**UPDATE: The 2022 Ioniq 5 was named World Car of the Year, Electric Vehicle of the Year and Car Design of the Year during an awards ceremony on April 13th at the New York International Auto Show. ***
I'm excited this week to be bringing you a newly named World Car of the Year finalist - the first-ever 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5. The IONIQ 5 being named a top three finalist for the award is no shocker either. From its design, performance, and range, to its use of sustainable materials, outstanding technology and overall comfort, this all-electric SUV checks off all the boxes of an award-winning model and then some. (It's also up for World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.)
The IONIQ 5 is available in three trims, the SE, SEL and my top-of-the line Limited test model equipped with available all-wheel drive.
The IONIQ 5 kicks off the brands new family of IONIQ electric vehicles. It rides on a Hyundai's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform that also underpins its upcoming larger IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 7 SUVs.
The IONIQ 5 in Digital Teal with gloss black accents is one terrific-looking SUV. It attracted quite a bit of attention by curious passerby during my week behind the wheel.
Aerodynamics are a key feature of its exterior design, from its sleek clamshell hood up front to the roof spoiler in back that helps smooth airflow. The automatic flush door handles are also designed with aerodynamics in mind. You'll also note very little overhang in either the front or rear.
Active grille shutters open in front for better airflow to cool the battery. The profile features strong character lines and power folding and heated side mirrors with LED turn signals.
Another key feature is the exterior's Parametric Pixel design elements in features that include the taillights, front lighting, as well as the distinctive 20-inch aero-optimized wheels.
LEDs light the way as the IONIQ 5 is equipped with LED projector headlights, daytime running and tail lights, as well as premium front LED lighting.
The IONIQ 5's exterior looks may not scream sporty - but don't let it fool you. The AWD variant has performance that impresses. This dual-motor AWD model boasts 320-horsepower and an incredible 446 pound-feet of torque. That's instant torque my friends that equates into instant motion. In Sport mode with the paddle shifters this thing flies. Hyundai cites a zero to 60 time in less than 5 seconds.
The single-motor RWD model offers a significantly less 225-horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Each configuration has a top speed of 115 mph and can tow up to 1,650 pounds.
The AWD model offers 256-mile range. The RWD model bumps that up to 303. If it were me, I'd choose performance over range and go with the AWD.
Interior
Hyundai backs up the IONIQ's impressive interior and with an equally impressive interior that knocks on the door of a luxury model. You immediately notice the open-space design layout and deep soft-touch dash, as well as the attention to detail and quality materials from the fabrics to the hardware. Technology is also front and center, but incorporated in way that doesn't detract from the naturalist feeling Hyundai is going for with the overall design. Case in point, my test model even had a place for green "plant" magnets to the left of the digital driver display.
Soft-touch materials combine with textures to create a well-crafted and executed cabin. Hyundai's significant use of sustainably-sourced materials on many touch points is also impressive. Hyundai says eco-friendly materials for the headliner and door to trim to even the floor and armrest include recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns and bio paint with plant extracts.
The soft-touch door panels are uniquely designed. The way you pull the door closed is actually a slim area that's cleverly hidden. The interior door handles are also uniquely shaped to fit your palm.
The HTex leatherette-trimmed upholstery features a red trim and quality stitching. The 8-way power driver's seat with side bolsters is comfortable and I was very impressed with its level of adjustable customization. It even has a power footrest. I finally figured out the heated and ventilated seats controls (along with the heated steering wheel) are operated within the multimedia system.
Another well-designed element is the heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The drive mode button is integrated into the left portion of the steering wheel within each reach of your thumb. You'll find buttons to control things like the electric parking brake and auto brake hold on the panel to the left of the steering wheel. You'll also find a unique shift-by-wire automatic transmission located on the steering column.
The pixel design from the exterior follows through into the cabin. You can find a pixel pattern on the front seats, door panels and even on the back of the paddle shifters.
A unique feature is Hyundai's Universal Console. It manually slides back and forth (I kept searching for a power button at first.) When slid back, the driver can actually enter the vehicle from the passenger door. The mobile console is home to a wireless charger, cup holders and a storage bin.
Above you see another cool feature - a Vision panoramic glass panel roof with a retractable power shade. Inside the cabin the Limited also offers ambient interior lighting.
You'll also note the IONIQ 5's flat floor. That means plenty of leg-room. There is no lack of headroom either. The back seat is equally impressive when it comes to materials and roominess. A drop down center console offers cupholders and there are 2nd-row sunshades. You'll also note the rear privacy glass. The rear seats are on the flat and firmer side, and also recline slightly. They are easy to manually operate and offer a 60/40 split.
A remote hands-free power lift gate is easy to operate. Cargo space was ample and a tonneau cover hides valuables. A tire repair kit is located under the cargo floor mat.
Technology also takes center stage. There are two large 12-inch digital screens, one for the multimedia system and a hoodless one for the driver display. Both offer vibrant colors, excellent graphics and easy to read text. It's also really easy to get your battery and charging information displayed on either one. The 12.3-inch driver display also houses Hyundai's terrific Blind-Spot View Monitor we know and love.
The multimedia screen is very responsive and features an excellent navigation system and very high quality backup camera. This model is also equipped with a crystal clear surround view monitor as well. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features Bluetooth Multi-connection support and offers Dynamic Voice Recognition. Over-the-air, wireless updates to the multimedia and navigation system are also available. A premium Bose 8-speaker sound system delivers excellent sound quality. There are 5 USB ports, 3 up front, 2 in the rear.
Another first for Hyundai is the IONIQ 5's first-ever Head-Up Display (HUD) with Augmented Reality (AR) mode. Instead of displaying info and safety warnings on the windshield, it projects the info in your line of sight on the road.
This model is also equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist - a feature I love. The vehicle can park itself also back out of a parking space remotely via key fob.
Now let's tackle charging. The IONIQ 5 impressively is the only mainstream EV capable of 800-volt fast-charging that will charge 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. It's multi-charging system also supports 400-volt charging infrastructures.
Of course you can also charge it using Level 2 (240V) or Level 1 (120V) charging, but it's going to go much, much slower. Hyundai says the standard 10.9 kW on-board charger completes a full charge in 6 hours and 43 minutes using Level 2 charging.
Charging at my home yielded by far the slowest charging times - it would have taken more than 30 hours to go from 59% to 100% at 1.4kW. But luckily I had enough range left for the press fleet to get it back to the office, so it wasn't needed.
You can remotely open the chart port door which is cool. As for where you keep the charger? One option is in the "frunk" storage space as you below:
I'd be remiss if I also didn't mention the regenerative braking aspect. Controlled through Smart, Low and High levels on the paddle shifters, regenerative braking will also help extend driving range.
What's also notable is the IONIQ 5's vehicle-to-charge function. With an adaptor you can charge small appliances or even charge another EV.
The IONIQ 5 AWD delivers an outstanding ride and drive. Acceleration is impressively quick and smooth. The AWD version is equipped with Eco, Comfort, Sport and Snow drive modes. Sport mode as always is my favorite. The ride is super smooth as well and the suspension handles bumps in the road with ease. It's confident both on highway and in city driving. Braking is excellent. The ride is quiet as well. Visibility both out the front and rear is terrific. The headrests are on the lower side and don't impede the rear view.
The IONIQ 5 is equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense driver assistance suite and then some. It has Hyundai's most advance systems that aren't afraid to let you know if it senses you're headed for trouble with loud and colorful warnings. Radar cruise control is excellent at adapting to the speed of cars in front of you on the highway.
Notably, the IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). It doesn't just keep you centered in your lane, it can follow curves in the road no problem.
The IONIQ 5 has very limited availability. Hyundai's website states that currently, 2022 IONIQ 5 is only sold at select Hyundai dealers in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, ME, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI with additional state availability coming soon.
The IONIQ 5 starts from $43,650. This model MSRP's for $55,920. That price includes my test vehicle's only option, carpeted floor mats ($195). I consider it an outstanding value for an all-electric vehicle with such tremendous innovation, technology, performance and design.
Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available, check with your dealer for details.
As you'll note below, the list of things I like most about the IONIQ 5 is long and doesn't even cover it. The 2022 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 is so impressive, I wouldn't be surprised if it wins 2022 World Car Of The Year. We'll all have to stay tuned to find out. Regardless of what happens, it's a winner in my book.
What I Liked Most: Innovative looks, delightful performance, superb driver assist technology, its remote charge port, and the use of sustainably sourced materials.