2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5: Stunning looks; Maximum range of 303 miles; Fast-charging ability

Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled its IONIQ 5, a revolutionary crossover EV that brings cutting edge technologies, ultra-fast charging, an excellent 303-mile pure electric range (with an optional 72.6kWh battery) and a striking design.

By John Coulter

Photo: Caricos

The car’s advanced electric drive architecture and forward thinking in all aspects of its manufacture have earned it the prestigious Green Car Journal’s 2022 Green SUV of the Year. It promises to be an unrivaled choice in the EV Market. Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCarJournal.com: “Those seeking a ride to an all-electric future would do well in trying this award-winning crossover on for size.”

The IONIQ 5 has also been named the 2022 German Car of the Year, and earned the prestigious 2021 GOLD IDEA Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America.

Hyundai says its IONIQ 5 is inspired by the future, past and present. On its exterior, the EV displays clean, sharp, minimalist lines throughout its electric SUV body. Its pixel-inspired light clusters, clamshell hood and flush door handles are characteristics of an undeniably modern e-mobility car. An enhanced “character line” runs across the doors to the taillights while a diagonal line traverses both doors, creating a distinct wedge symbolizing forward momentum. The EV’s 20-inch wheels have been designed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency.

There are three trims: SE (MSRP: $43,650), SEL (MSRP: $45,900) and Limited (MSRP: $50,600). Each trim is available as either Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive, yielding 6 different versions of the car can be purchased or leased. The RWD option is powered by a single 168kW motor with 225 hp and 300 miles of range. If you want additional performance, pick the HTRAC All Wheel Drive option with two 165kW motors that belt out 320 hp yet still give you an efficient 269-mile range. Cost for adding All-Electric Powertrain HTRAC AWD is $3900.

The 2022 IONIQ 5 is the first of Hyundai’s exclusively electric vehicles built on the ingenious Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP). Not only is this EV platform flexible enough to be used for all kinds of electric vehicles, it’s engineered with cutting-edge battery technology that can be used as a power source for bigger electric devices and appliances. IONIQ 5 is one of the few EVs that can support 800V ultra-fast charging.

IONIQ 5’s unique Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality earned it a prestigious 2021 Popular Science Best of What’s New Award in the Auto Category. What is V2L? Nowadays, electric vehicles are being designed for more than just driving. Carmakers are now considering them “chargers on wheels,” which can power electric devices, tailgate parties, camping trips, and homes during power outages. The Ioniq 5's battery pack holds enough charge to power a mid-sized air conditioner and 55-inch television for up to 24 hours, according to Hyundai. In the event of a power failure, all a homeowner would need to do is run an extension cord (with an adapter) from that outlet near the charging port to the appliance they need juice for.

Ranging up to 303 miles on a single charge, IONIQ 5 has the highest all-electric range of any Hyundai. It’s one of the fastest charging pure electics on the market. In just 5 minutes, an 800V ultra-fast charger gets you 68 miles of range.

IONIQ’s interior has been redefined for the Electric Era. With a longer wheelbase, a flatter floor and a minimized center stack, there’s more space for bodies and storage. IONIQ 5’s Dynamic Voice Recognition tech hears your voice commands and acts upon them. “Roll down the window, pop the trunk, heat the seats” – DVR responds to these requests and more. ⁠

Concerning IONIQ 5’s cabin, carbuzz.com’s Jay Traugott says: “The Ioniq 5's innovative interior is designed to maximize space. It's no wonder Hyundai calls it a 'Living Space.' With its lounge-like aura, the electronically adjustable front seats recline nearly flat. Hyundai says it also reduced those seats' thickness by 30 percent, which helps provide additional space for rear-seat occupants. There's 19 cu. ft. of trunk space, increasing to 56.5 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded flat. The movable center console is called the 'Universal Island' that's capable of sliding rearward 5.5 inches to help passengers enter and exit more easily.”

“As a sign of dedication towards sustainability, the seats, headliner, door trim, and armrest are all made from eco-friendly materials, including recycled PET bottles, plant-based bio and natural wool yarns, and eco-processed leather-trimmed seats with plant-based extracts. Even the paint has plant extracts. A total of three interior colors are offered.”

“The dual-cockpit is adorned by two 12-inch screens: an infotainment system display and a fully customizable digital gauge cluster. The Ioniq 5 also has a Hyundai-first augmented reality head-up display capable of showing information such as navigation and other safety-related details.”

Safety features include:
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold 
• Parking Distance Warning - Reverse
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
• Highway Driving Assist I (HDA I)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) (door logic type)
• Front crumple zone
• 2.5-MPH bumpers

Wanting you to be confident about the IONIQ 5’s high-capacity Lithium-ion polymer battery system, Hyundai guarantees it for 10 years/100,000 miles.

The IONIQ 5 is eligible for an up to $7,500 Federal Tax credit. And it’s eligible for HOV stickers as well.

REVISED JANUARY 2022