2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Review

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Avondale builds on the award-winning reputation of its predecessors. Following a refresh for the 2025 model year, critics note that Hyundai hasn't messed with a good thing.

Car and Driver, which has previously named the Ioniq 5 a "10Best" and an "Editors' Choice," continues to praise the 2026 Ioniq 5, particularly the high-performance Ioniq 5 N, calling it "a mad scientist's project gone very right" and "a corner-conquering hero." Motor Trend, in a comparison review, calls the Ioniq 5 "one of the best cars to come out in the last decade." 

An Edmunds reviewer calls the Ioniq 5 a "true jack of all trades," citing its "intuitive tech interface, lengthy list of standard features, and a long-range battery." Another review on YouTube from a self-proclaimed car expert suggests that Hyundai is "hitting its stride at the moment" with its EV products, rating them better than almost any other brand.

Passengers will find a unique blend of modern design and essential comforts in the premium Ioniq 5. The cabin, which can be configured in either a sleek black-on-black or a sophisticated gray-on-gray scheme, features high-quality materials like Hyundai's stain-resistant cloth or the premium H-Tex leatherette.

The cockpit is designed for a seamless user experience, with dual digital displays serving as the hub for entertainment and vehicle information. An 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat ensures a comfortable driving position, and an innovative dual-zone climate control setting allows you to direct air conditioning solely to the driver, optimizing energy efficiency when traveling alone.

To keep everyone connected, all 2026 Ioniq 5 models now come standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing occupants to access the internet on their devices with a subscription.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Avondale offers a surprisingly spacious interior, thanks to its dedicated EV platform. The flat floor and generous 106 cubic feet of passenger volume make it feel larger than many other electric vehicles.

Whether you're in the front or back, there's plenty of room to stretch out. Front-row passengers get a full 41.7 inches of legroom, while those in the back enjoy a comfortable 39.4 inches. The rear seats can slide and recline, allowing for more ways to get comfortable, and standard amenities like dual USB ports and a rear center armrest add to the comfort.

When it's time to haul gear, the Ioniq 5 provides a versatile cargo area. You'll find a substantial 27.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and that volume nearly doubles to 59.3 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down.

An extensive suite of driver assistance features help make every journey safer and less stressful. Many of these features are part of the Hyundai SmartSense system, which provides a high level of protection for both you and your passengers.

Every 2026 Ioniq 5 in Avondale comes standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). This system can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and apply the brakes automatically to help prevent a collision. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist warns you and also provides gentle steering assistance to help you avoid a collision when changing lanes. 

In 2026, all Ioniq 5 models have haptic feedback in the steering wheel, providing a subtle vibration to warn you of potential dangers detected by the Blind-Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Warning systems. This works in conjunction with steering assistance to help guide the vehicle back to safety.

When parking, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist alerts you to vehicles approaching from the side and can apply the brakes if necessary.

Moving up the trim levels unlocks even more features. The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL model enhances the cabin with ambient lighting, a convenient power liftgate, and a wireless charging pad. For added comfort, the SEL includes a heated steering wheel and second-row air conditioning vents.

The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds luxury touches like ventilated front seats, rear-side sunshades, and a panoramic Vision Roof that floods the cabin with natural light. The Limited adds a head-up display and a premium Bose audio system.

For an even higher level of assistance, the SEL trim and above feature an upgraded version of the FCA system. It can detect oncoming traffic and side-traffic at intersections. These models also include an Evasive Steering Assist to help you maneuver away from a potential collision.

The top-of-the-line Limited model offers even more advanced features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a live camera feed of your blind spots on the digital instrument cluster when you use your turn signal. A Surround View Monitor provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making parking in tight spots effortless.

The standard 2026 Ioniq 5 features a rear-wheel-drive configuration that is unique among today’s electric vehicles. Hyundai positioned the powerful electric motor at the back, allowing drivers to enjoy RWD’s sportier feel. This setup delivers a solid 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base model, which focuses on efficiency, generates 168 horsepower while maintaining that same strong torque.

For those seeking maximum performance and capability, the all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 utilizes a dual-motor powertrain. This system sends torque to both the front and rear axles independently, providing superior traction and stability in challenging conditions like snow or sand.  With its larger battery, the AWD models boast an impressive output of 320 horsepower and a robust 446 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, the Ioniq 5 AWD is quick, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.7 seconds.

Every Ioniq 5 delivers impressive electric range, ensuring it's a practical choice for daily commutes and longer journeys. According to EPA estimates, the standard range battery provides 245 miles of driving range, while the long-range model extends that to 318 miles. All-wheel drive versions of the Ioniq 5 are rated for 290 miles of electric range.

One of the 2026 Ioniq 5's most compelling features is its lightning-fast charging capability, due to its luxury-level 800V architecture. A DC fast-charger can boost its battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes. This allows for quick and convenient charging on the road. 

For at-home charging, the Ioniq 5 can be fully replenished overnight in well under 8 hours using a Level 2 (240V) home charger. The standard-range model can be charged from 10% to 100% in under six hours, while the long-range model takes just over seven hours. This impressive speed is due to its advanced 800V charging architecture, which allows it to charge faster than many competitors with similar price tags.

The vehicle's regenerative braking system plays a key role in maximizing efficiency. It works by capturing energy during deceleration and sending it back to the battery. This system is easy to control, and drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking using steering wheel-mounted paddles, allowing them to prioritize either braking force or energy recapture.  

When it comes to efficiency, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out among electric vehicles. Its impressive MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) ratings mean less time and money spent on "fueling" up.

The standard range RWD model earns an EPA-estimated 131 mpg-e in the city and 100 mpg-e on the highway. Stepping up to the long-range RWD model, those figures are 129 mpg-e city and 100 mpg-e highway.

Even with the added performance of all-wheel drive, the Ioniq 5 remains remarkably efficient. The long-range AWD models have EPA estimates of 116 mpg-e city and 96 mpg-e highway, proving you don't have to sacrifice efficiency for capability.

Now that you know more, schedule a test drive of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This popular ride is available from your Earnhardt Hyundai dealer in Avondale.