2022 Ioniq 5 – Hyundai’s EV Crossover with Hot Hatch Looks
By Edward A. Sanchez – Feb. 23, 2021
Hyundai finally revealed more details on its forthcoming 2022 Ioniq 5, the first model of the Ioniq EV sub-brand, which will eventually include a sedan inspired by the Prophecy concept, as well as a larger, Palisade-sized Ioniq 7 SUV. And to the surprise of many, the styling of the production model is nearly identical to the 45 Concept shown in 2019.
At first glance, the Ioniq 5 may look like a hot hatch in the vein of the Volkswagen Golf GTI or Ford Focus ST, however a look at its specifications reveals this is a much bigger car than the Golf or the Focus. With an overall length of 182.4 inches (4,635mm), it is more than a foot longer than the eighth-generation VW Golf, as well as the ID.3, and even longer than the ID.4 crossover. The key to its lean-looking, sporty proportions is an unusually long 118.1-inch wheelbase, longer than even a Tesla Model S, and 20-inch wheels. These visual tricks make the Ioniq 5 look proportional to a Golf or ID.3 dimensionally, but in reality, it is a substantially larger car.
Photos accompanying the release show a cavernous interior with reclining front seats with leg rests, presumably when you’re in the car waiting for it to charge. However, thanks to its 800V architecture and capability for 350 kW DC fast-charging, Hyundai claims a 10-to-80 percent charge time of only 18 minutes. The vehicle’s 3.6 kW “V2L” charging function allows for charging of mobile devices or other electrical devices such as e-bikes, as well as powering camping gear, TVs, or even a stereo system. One port is located in the interior, with the other located beneath the charge port door.
In terms of powertrain and performance, the Ioniq 5 will be offered with a 58 or 72.6 kW battery pack, and with single or dual-motor configurations. The North American-spec model will be equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery pack. Unlike the current Kona EV or Kia Niro EV, the single-motor model will be rear-wheel drive. The standard rear-motor model will be rated at 215 hp (160 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, with the dual-motor model rated at a combined 302 hp (225 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) of torque. The standard model is rated at a 0-62 mph time of 7.4 seconds, with the dual motor model rated at 5.2 seconds. All models have a 115 mph top speed. The Ioniq 5 will also be the first Hyundai product to feature the company’s Highway Driving Assist 2 Level-2 hands-free advanced cruise control system, similar to GM’s Super Cruise.
Pricing and specific availability have not yet been announced, other than it will be available in “selected regions” in the “first half of 2021.” Speculation is the first markets to get the Ioniq 5 will be Europe and South Korea. North American sales will probably start in California, as well as other states and regions with historically high EV sales. A nationwide rollout is likely in fall 2021 or early 2022. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we’re expecting a starting price for a single-motor model in the low-to-mid $30,000 range, with a fully equipped dual motor model going for a little over $40,000.
We’re excited for the Ioniq 5, and it looks like a stylish, competitive entry into the EV market to battle the Chevy Bolt EUV, VW ID.4, and even perhaps the Tesla Model Y.
(Images courtesy Hyundai)
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