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2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s new all-electric compact crossover, part of Hyundai’s plan to introduce 23 new battery-electric vehicles worldwide by 2025. The previous Ionic EV was a battery electric version of the Ioniq compact car, also sold in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The new IONIQ 5 is exclusively electric, built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform, a dedicated battery-electric platform that lets engineers and designers maximize performance and interior volume. The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 rides on a 118.1 inch wheelbase — the longest wheelbase in Hyundai’s U.S. lineup.
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IONIQ 5 Design
The distinctive, innovative exterior design of IONIQ 5 draws inspiration from Hyundai’s 45 EV concept that debuted at 2019 International Mobility Show in Germany. Capturing the character and many details of the 45 EV concept, IONIQ 5 is an example of Hyundai’s Parametric Dynamics design with front and rear shapes that merge together at the doors. A strong C-pillar shape is inspired by the 45 EV concept, and flush door handles provide a clean surface and aid aerodynamics. The V-shaped front bumper incorporates distinctive accent lighting. Front and rear lighting features a Parametric Pixel design.
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Model Lineup
Hyundai offers the IONIQ 5 with single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. The single-motor version has four trim levels: SE Standard Range starting at $39,950; SE starting at $44,000; SEL starting at $46,250; and Limited starting at $51,100. The all-wheel-drive version is available in three trim levels: SE starting at $47,500; SEL starting at $49,750; and Limited starting at $55,000. Prices do not include freight charges of $1,295.
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Hyundai IONIQ 5 Power
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range is motivated by a 125 kW electric motor producing 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 58.0 kWh battery pack for a U.S. EPA-estimated range of 220 miles. The other three trim levels receive a 168 kW rear motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 77.4 kWh battery for an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles.
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Dual-Motor AWD
The all-wheel-drive version of IONIQ 5 adds a 74 kW motor at the front axle combined with a 165 kW motor at the rear and the 77.4 kWh battery for total output of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated range of 256 miles. The INOIQ 5 with all-wheel drive features a unique front motor disconnect device that increases range by an estimated 6 percent.
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Drive Modes
The driver may select between Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes of the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5. These modes change accelerator feel and responsiveness. All-wheel drive versions also have Snow mode, and each drive mode changes how the front electric motor is engaged. In Eco mode the front motor is only engaged briefly at launch and disconnected during normal operation to maximize range. In Normal mode, the front motor is engaged at launch and is available at all times but will disconnect when not needed, for more efficiency. In Sport mode the front motor is always engaged and the torque will be varied front and rear for more dynamic driving in varying conditions. In Snow mode the front motor is always engaged and the torque split is 50/50 to maximize traction and stability.
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Regenerative Brakes
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a regenerative brake system that uses the electric motors as generators to capture energy and story it in the battery. The system allows the driver to choose between four regen levels to adjust the aggressiveness of the regenerative brakes for different conditions and driving styles. Level 0 is the least regen and allows the vehicle to essentially coast, and the most aggressive is I-Pedal, which brings the vehicle to a complete stop, thereby allowing one-pedal driving. The driver selects the regen level with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, similar to shift paddles in other vehicles. In the lower levels, the driver increases the amount of regen by holding back on the left paddle.
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Fast Charging
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 supports both 400V and 800V charging infrastructures, with 800V charging capability standard and the ability to accommodate 400V charging without additional components. The multi-charging system is a world-first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility. With a 350 kW charger IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes, and adds 68 miles of range in only 5 minutes. With a 10.9 kW onboard charger for Level 2 charging, the IONIQ 5 will recharge from 10 to 100 percent in 6 hours and 43 minutes. Hyundai has partnered with Electrify America to provide IONIQ 5 owners unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years at Electrify America charging stations.
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Vehicle-to-Load Function
The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 can also function as a power source for computers, camping and tailgating, and it can provide 1.9 kW of peak power using a standard 120-volt outlet located underneath the rear seat. Power can also be accessed from the outside charging port with an available accessory adaptor.
