Hyundai IONIQ 5

Originally named for Hyundai's alternative to the Toyota Prius, the IONIQ name is now a sub-brand for Hyundai's electrification revolution with the IONIQ 5 electric compact crossover the first of the three IONIQ electric vehicles coming this decade. With Hyundai's aims to go big in the electric revolution, what's it all about the first-ever IONIQ 5?

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 49.8 million Korean Won (roughly 44,300 US Dollars) plus additional costs, the IONIQ 5 electric CUV marks a fresh start for Hyundai's electrification goals and there's so much importance to talk about regarding the first of Hyundai's new IONIQ line of electric vehicles but let's focus on the juicy bits that made the IONIQ 5 a must-have for electric car hunters.

Starting with the design, the IONIQ 5 draws cues from the 45 Concept of 2019, which is a tribute to the first Hyundai vehicle, the Pony. Like the concept it was based on, it has nothing in common with the legendary Pony but the squarish looks and hatchback form isn't half bad for an electric crossover that is offered in either a rather enjoyable rear-wheel-drive or a more capable four-wheel-drive. Of course, some speedo boys are tempted to go for the rear-wheel-drive variant but it's hard to tell why.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

Having got to know its sharp and boxy exterior styling, let's get to know about the minimalist interior that is as enjoyable as a Nintendo Switch if you know what I mean. Yes, I said it because of the two screens on the dashboard reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch Lite. There's one for the speedos and the other for the navigation and thankfully, there are fully functional buttons, touch panels, and a knob in the hopes to become a user-friendly vehicle to experience. But the real party piece of the IONIQ 5 is the spacing because of the flat floor, moveable center console, and adjustable front seats, all in the name of modern living. It's like seating on a fancy sofa you bought from IKEA and whatever the reason, the IONIQ 5 brings "house fancy" to its interior. Of course, if you mention boot space, it's really not that bad because, with the rear seats present, you can store this week's grocery shopping list or deliveries if you're into the delivery business. Fold the passenger seats down and you have as much as almost 1,600 liters of boot space. Not bad.

There's a well-known trivia that most parts of the interior are made from recyclable materials and other sustainable materials such as plants. That's sustainability the Korean way.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 is offered with two battery pack configurations such as the 58 kWh battery pack and the Long Range 72.6 kWh battery pack. I know the latter is expensive but it can go as much as 429km in one full charge for rear-wheel-drive variants. The all-wheel-drive variant? Of course, it has a driving range of up to 401km on one full charge but it's got more power than the rear-wheel-drive variant, 225kW vs. 160kW.

Either way, while it weighs over two short tons, the IONIQ 5 is surprisingly sporty to drive and easy to live with because its clever suspension setup consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear multilink suspension. On a rear-wheel-drive variant, that's about as dynamic as a luxury car but on an all-wheel-drive variant, it sure is capable even on a rainy day.

On the issue of safety, the IONIQ 5 features a wide array of safety tech from its Highway Driving Assist 2, parking assistance features, and side-view cameras just like the ones used on the Lexus ES and the Honda e.

So, is this the electric vehicle you want to drive? While the boxy exterior design raises some questions, its IKEA-esque interior quality, spacing, performance, and tech made the IONIQ 5 a tour de force for Hyundai's electrification revolution, and looks like it has just begun.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company