IS THE HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 WORTH THE HYPE? FIRST DRIVE, TOUR, AND REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD is presented as a compelling option, particularly for those prioritizing charging speed and interior comfort. Reviewers highlight its spacious and well-appointed interior, noting it feels roomier than the related Kia EV6, with comfortable seats and ample headroom. The "future-retro" styling, especially the pixelated lights, is a strong positive. Key advantages include its exceptionally fast charging capability (0-80% in 18 minutes) and a comfortable, quiet ride quality, which is considered superior to the Tesla Model Y. The reviewer also appreciated the intuitive physical buttons for climate and infotainment, a departure from screen-only controls. However, the "elephant in the room" is the price, with the SEL trim starting in the mid-$50,000s before incentives, bringing it down to around $45,000. While the technology is decent, it's noted that Tesla offers more advanced tech features. A recurring minor annoyance is the need to re-engage the "i-Pedal" one-pedal driving mode after each drive cycle. Despite the price, the Ioniq 5 is recommended for its overall package, especially if dealer incentives can be found.