2023 All-electric IONIQ 5 Hyundai Review, Price and Specification

Rewiew 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Dynamiq

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was updated towards the end of 2022, making subtle improvements to an already popular model. The demand for this vehicle was so high that waiting lists were created shortly after its launch. However, Hyundai is struggling to meet the demand in Australia. While this is a good problem to have in some ways, it must be frustrating for Hyundai from a business perspective knowing that they could be selling many more cars if they had enough stock.

It is important to note that expressions of interest in a new car do not always result in actual sales. Nevertheless, it is fair to say that Hyundai could sell many more Ioniq 5s in Australia if they had more stock. This is likely true for all electric vehicles at the moment, but the Ioniq 5 is certainly one of the frontrunners. Its popularity can be attributed not only to its style, but also to Hyundai’s five-year warranty and the reputation they have built over the past two decades.

The key changes implemented in late 2022 include an improved battery pack, with even the entry-grade Dynamiq model we are testing here now equipped with a 77.4kWh unit. This is an 8kW increase in battery capacity compared to the previous base model, which may not seem like much on paper, but any improvement in the EV world is welcome.

Service intervals have also been extended, which we will discuss in more detail below. Crucially, the Dynamiq model is a rear-wheel drive, single-motor EV, which fulfills a request that many of us have had for quite some time. This is a key factor in promoting wider adoption of EVs.

Forget about power and torque figures, dual motors, all-wheel drive, or 0-100km/h times. The average car buyer is looking for a cost-effective way to meet their driving needs without a focus on performance. Take, for example, the success of small hatchbacks or the new wave of small SUVs. These vehicles are front-engine, front-wheel drive, well-equipped, efficient, and offer great value.

Therefore, we have a strong suspicion that the base Ioniq 5 might actually be the smart choice among the three models in terms of value. Let’s find out.

How much does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 cost in Australia?

The old two-model range has been replaced with three repositioned variants: bookended by the base, rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 Dynamiq and the all-wheel-drive (AWD), flagship Ioniq 5 Epiq.

The new rear-drive-only Dynamiq variant is now pitched as the entry-level model, starting from $72,000 plus on-road costs. Standard kit across the range includes an augmented-reality head-up display – which projects navigation arrows onto the road ahead – and a second vehicle-to-load port, allowing the car’s battery to power external electrical devices. Like plenty of new technology, that concept might seem a bit naff now, but it’s something I think we’ll start to see being used more and more in the future.

Driving range has been increased for the updated Ioniq 5 as well, in the form of 19-inch rims and Michelin Primacy 4 tyres for the entry-level Dynamiq – replacing 20-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber – which increases the range claim from 481km to 507km on the WLTP cycle. Anecdotally, a range beyond 500km is something you keep telling us will allow more people to consider the move to an EV. With that in mind, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq is going to make sense to a lot of EV fans.

Powering the entry-level Dynamiq is a 77.4kWh battery pack and a 168kW/350Nm electric motor on the rear axle, which results in a pretty punchy 7.3-second 0–100km/h time and the aforementioned 507km driving range claim.

In short, the Dynamiq has more on-road performance than you’ll ever need, whether you’re running around town or on a longer road trip. And that feeds into the argument that a more simplified drivetrain arrangement could be just the ticket for a broad range of Aussie buyers.

The Ioniq 5 is capable of 800 volts and 350kW DC fast charging, good for a 10 to 80 percent recharge in a claimed 18 minutes in optimal conditions.

How much space does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 have inside?

The storage capacity of the Ioniq 5 is immediately apparent as soon as you take a seat, whether you’re the driver or a passenger. First and foremost, the glovebox is a cleverly designed storage compartment. The drawer inside the glovebox has a capacity of 9.4 liters, making it large enough to conceal items as big as a laptop and keep them out of sight for added security.

The front space is excellent, thanks in part to the flat floor, which creates a practical storage area that can accommodate items as large as a decent-sized backpack or handbag. The door linings are equipped with useful bottle holders and pockets, and there are cupholders with a wireless charging pad located beneath them in the center console. Personally, I prefer wireless charging, and the positioning of the wireless pad is well thought out. Additionally, the center armrest is adjustable and features a small storage shelf inside.

Regardless of your height as the driver, you’ll find it easy to get comfortable, and visibility is excellent. The Ioniq 5 provides a comfortable cabin environment, no matter what type of driving you’re doing. As electric vehicles become more popular as family cars, this kind of cabin comfort and flexibility is crucial. The rear doors are equipped with bottle holders, and the fold-down center armrest houses hidden cupholders.

As the entry-level model, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq lacks some features found in the higher-grade Techniq and Epiq models, such as fully reclining ‘relaxation’ seats, seat ventilation, and a sliding rear seat with heating. However, it doesn’t feel like these features are missing.

The second row offers comfortable seating even for tall occupants sitting in the front. While the Ioniq 5 may not appear extremely spacious from the outside, the cabin is surprisingly roomy. Comfort in the second row is excellent, even for individuals around six feet tall, and visibility is also ample. This is particularly important for family road trips.

In terms of child safety, there are two ISOFIX locations on the outboard seats and three top-tether points in the second row. The second-row air vents are not located in the center console area (which can be adjusted back and forth), but rather higher up in the B-pillars. Feedback from back seat passengers indicates that they appreciate the positioning of these vents.

Luggage space is a notable feature of this vehicle, offering 531L with the second row in use and expanding to 1591L when the seats are folded down. Additionally, there is a convenient 57L front boot, which is suitable for storing charge cables and adapters. Loading and unloading items from the hatch area is made easy by a wide opening that can accommodate longer items that may need to be transported.

The false floor is not significantly lower than the lip edge, and the wheel arches do not intrude too much into the available space. The storage area beneath the rear floor is also useful for keeping cables or small items, if you prefer not to store them in the front.

Does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

We appreciate the seamless integration of technology in the cabin, and the Ioniq 5 features a system that works flawlessly with your smartphone. The cabin tech is highlighted by two impressive 12.3-inch screens, with the infotainment screen in the center responding quickly and accurately whenever needed, while the driver’s display not only provides useful information but is also easy to comprehend.

The blind-spot image that appears when indicating is excellent, and although some may find it a bit peculiar at first, you quickly become accustomed to it and find yourself relying on it when driving a car equipped with this feature. While the touchscreen itself is excellent, there are also physical buttons and dials, which we appreciate for any on-the-fly adjustments.

For instance, there is a regular volume control dial – thank you Hyundai – as well as a tuning adjuster, and a touch-reactive control panel for adjusting the air conditioning. Certain controls, such as seat heating, still need to be accessed through the touchscreen, but I believe Hyundai has achieved a good balance. A complete lack of buttons may look sleek in a glossy brochure photo, but they are not practical when you need to adjust something without diverting your attention from the road while traveling at 110km/h on the freeway.

The central screen offers proprietary satellite navigation if desired, but it also does an excellent job of mirroring your smartphone. Importantly, it is easily visible in all lighting conditions except for extremely harsh, direct sunlight, whether you are stationary or on the move. Smartphone integration requires a cable connection rather than being wireless, but that is not an issue for me. I prefer to charge my phone and mirror it simultaneously. Personally, I’m not a fan of overheating my phone with a wireless charger.

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