2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
It’s Back to the Future for this Shining Star in Electric Propulsion
Jason Bateman introduced the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at Super Bowl LVI in the form of a Hyundai commercial. Bateman says that the IONIQ 5 is unlike electric cars of yesteryear... Is it?
By Roy Nakano
Wed, Jun 1, 2022 10:23 AM PST
Featured Image: The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited Long Range AWD under review.
All photographs by the author.
Unless you’re living in a cave, you’ve probably heard about Hyundai’s new IONIQ 5 electric vehicle. Jason Bateman introduced it at Super Bowl LVI in the form of a Hyundai commercial. Bateman makes the case the IONIQ 5 is unlike electric cars of yesteryear.
"We humans have come a long way on our journey," says Bateman dressed in caveman attire. "…And the first electric vehicles weren’t, let’s just say they looked nothing like the first ever IONIQ 5."
Back to the Future
Let’s talk about the look of the IONIQ 5. While it has the car of the future written all over it, the IONIQ 5 looks strangely retro - like a compact hatchback from the 1980s to be exact. This is particularly true when viewed from afar. The IONIQ 5 is a Back to the Future moment in more ways than one.
As you get closer, you realize it’s not a small car at all. In fact, it’s as large as a full-size sedan, but without the traditional trunk. The compact hatchback proportions are further reinforced by the use of oversized 20-inch wheels all around with tires that are not exactly low profile.
To put this into comparative perspective, the IONIQ 5 is close to two inches wider than a Tesla Model 3. And while the Model 3 is two inches longer, keep in mind the IONIQ 5 has no sedan-like trunk. The IONIQ IS over six inches taller than the 3, which is expected given its 1980 compact hatchback proportions. But this is not expected: The IONIQ 5 has a wheelbase that’s almost four inches longer than that of the large, three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV.
Up Close - The IONIQ 5 Design
Another thing one notices up close is the intricate detail that’s in the design of the IONIQ 5. From the silver-painted accent on the front bumper lip, to the diagonal creases on the side flanks, to the rectangular and square decorations that permeate throughout the car, it’s clear a lot of attention went into the design of the IONIQ 5.
To truly appreciate the design, you’ll want to zoom in up close. Some details fare better than others. The rear bottom is a bit too busy, in a 1980s body cladding sort of way. And the bottom side flanks and the details over the wheel arches look a bit overdone to these eyes. On the other hand, the headlights and taillight assemblies are works of art.
The design of the IONIQ 5 is only part of what has been getting a rise out of the electric car lords. This car has some very unique attributes that has the EV community buzzing:
Blazingly Fast Charging
Hyundai claims the IONIQ 5 can go from a 10 percent charge up to 80 percent in 18 minutes from a proper DC fast-charging unit, which translates to 68 miles in just 5 minutes. For many seasoned EV drivers, charging speed has dwarfed range as the No. 1 most sought-after advancement. For those who drive EVs on a daily basis, they’ve come to realize today’s offerings have more than enough range for actual use. On the other hand, there’s always room for improvements in charging speed - and the IONIQ 5 breaks new ground among today’s EVs.
The IONIQ Charges In Both Directions
Not only can you charge the IONIQ 5 quickly, the IONIQ 5 can be used to charge other components - like lamps, laptops, coffee machines and camping gear. Hyundai doesn’t advertise the IONIQ 5 as being able to keep a house powered, like Ford does with its Lightening EV pickup truck. But the IONIQ 5 CAN serve as a substitute for that back-up power supply you may have for the occasional power outages in your neighborhood.
The Tech Is Impressive
The IONIQ 5 under review features Hyundai’s Augmented Reality heads-up display, which includes more than your usual array of driving information. When engaging turn signals to make a lane change, the car's cameras come into play, providing great views of the perimeter ordinarily regarded as blind spots. Hyundai’s Bluelink allows in-car payments of food, parking, and even charging from the comfort of the car’s dash displays.
The Perks Are Plentiful
Unlike Tesla and General Motors, Hyundai has yet to exhaust its $7,500 EV Federal tax credit, which means you may be able to deduct that amount from your income tax payment to Uncle Sam at the end of the year. It’s like a delayed discount. The IONIQ 5 is also eligible for cash rebates in many states, including California’s statewide rebate and utility company rebate. All together, this represents approximately $10,000 off the price of the vehicle.
To add icing on the cake, Hyundai provides two years of complimentary charging from Electrify America charging stations for both IONIQ 5 buyers and leasers. The comp is limited to the first 30 minutes, but as previously noted, you can go quite far with a 30-minute charge in the IONIQ 5 (and yes, you can unplug after 30 minutes, and start a new 30-minute complimentary charge if you want).
