Built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 was the first of an bevy of BEVs that have been launched since. Unlike pioneering electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt which were comppact hatchbacks, the Ioniq 5 is a substantial car.

Hyundai has been crowing about the Ioniq 5 reprising the styling themes of the seminal (and in Canada anyway) ill-fated Pony. Though the Pony is said to be the thought behind the Ioniq 5, it actually looks much more like the Lancia Delta that was also a product of of Pony designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, of Ital Design. Like with the Hyundai Tucson, some aspects of the Ioniq 5’s styling are intended to shock rather than please. The reverse Z motif (or the arrow-head motif on the Elantra) impressed into the sides of the car simply mar the flanks of the car for no reason. The frontal styling follows themes explored by the Lancia Magia and Kayak show cars. The overall shape of the car is quite pleasing and its proportions and long wheelbase delivers good passenger space.

The cabin is dominated by a large, rectangular computer tablet. The rectangle is split into two fields, vehicle information in front of the driver and infotainment functions at the centre of the dash. The rest of the dash has a strong horizontal emphasis. The revised dash for 2025 employs conventional climate controls that are easy to manipulate. Cabin materials are comprised of recycled polyethylene terephthalate bottles, plant-based and natural wool yarns and eco-processed leathers.

Mechanically, the Ioniq 5 can be powered by battery packs rated at 63 kWg (rear-wheel drive standard range) and 84 kWh (long range rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive). Range is from 313 kilometers (standard range rear-wheel drive), 504 kilometers (long range rear-wheel drive), to 469 kilometers (long range dual-motor). The Ioniq 5 takes 7.2 hours to top up with a Level 2 charger and takes 1.21 hours to recharge at a Level 2, 50 kW charger. The Ioniq 5 offers a Vehicle to Load (V2L) function that allows other devices, like electric scooters, to be charged from the car when it is turned off.

Acceleration is strong and silent. The suspension is supple, absorbing bad surfaces and potholes well. Steering wheel mounted paddles select the level of brake regeneration which can permit one pedal operation. There is no rear window wiper, a real oversight on a hatchback. Driven briefly, the 450 kW (601 horsepower with 641 horsepower available for short bursts) N model was hyper fast but felt very docile when driven calmly. Hyundai created a faux sonic menu for the N that creates a sound profile replicating a high-performance gasoline engine, including conventional transmission shift points on a car without a transmission.

The Ioniq 5 is offered in a single Preferred trim. The base car, the standard range rear-wheel drive model, with alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation, wireless iOS-Android cellphone hookup, a heat pump system, parking sonars front and rear and a full active safety suite, is nicely equipped. The Long Range Preferred trim still uses an 84 kWh battery pack and 168 kW (225 HP) output, with the dual-motor all-wheel drive rated at 239 kW (320 HP). The Long Range variant is priced $2500 more than the standard range version. The Long Range Dual-Motor trim adds an auto dimming rearview mirror, garage door opening buttons, a head up display system and the all-wheel drive system, for just $2000.

The Ultimate package on the Preferred dual-motor adds power-fold mirrors, rain-sense wipers, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a sliding centre console, an auto-dim rearview mirror, a cargo blind, garage door opener buttons, a Bose-branded audio system, wireless cellphone charging, a fixed glass roof, a vehicle-to-load system, highway drive assist and remote parking at a reasonable price.

The federal government has cancelled its electric car rebate scheme and Quebec has suspended its programme until April 1, 2025.

Low-volume car, not rated. A problem with the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) could result in the 12 volt battery in the car not being charged and the car becoming inoperative. Hyundai has issued a recall to update vehicle software. Below average reliability is predicted. This would be a good car to lease.