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The Hyundai Ioniq 5: Redefining the Electric SUV Landscape in 2026
The definition of an SUV has long been a subject of spirited debate. Ask a dozen different people, and you’ll likely receive a dozen varied responses. Some envision traditional, body-on-frame behemoths reminiscent of the original Jeeps that pioneered the segment. For others, an SUV is a two-box design characterized by elevated ground clearance and the capacity for weekend adventures. Still others simply categorize any hatchback larger than a standard car as an SUV. While we can generally agree on the functional expectations of an SUV—comfort, capability, and space—the visual and structural criteria remain fluid. As Justice Potter Stewart famously noted when grappling with the definition of obscenity, “I know it when I see it.” Similarly, we know a truly exceptional SUV when we drive one. A great SUV must inspire confidence, effortlessly handling daily commutes, long-distance road trips, and even light off-road excursions. It must offer generous space for both passengers and cargo, prioritize safety, and maintain respectable efficiency. A touch of stylish design certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
Over the years, the automotive press has engaged in countless hours of discussion regarding the precise definition of an SUV. However, we’ve found that our Of The Year testing and established criteria offer the most objective means of distinguishing mere cars from genuine SUVs. Regardless of how one personally defines the term, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5—now a formidable presence in the 2026 automotive landscape—comfortably meets and exceeds the diverse needs of the compact SUV segment it inhabits. It is visually striking, rewarding to drive, remarkably spacious, supremely comfortable, and offers outstanding value. For those who may not be familiar with it yet, our 2023 SUV of the Year is the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, which earned the distinction of being the first fully electric vehicle to claim our prestigious SUV of the Year award, represents a paradigm shift in what an SUV can be. The Ioniq 5 strikes an accessible, modern chord with a form factor and control layout that feel immediately familiar to anyone transitioning from a conventional gasoline-powered SUV or crossover to their first electric vehicle. Yet, its packaging efficiency and performance characteristics are made possible only through the integration of compact, high-energy-density electric motors. More significantly, the Ioniq 5 boasts cutting-edge 800-volt electric architecture, positioning it among the fastest-charging EVs available. Its charging times rival those of brief stops on a road trip, making range anxiety a relic of the past. Starting at just over $40,000, it remains the most affordable vehicle on the market equipped with such advanced technology. Simply put, no SUV in our exceptionally diverse field of contenders better embodies the core principles of our SUV of the Year criteria than the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
When evaluating its suitability as an SUV, the Ioniq 5’s exterior styling might initially invite scrutiny. With its raked rear tailgate, absence of a traditional D-pillar, and modest 6.1 inches of ground clearance—hardly more than a standard sedan—the Hyundai’s profile leans more towards a midsize hatchback than a conventional compact SUV. Nevertheless, the Ioniq 5 stands out as one of the most visually captivating mainstream vehicles to debut in recent memory. Drawing subtle inspiration from the Giugiaro-designed Hyundai Pony concept of decades past, the Ioniq 5 masterfully blends 8-bit retrofuturism with sharp, assertive edges and distinctive lighting signatures, evoking a sophisticated sense of nostalgia for the Gen X and Gen Y demographics.
“The interior and exterior styling are simply phenomenal,” commented digital director Erik Johnson. “It’s like a high-end Trapper Keeper from my elementary school days, but reimagined on wheels.” Associate editor Duncan Brady echoed this sentiment, noting, “I particularly admire the hash-mark detailing along the wheel arches, not to mention those incredibly stylish wheels.”
The interior design is equally compelling, even if some reviewers might have wished for the same level of creative daring in the cabin as was displayed on the exterior. The EV’s cockpit exudes a sense of clean simplicity and intuitive operation, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays, a streamlined two-spoke steering wheel, and a thoughtful blend of physical buttons, knobs, and switches. “Hyundai really focused on the details and refined the user experience,” observed head of editorial Ed Loh. “This is a superb transitional EV—modern yet familiar. It includes a traditional push-button start, a feature most drivers understand, and numerous physical controls for gear selection and adjustments that provide satisfying tactile feedback. There’s no reliance on finicky capacitive touchpads or the need to constantly glance at a screen to confirm your inputs. The result is a design that is both simple and elegant, a feat that is deceptively difficult to achieve.”
At the heart of the Ioniq 5’s stylish exterior lies Hyundai Motor Group’s state-of-the-art E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) architecture. This remarkably versatile platform also underpins the Kia EV6, another finalist for our SUV of the Year award, and the Genesis GV60, along with future Ioniq family vehicles. The E-GMP architecture has enabled Hyundai Motor Group’s three brands to develop three distinct electric SUVs with varying wheelbases and structural hardpoints, all while sharing the same battery and motor technologies. This approach translates into greater consumer choice and access to advanced technologies at more competitive price points.
Hyundai offers two distinct battery and motor configurations for the Ioniq 5. The entry-level Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range models come equipped with a 58.0-kWh battery pack paired with a single rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles. Opting for the mid-tier trim unlocks the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack. Rear-wheel-drive models with the larger battery feature an enhanced motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants deliver a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 models can travel up to 256 miles between charges (an improvement to 266 miles for 2023 models), while the single-motor variant achieves an impressive 303 miles per charge.
What truly sets the Ioniq 5 apart is its exceptional charging capability. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, this Ioniq is one of the few vehicles on the market that can leverage the full potential of 350-kW Level 3 DC fast chargers. With a peak charging rate of 239 kW on large-battery models (base models are capped at 195 kW), the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes—comparable to the time taken for a standard fuel and restroom/stretch/snack break during a road trip in a conventional vehicle. Furthermore, Hyundai continues to refine charging speeds through over-the-air updates, with the ultimate goal of making DC fast charging a seamless experience comparable to a traditional gas station stop. The Ioniq 5 also stands out as one of the few production EVs offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing an adapter to turn the charge port into a standard 120-volt outlet for powering external devices.
Despite its unconventional hatchback-like exterior, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 excels in performing the tasks we traditionally expect of an SUV. For starters, it is exceptionally spacious. With a wheelbase longer than Hyundai’s full-size Palisade SUV, wheels pushed to the extremities of the chassis, and a completely flat floor, the Ioniq 5’s cabin feels open, airy, and inviting. Both adults and children will find the seating in every row generous and comfortable, offering an upright and commanding view of the surroundings. Storage is abundant, found in the cleverly designed center console (which slides 5.5 inches forward and backward) and in the numerous cubbies scattered throughout the interior. “The center console offers an enormous open space, perfect for accommodating a large bag,” noted buyer’s guide director Zach Gale. “Or at least two tubs of ice cream.” And while the Ioniq lacks a front trunk (frunk), it compensates with a spacious, tiered cargo area. Ample room, you see, for additional ice cream.
The driving experience is equally commendable. Our 2022 test vehicle, which shares functional similarities with the 2023 model, delivers a ride that is both comfortable and relaxing when desired, yet transforms into an engaging and genuinely fun experience when the driver seeks more spirited driving. The electric motors are smooth and powerful, providing V-8-like acceleration in a segment often populated by noisy, underpowered four-cylinder engines. The braking system feels natural and responsive, with Hyundai offering five distinct settings for regenerative braking, including a fully off mode, a one-pedal driving mode, and an automatic mode.
The Ioniq 5 handles and rides exceptionally well. Its steering is quick, precise, and lightweight, while the torque-vectoring motors allow the driver to confidently direct the SUV through turns—a significant advantage in low-traction conditions. Ride quality is particularly noteworthy. “The spring and damper tuning is outstanding,” Johnson remarked. “It effectively manages the weight of the battery pack and absorbs bumps without
