Overview

When we reviewed the Hyundai IONIQ 5 we awarded it 4 out 5, praising its retro looks, spacious and practical interior and superfast charging capabilities. We said it was a fine family car and stood out against premium electric rivals. On the downside we said that rivals offered bigger boots, and the handling majored on comfort rather than sportiness. It’s a pretty extensive review so we recommend you check it out.

For the 2023 model year, Hyundai revealed several updates and we’ve got an updated version on test for a week to see whether the changes make it more compelling, and with more choice now available on the market, how it stacks up against the competition.

Driving

Even after suspension tweaks the ride remains softly sprung, meaning it’s still among the most comfortable in its segment, however at low speeds it thumps over road imperfections, and body control is not what I’d call precise especially mid corner. It’s less refined than its pals that share the same platform – the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, and the BMW iX3 is more sharp and engaging.

The steering is fairly accurate and consistent but I’d like more feedback. I should imagine the AWD variant feels more stable, but you’ll need to go for the next trim level up for that privilege. It fees reasonably quick, with zero to 62mph covered in 7.5 seconds, three levels of brake regen is easily adjusted on the move via the paddles and there’s i-pedal mode which provides true one-pedal driving. There are also four drive modes – eco, normal, sport and snow – to adjust vehicle responsiveness and driving feel and My Drive Mode, which allows you to personalise the motor power input and steering feel. Be under no illusion this is in no way sporty like the IONIQ 5 N, even in sport mode!

Range and running costs

We also said that alternatives offer more range – something no doubt picked up by motorists alike. It seems Hyundai were listening as the previous 58kWh and 73kWh battery options were replaced by new 63kWh and 84kWh units, offering up to 273 miles and 354 miles of range and delivering a maximum power output of 168bhp and 225bhp respectively.

Not only that but a battery heating system, battery pre-conditioning and heat pump are now standard across the range, optimising battery temperature for faster charging in both cold and hot conditions. With 800V charging as standard, combined with 350kW ultra-rapid charger compatibility, 10-80% charge can be achieved in as little as 18 minutes, too.

Design

Let’s talk about the refreshed exterior styling first. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, and the rear spoiler is longer for better aerodynamics and a sportier look. There are also new 19 and 20” alloy wheel designs introduced across the line-up, as well as two additional exterior paint colours, including this free of charge Ultimate Red. I think you’ll agree it’s not a drastic makeover.

Inside, the changes are also subtle. There are pixel design door armrests to tie in with the steering wheel which also lights up to show the battery level – ooo fancy. There’s also an auto-dimming digital centre mirror, a sliding centre console with physical climate and heated seat buttons. Plus, a new dark surround for the infotainment and driver’s instrument cluster rather than chrome which used to blind you when it was moderately sunny. The new rear wiper is also a welcome addition. Less useful is the option of Digital Side Mirrors (DSM).

Comfort and practicality

The IONIQ 5 still impresses with its spacious interior, thanks to its long wheelbase – the kids seem quite far back which was a blessing on day trips over the summer holidays when we had this car. The flat floor also means that both front and rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and the rear seats slide forward and backward, providing flexibility in optimizing passenger or boot space. Which is a good thing as it’s not class-leading in terms of volume.

It also offers a frunk, and a number of other practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets, cup holders, and a decent-sized glove compartment.

A myriad of safety and convenience features are included as standard, but if I’m honest you’ll want to turn off some features, like Lane Keep Assist as it's so intrusive.

Higher trim levels such as the N Line and N Line S were introduced alongside a new entry-level Advance specification which comes in at a snip under £40,000 and Hyundai is currently offering its own £1500 electric car grant. Now, I’m not going to bore you with the spec but it’s a well-equipped and high value proposition. We’ve got a Premium version with the Long Range battery size. No optional extras are available with this trim and it cost £44,555. I would save your money and go for the Advance.

Verdict

How does it stack up against its rivals? Well, it stands strong against the Model Y and what the Tesla holds advantage in power and range, the IONIQ 5 gains with a superior vehicle and battery warranty.

Thanks to its unique styling, generous kit, strong range, rapid charging, everyday practicality and user-friendly tech, it also competes well with models like the Skoda Enyaq, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya, Audi Q4 e‑tron, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Ford Mustang Mach‑E and Mercedes‑Benz EQA, but obviously lacks brand resonance.

Taking a deep dive into owner feedback from the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5, according to surveys, reviews and owner testimonials owners love the smooth ride, design, practicality and driving comfort. It excels as a city and family EV. There’s a recurrent theme around electrical component reliability [especially 12V battery and ICCU], and experiences with service can vary dealership-by-dealership. So, despite what seem to still be isolated issues, the IONIQ 5 commands strong owner approval overall, top award wins, high satisfaction scores, and many heartfelt endorsements.

So, there you have it. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a solid choice if your budget is £40,000 and you value technology, comfort and range.

Key Specs

Hyundai IONIQ 5 PREMIUM 2025

Price: From 39,995, £44,555 (model as tested)
Top speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Power: 225bhp
Torque: 258lb-ft
Driving range: 354 miles
Charging time: 18 minutes (10-80% 350kW), 1 hour 16 mins (10-80% 50kW), 7 hours 35 mins (10-100%)
Insurance group: 29-41
Vehicle warranty: 5 year unlimited mileage
Battery warranty: 8 year / 100,000 mile