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Inner Space
The E-GMP electric packaging and shift-by-wire system allowed engineers and designers to create a nearly flat floor and maximize interior space. A unique feature is the Universal Island — a moveable center console between the front seats that can slide forward or back up to 5.5 inches, allowing the driver to exit on the passenger side if necessary in a tight parking situation. The console is large enough to hold a large handbag and includes cupholders, a 15-watt wireless phone charger and USB ports. The second-row seat adjusts up to 5.3 inches to maximize either rear-seat legroom or cargo capacity behind the seat.
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Inner Space
The dual-screen display in the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 includes a 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster with EV Tech Display and 12.3-inch screen for navigation, infotainment and other functions. An available head-up display includes augmented reality for navigation that projects into the field of view for turn-by-turn navigation, lane departure warning, forward collision assist and smart cruise control.
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On the Road
As with all electric vehicles, power delivery in the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is incredibly smooth, and maximum torque is instantly available. We were able to test the IONIQ 5 with dual-motor all-wheel-drive, but did not have a chance to drive the rear-wheel-drive version. The dual-motor version is powerful and feels fast, especially in Sport mode with the more aggressive accelerator and power delivered to all four wheels. Whether at cruising speed or exiting a gentle corner, constant torque makes the IONIQ 5 very quick.
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Drive Modes
Available modes allow drivers to tailor performance to personal preference and varying conditions. In Normal mode, all-wheel drive via the front electric motor is available at all speeds, and drivers will feel torque delivered to the front wheels under hard acceleration or spirited driving out of corners. While cruising, the front motor disconnect helps increase total range. Watching the torque distribution graphic in the driver information display can be entertaining, seeing when torque gets applied in different driving situations.
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Torque Distribution
In Eco mode acceleration is less aggressive and the front motor gets used briefly at launch and then disconnects for efficiency; at that time the torque distribution graphic shows power only to the rear wheels. Choosing Sport mode increases the responsiveness of the accelerator and both motors are available at all times and all speeds, increasing performance and driving dynamics in all conditions.
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Sport Mode
Sport mode really increases the performance level and fun factor of the IONIQ 5, especially on twisty backroads. With torque constantly delivered to all four wheels, the car is really balance and exits corners excitedly. Dialing in regenerative braking adds an additional element to the feel of the car as it enters corners, and the driver can use the regen to transition through a series of corners — similar to a driver left-foot braking in certain driving situations.
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Regen Brakes
The regenerative brake system in the IONIQ 5 is interesting, and the ability to choose the braking level adds to the driving experience. While cruising at highway speeds, most will likely prefer Level 0 with minimum regeneration, so the experience feels similar to coasting when releasing the accelerator. For spirited driving on twisty backroads, the more aggressive regen of Level 2 or Level 3 adds to the car’s balance and dynamics as it enters corners. Level 3 combined with Sport mode gives the IONIQ 5 an aggressive mode to attack the road, making this crossover feel much like a responsive sport sedan.
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Regen Accelerator
Cruising at a steady speed in the IONIQ 5 and then shifting the regen down a level creates an interesting change in the accelerator as well. At higher regen levels, the car not only has more aggressive regen braking, the accelerator pedal requires more pressure to accelerate. This behavior isn’t noticeable once driving at a selected level, but simply when changing to a lower level. We did not really drive much in the most aggressive I-Pedal mode that facilitates full 1-pedal driving and will bring the car to a complete stop. We found Level 3 best for constant driving without stops, but would likely choose I-Pedal for low-speed city driving or stop-and-go situations.
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Right for You?
As Hyundai’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated EV platform, the IONIQ 5 delivers as an attractive, fun vehicle that should be a strong challenger to competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model X. We like the powerful all-wheel-drive version that will also offer an advantage in adverse weather conditions. The driving range and fast charge times are competitive with others on the market, making the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 a strong consideration in the growing crossover EV segment.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Rating: 8.5
Pros: Great design, fun to drive, powerful dual motor AWD, regen braking options
Cons: Cargo area a little smaller than competitors, rear visibility, not available in all states
Bottom Line: Attractive, sporty new electric model from Hyundai offering good power, all-wheel drive, up to 300 miles of range and very competitive charging times.
