limited models get a larger 77.4-kWh pack that provides 320 hp, 446 lb-ft of torque and 266 miles of range with dual motors and all-wheel drive; 225 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque and 303 miles with the single motor and rear-wheel drive. 

Hyundai says an 800-volt fast-charger can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. And thoughtfully, Ioniq 5 buyers receive unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years on Electrify America public chargers. Our all-wheel-drive Limited test vehicle provided 280 miles on a full charge in warm summer weather, 14 miles more than the EPA rating.

Towing is rated for at 1,650 pounds with all-wheel drive, 2,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive on SE, SEL and Limited models. The SE Standard Range model isn’t rated for towing. 

Safety and Technology

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 a Top Safety Pick+, its top safety designation. All crashworthiness categories and crash prevention systems are Good, its top rating. Headlights are rated Acceptable. Seat belt reminders are rated Marginal; child seat ease of use is Acceptable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash tested the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. 

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, wireless device charging, and a navigation system are standard. Our car was fitted with a useful head-up display. The Bose premium audio system was far superior to the lousy AM-frequency sound quality provided by SiriusXM satellite radio. 

Driving assistance systems include Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Driving Impressions

With its wide stance, and a whole mess of mass placed down low, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 proves to be an assured performer, with little body roll while cornering and taut response when traversing the rough stuff. Its quick, accurate steering and rear-bias in Sport driving mode is especially appreciated, adding a hefty dose of driving fun. There is a scintilla of road feel that filters through, which is more than expected for modernist microchipmobile.

Given its two-motor setup, it’s far faster than many of its EV competitors, not to mention any number of conventionally-powered transportation devices. Better yet, it renders its abilities while remaining utterly silent, giving the new meaning to the saying “seen, but not heard.”

One of the nicer features of the Ioniq is the ability to adjust its regenerative braking through paddles mounted on steering wheel. Boosting it to max can help extend range in stop-and-go traffic and provides one-pedal driving, nearly eliminating the need for using the brake pedal, although it can induce nausea in some of your more sensitive passengers.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD

Wrap Up

With its futurist design, exceptional space utilization, spacious cabin, and fun-to-drive manner, the 2022 Ioniq 5 is a compelling, enticing electric vehicle. 

Like any EV, you’ll pay more for it than a comparable conventionally powered crossover, but its price among EV competitors is on the lower end of the spectrum, at least for now. And you’ll be future-proofing your transportation needs, as the government seems intent on eliminating gasoline-powered cars. 

While we didn’t get a chance to drive the Standard Range version, it could be a real buy if you can live with the lower horsepower, lack of towing ability, rear-wheel drive and 220 miles of range. It can fast charge as quickly as its pricier siblings, starts at $39,950 that with a $7,500 federal tax credit can prove to be a reasonable buy compared to its pricier competitors.

Regardless, it seems that with its 2022 Ioniq 5, Hyundai is already at the front of the EV pack.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 ­— Frequently Asked Questions