LOOKS

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 will not be confused for any of its EV rivals, as it comes with a distinct design that features attractive creasing, unique lighting designs, and special paint colors like the Gravity Gold Matte that was on my test vehicle.

It also features 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof with power sunshade, LED lighting, roof side rails, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate.

While some rivals also deliver a strong design, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best-looking vehicles in class.

Moving inside, cargo space is decent but not spectacular, coming in at 26 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 51 cubic feet with those seats folded down. In terms of passenger room, all five passengers in the Ioniq 5 will have more than enough room to be comfortable, as the vehicle is one of the most spacious in its segment. (You also get a minuscule “frunk” under the hood, but the size is so small I doubt anyone really uses it.)

My test vehicle featured comfortable synthetic leather seating, as well as:
— Heated and ventilated power front seats
— Heated rear seats
— Heated steering wheel
— Integrated memory driver’s seat with relaxation function
— Dual automatic temperature control with rear air vents
— Ambient Interior lighting
— Second-row window sunshades

There are also plenty of small storage spaces in the Ioniq 5 for things like drinks and your personal items.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

There are multiple power setups on 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, including:
— A single-motor setup with 168 horsepower/258 pound-feet of torque
— A long-range single-motor option with 225 horsepower/258 pound-feet
— A dual-motor AWD system with 320 horsepower/446 pound-feet

For true performance lovers, there’s also the track-ready, high-performance Ioniq 5 N, which delivers up to 641 horsepower and 568 pound-feet.

I tested an Ioniq 5 with the dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive.

In terms of 0-to-60 times, the Ioniq 5 N is supersonic in nature and will get there in just over 3 seconds. The dual-motor setup I tested will get there in the mid 4-second range. Single-motor versions will take closer to 8 seconds.

The ability to drive with one pedal is a nice feature of EVs like the Ioniq 5, and the regenerative braking will help extend your range.

Overall, I found the Ioniq 5 to be one of the more fun driving experiences I’ve had in the current crop of electric SUVs. Acceleration is quick, handling is solid, roads straight and curvy are easy to navigate, and the overall experience is quite smooth and of course quiet. I would recommend the dual-motor setup over single-motor, to maximize your experience, but no need to go up to the N level unless you plan to go to the racetrack with it.

Drive modes on the Ioniq 5 include Eco, Normal, Sport and a customizable My Drive mode. Towing capacity caps out at 2,700 pounds.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Tech is another strong element of the 2026 Ioniq 5, with the setup centered around a large, user-friendly and highly customizable 12.3-inch touchscreen. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 8-speaker Bose premium stereo.

Both touch commands and voice commands work efficiently, and are easy to master. A wireless phone charger is included, and there are multiple USB ports. A second 12.3-inch digital display is featured in front of the driver to showcase gauges and important information.

There is a separate strip below the center screen for touchscreen climate controls. Music lovers can choose between AM and FM radio, satellite radio (90-day subscription included), and streaming audio from their phone.

Moving on to safety, features are abundant on the Ioniq 5. Including
— Adaptive cruise control
— Lane-keeping assist
— Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
— Blind-spot monitoring

— Surround-view monitor
— Front, side and rear airbags
— Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
— Blind Spot View Monitor
— Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
— Rear Occupant Alert
— Rearview Camera
— Smart Cruise Control
— Highway Driving Assist
— Head-up Display

Skimping on safety is not something buyers will put up with in 2026, and Hyundai delivers by covering all the safety bases on its latest Ioniq 5 offerings to help give peace of mind.

RANGE, CHARGING

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 I tested was rated at 108 MPGe city/88 MPGe highway/98 MPGe combined, and provided a total range of 269 miles. 

The most efficient version of the Ioniq 5 (a rear-wheel drive version with a standard-range battery) comes in at 131 MPGe city and 100 MPGe highway.

Across the Ioniq 5 lineup, your range will land between 245 miles and 318 miles, depending which version you choose. The base model comes in at 245 miles, and the RWD modes in SE/SEL/Limited trims offer 318 miles.

These are respectable numbers in today’s EV world, and should be strong enough to satisfy most buyers, especially if they are charging regularly at home overnight with a Level 2 charger, as I would recommend. Range anxiety should not be an issue if you are driving the Ioniq 5.

If charging in public, the Ioniq 6 is capable of using the latest 350 kW fast-chargers, and taking your battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. And the vehicle is compatible with Tesla superchargers.

PRICE

Cost is a key factor when buyers are deciding whether to pursue an EV purchase. 

My test Ioniq 5 vehicle was priced at the top of range at $51,815; but the good news is that its base price starts about $36K, which is lower than the starting price of most rival electric SUVs.

There’s a good reason for this, as Hyundai lowered the prices of its Ioniq 5 lineup significantly for 2026 (around $8K to $9K depending on trim level) in the wake of the expiration of the federal EV tax credit. This was a wise move and should attract buyers who appreciate this proactive effect by Hyundai. With a starting price of thousands less than the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Helping the value proposition is that in terms of warranties, the Ioniq 5 is hard to beat, offering:

— 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty
— 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
— 10-year/100,000-mile Electric Vehicle System Warranty (covering battery and major EV components)
— 3-year/36,000-mile Complimentary Maintenance (whichever comes first)
— 5-year/Unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance

It’s also worth noting that the Ioniq 5 is assembled in Georgia, with a majority of its parts being from North America.

BOTTOM LINE  

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a truly well-rounded vehicle — not just good by EV standards, but strong against any competitor.

It delivers ample range, sharp looks, helpful tech, and solid driving performance in a way that should please potential buyers and make it a solid option to consider as they shop in the electric SUV market.

Five years into its life span, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best EV options available today.

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