2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The first of an impending lineup of all-electric models, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an EV with fashionably angular styling, the promise of fantastic electric range, and reasonable pricing.

And that’s before we factor in the $7,500 tax credit that will apply to many Ioniq 5 buyers.

The Ioniq comes in three basic configurations and a total of seven trim levels. Anchoring the lineup is a 225-hp model with a single motor that propels the rear wheels. A second motor adds all-wheel-drive traction and bumps power output to 320 hp. Both 58- and 77.4-kwh lithium-ion battery packs are available on the base trim, while only the larger setup can be had with the all-wheel-drive version.

Electric driving range spans from 220 to 303 miles according to EPA estimates. Unlike the Ioniq – which is largely unrelated – the Ioniq 5 includes a heat pump in all-wheel-drive configuration that should limit range degradation in winter.

The Ioniq 5 is too new to have been fully crash-tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS, though its spec sheet indicates it will do its best to avoid impact. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, automatic high beams, a driver attention system, and rear cross-traffic assistance.

The SEL versions add Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist II, which allows automatic lane changes at highway speeds and automatic braking to reduce the risk of a collision in cross-traffic situations. Limited trim augments those features with blind-spot monitors and a surround-view camera system.

Model Lineup

Prior to federal, state, and local incentives, the Ioniq lineup starts at about $45,000, though the lower-kwh battery will come later in the 2022 model year presumably at a discount.

That base price buys a rear-drive SE, which includes dual 12.3-inch displays, 19-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and a bevvy of crash-avoidance features. The infotainment system includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

All-wheel drive costs $3,500 more.

For about $47,500, the Ioniq SEL adds LED lighting, synthetic leather upholstery paired with upgraded interior trim, a hands-free power liftgate, and a wireless charging pad, plus more advanced driver-assistance tech.

The Limited runs a little over $53,000. That’s a big price bump, but it includes a glass roof, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitors, cooled front seats, and even remote parking assistance that allows the driver to move the car forward and backward from the key fob. The Limited also includes a Vehicle to Load (V2L) system that can power up smaller appliances in a pinch.

Exterior

Angular to the point of 1980s and 1990s retro, the Ioniq 5 is a styling standout. Narrow headlights accent its pinched front end. From the side, its designers’ reliance on straight edges is even more apparent, though the contrasting fender flares on some versions provide a relief from its boxiness.

The Ioniq 5 rides on an exceptionally long wheelbase for a smaller car, which means short overhangs (and lots of interior room, but more on that in a moment).

All trims ride on the same style of 19-inch alloy wheels. Exterior colors vary, though the extra-cost matte Shooting Star gray option should not be driven through conventional car washes.

Interior

The Ioniq 5 remains something of a throwback inside, too, with an elegant simplicity to its dashboard. The big 12.3-inch screens sit nearly side-by-side. One handles instrumentation while the other serves as the primary input for entertainment and navigation controls. Few knobs and switches offer physical input, though the Ioniq 5 doesn’t rely as much on its touchscreen for access to features as some rivals.

The tall center console features a sliding armrest on higher-end models, which also wear durable synthetic leather upholstery.

Driving Impressions

Smooth, quiet, and refined, the Ioniq 5 could have been called the Isolation 5. Its electric powertrain delivers good acceleration regardless of the number of motors fitted.
Three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – live up to their names mostly by tweaking accelerator response.

The Ioniq rides on a suspension tuned for soft-riding comfort rather than corner-carving response. Its springs absorb small bumps well, though considerable lean in corners prevents it from being truly fun. Still, precise steering response adds confidence.

Smooth blending of the regenerative braking – four levels of which can be accessed via steering wheel paddles – peaks with a one-pedal mode that will bring the car to a gradual stop if the driver lets up on the gas.

The Ioniq can lug 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. Its optional all-wheel-drive system serves up good traction, though limited ground clearance means the Ioniq 5 is more of a wet weather companion than a deep snow bruiser.

Final Word

No wonder the Ioniq 5 is in hot demand. This electric car combines standout styling with good tech and an exceptionally refined driving experience, all while offering the promise of 300-plus miles of all-electric range.

 

—by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection