Used 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-new, all-electric vehicle (EV) from Hyundai. It’s a compact SUV built on its own specific platform, with a lot of interior space. And an exterior that is not only a departure from Hyundai’s already interesting design approach, but could signal the creation of another brand. Like Genesis has done in the luxury class.

It looks and feels like it’s pushing the EV envelope by another step or two with innovations like an augmented-reality head-up display and the ability to run other pieces of electrical equipment. The new Ioniq 5 also has seriously fast battery charging technology, taking on about 60 miles of range in five minutes, or charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.

This is achieved by an 800-volt charging capability, like the Porsche Taycan. More super-fast chargers are being installed across the country, so the Ioniq 5’s technology does have practical benefits, not just impressive hypothetical numbers. And the Ioniq 5 is compatible with 400-volt charging stations, as well as 240-volt (AC Level 2).

After a trickle of electric vehicles — like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Tesla models — there’s not exactly a torrent, but an increasing number are hitting the market. Like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 joins this group.

The basic setup for the 2022 Ioniq 5 RWD Standard Range (due spring 2022) employs a 58-kWh battery and a single 168-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels. All other variants have a 77.4-kWh battery. With the larger battery, 225 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, accelerating from standstill to 60 mph takes a little more than seven seconds.

An all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 has a second motor driving the front wheels. This 74-kilowatt front motor brings total output to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The AWD Ioniq 5 hits 50 mph in less than five seconds, delivering satisfying punch from a standstill, but also confident thrust at higher speeds. All variants have a top speed of 115 mph.

When slowing, the brake pedal has a natural feel. A quartet of increasingly strong regenerative-braking settings dictates how frequently that pedal is necessary. With maximum regen selected, the Ioniq 5 can come to a complete and surprisingly smooth stop without having to touch the brakes.

On both urban and mountain roads, the Ioniq 5 is smooth-riding and quiet. Push hard into corners, though, and there is some body lean. Nor does steering wheel bring much information on what the front tires are doing. That said, the Ioniq 5’s cornering competence can be trusted. It’s not an overtly sporty ride, but rather a balanced and pleasing all-rounder. And hey, maybe Hyundai will create a higher-performance N version one day.

A wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) of 118 inches (four inches longer than Hyundai’s 3-row Palisade SUV/crossover) has given the company plenty of scope to maximize interior space. It seems even bigger than it is, thanks to a roof made almost entirely of glass. The cabin is roomy and practical. Our only question is whether more of the audacious style expressed by the exterior could have found its way inside.

Even so, the dashboard has suitably high-tech touches in the form of dual 12.3-inch displays — one for driver information, the other for the infotainment system. The Ioniq 5 also offers a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) that can take up most of the windshield.

Sustainable materials are used throughout the cabin, such as plant-based fabrics and recycled plastic bottles. Hyundai also mixes in some flexibility. A center console — called a Universal Island — slides forward and back with 5.5 inches of travel. It allows both front occupants to leave by the same door if necessary, and provides rear passengers better access to the console’s USB ports and wireless charging pad.

The backs of the front seats are 30 percent thinner than a regular car seat, resulting in more space for those sitting behind. And their seats can slide up to 5.5 inches for greater cargo space. Speaking of which, the luggage area starts at 27.2 cubic feet and expands to 56.2 behind the front seats. There’s also just under a cubic foot’s-worth of stowage beneath the hood.

Based on a concept car (the Hyundai 45) shown at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Ioniq 5 is one of those unusual instances where the production version stays pretty close to the original flight of design fancy. It has conventional side mirrors instead of rear-facing cameras, but that’s more than forgivable.

It’s also rare in that the Ioniq 5’s overall look is clean, yet still interesting. It was inspired by the styling of the Pony, Hyundai’s first mass-market production car. The minimalist yet distinct bodywork (note the angular character lines on the sides) is contrasted by a more detailed Parametric Pixel design for the 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Ioniq 5’s exterior lighting continues that theme, with pixel-style lights evoking a 1980s retro-cool look. A clamshell hood is deployed to minimize panel gaps and help attain optimal aerodynamics.

Buyers have a choice of nine exterior paint colors. Five of these, says Hyundai, are exclusive to the Ioniq 5 and inspired by nature.

FRONT-SEAT LEG SUPPORTS
While the Ioniq 5’s battery is being replenished, drivers and front passengers can indulge in some downtime by reclining their seats and letting retractable leg supports take the weight of their calves.

VEHICLE TO LOAD CHARGING
With an accessory connector, Hyundai turns the Ioniq 5 into a generator. If there’s at least 15 percent of battery power in the Ioniq 5, it can recharge other things — such as another electric car, laptop, electric scooter, etc.

ULTRA-FAST CHARGING
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is compatible with 800-volt charging stations. It can go from a 10 percent charge up to 80 percent in a mere 18 minutes. However, it also works with a 400-volt charger, where the 10 to 80 percent charge time is still a swift 25 minutes.

The 2022 Ioniq 5 RWD SE has a power-adjustable front driver’s seat as standard. Those dual 12-inch displays are standard, as are 19-inch wheels and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

Hyundai’s latest Blue Link connected services bring remote start, vehicle-status notifications, remote profile management, and other functions. Among the standard driver assistance features are forward-collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit Assist, and automatic high beams.

All-wheel drive is available with all three 2022 Ioniq 5 trim levels. Highway Drive Assist 2 (see our Safety section), simulated leather seating surfaces, automatic flush-fitting door handles, ambient interior lighting, and hands-free tailgate operation are standard in the mid-level SEL.

The top-of-the-line Limited brings the AR-enhanced head-up display and the center console that  slides back and forth. This trim level also has the glass sunroof, surround-view/blind-view monitors, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a Bose audio system.

We’d like to see an EV-specific navigation system giving the locations of chargers along the route. We’d also like a solar-panel roof, which would charge the battery while the Ioniq 5 is on the move. In sunnier climates, that can be good for more than 1,000 miles a year.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD Long Range model, capable of 303 miles, uses a 77.4-kWh (kilowatt-hour) nickel-cobalt-manganese battery to energize a 225-horsepower electric motor turning the rear axle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ioniq 5 with the same battery, but an additional 74-kW front motor, has a range of 256 miles.

That means the new Ioniq 5 AWD has a slightly better range than the AWD VW ID.4 (249 miles) and considerably more than the AWD Ford Mustang Mach-E (211 miles).

Using a 350-kW charger, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 18 minutes. In five minutes on the same charger, the Ioniq 5 receives 68 miles of range. With Level 2 (240-volt) charging and the standard 10.9-kW onboard charger, the Ioniq 5 can be brought to a full charge in 6 hours and 43 minutes.

Hyundai also is giving 250 kWh of DC fast charging to Ioniq buyers who use the new Electrify America app. Electrify America has 700 stations across the country, and Hyundai is offering Ioniq buyers unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years (from the date of the vehicle purchase) at these facilities.

Another version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a smaller 58-kWh battery is due the spring of 2022. Complete figures for this model have yet to be released, but it will have 168 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. Called the SE Standard Range, it’s rated by the EPA at 127 MPGe city/94 MPGe highway, and has a range of 220 miles.

Permanent-magnet synchronous reluctance motor (RWD Long Range)
77.4-kWh battery
225 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 132 MPGe/98 MPGe
EPA range: 303 miles

Two permanent-magnet synchronous reluctance motors (AWD Long Range)
77.4-kWh battery
320 horsepower
446 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 110 MPGe/87 MPGe
EPA range: 256 miles