IONIQ 5 Interior - A “Living Space” In The Living Space
Hyundai says the IONIQ 5 interior is designed with an open, airy "Living Space" theme. To this end, the floors are flat, the seats are wide, and the center console can adjust to accept large purses or bags. The clean dash displays and door panels add to the open, airy environment inside. Hyundai has succeeded in making the IONIQ 5 a very family friendly EV.
The World Has Noticed
All this goodness has not gone unnoticed. The UK publication Auto Express named the IONIQ 5 its Car of the Year, as well as its Best Mid-Size Company Car, and Best Premium Electric Car as well as awarded it the publication's Design Trophy. Autotrader named it the Best New Car for 2022. The IONIQ also captured the IDEA Award’s Gold Prize in the Automotive & Transportation category. The UK’s Top Gear magazine named it the Best Design in its Electric Awards. The Korean IONIQ 5 took the top prize as the German Car of the Year. Most recently, the IONIQ 5 was named the World Car of the Year, and also named the World Electric Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year by a jury of 82 journalists from 24 countries.
But What Do We Think Of The IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 checks off a lot of boxes for EV-minded families. The car is big, roomy, quick, quiet, and corners well. But while the car takes corners with the best of them, it’s not the sportiest driving car around. One never forgets this is a big car. As such, you won’t be inclined to zip in and out of traffic with the IONIQ 5. For family-minded EV goers, that’s probably not a bad thing for your family - and for the drivers around you.
The enormous wheelbase of the IONIQ 5 pays dividends in ride comfort and quality. If you’re used to the ride quality of the sporty Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, you’ll be shocked at the superior ride quality and quietness of the IONIQ 5.
On the other hand, the IONIQ 5 is no sport sedan. This is particularly evident in tight turns on the highway. It’s even evident in parking lots, where the IONIQ 5’s long wheelbase comes at the detriment of the car’s turning radius (turning circle, curb-to-curb is 39.3 feet). Thankfully, the IONIQ 5’s multitudes of cameras and driver assist features will get you in and out of tight parking spaces in safety.
Is This The Car For You?
The IONIQ 5 is deserving of all the accolades it's been getting from the press. Just make sure it’s the kind of car you want and need (do you need a car two inches wider than the Tesla Model 3?). If you want a roomy family EV with family-minded comfort and conveniences, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 - particularly if you can do without all-wheel drive, which elicits a price on range.
However, if sporty handling and a high fun-to-drive quotient factor into your priorities, you may be happier with some of the EV alternatives on the market (did we mention the IONIQ has a wheelbase longer than the three-row Telluride?). Jason Bateman’s powers of persuasion notwithstanding, look before you leap into the siren song of the IONIQ 5.
If you do make the leap, consider the savings you can find by resisting the options. If you forgo all-wheel drive, the IONIQ 5 SE Long Range rear-wheel drive model can be had for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $45,295 (Hyundai dealers have been known to charge a premium on the IONIC 5; you’ll fare better if you’re willing to order the car). Assuming you’re one of the fortunate few that can resist the temptation to pile on the options, this can get you an IONIC 5 for a tad over $35,000 - factoring in the federal and California state incentives. If you can wait even longer, an IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range RWD model is being promised with an estimated MSRP just over $40,000, and an EPA-rated range of 220 miles.
Specifications (The Ones That Matter)
Prices (including destination fee)
SE Standard Range RWD $41,245 (estimated)
SE Long Range RWD $45,295
SEL Long Range RWD $47,545
SE Long Range AWD $48,395
SEL Long Range AWD $50,645
Limited Long Range RWD $52,395
Limited Long Range AWD $55,745 (review model)
EPA-rated fuel economy/range
Standard Range RWD: 220 miles
Long Range RWD: 303 miles
Long Range AWD: 256 miles
Powertrain and Motor
Powertrain: Electric
RWD: 1 motor
AWD: 2 motors
Performance
Long Range RWD: 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds (manufacturer estimate)
Long Range AWD: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (observed)
For more information on the Hyundai IONIQ 5, click here.
About The Author
Roy Nakano gave birth to LACar in the late '90s, having previously delivered LA Audio File back in the '80s. Aside from the occasional review, Roy likes to stray off the beaten automotive path: "Six Degrees of Reparations" reflected on the regretful ethical paths taken by car companies throughout history. "Traveling Through the Past and Present of the Green Book" looked at businesses that took a stand against racism and the man that wrote the book on where to find them. "Best Cars to Drive in Rush Hour Traffic" was an LACar guide published in the pre-GPS era. "In Search of the First Datsun 510 Tuner" looked at one of the milestones in the origin of import tuners.
