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The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Redefining the Compact SUV for the Modern Driver
In the dynamic realm of automotive design and engineering, the term “SUV” has evolved from its rugged, body-on-frame origins into a broad category encompassing vehicles of nearly every shape and size. As our understanding of what constitutes a sport utility vehicle continues to expand, the standards by which we evaluate these machines must evolve in tandem. This continuous reevaluation is the bedrock of our annual Of The Year testing, a rigorous process designed to separate the mere pretenders from the true contenders in the ever-crowded automotive landscape.
Reflecting on this evolution, we find that the most compelling sport utility vehicles are those that inspire confidence, whether navigating the daily urban commute, embarking on a cross-country odyssey, or tackling challenging weather conditions. They must offer a harmonious blend of spacious interiors, practical utility, and advanced safety technologies, all wrapped in a package that excites the senses. It is within this framework of comprehensive evaluation that we present our 2023 Of The Year, a vehicle that not only meets but exceeds the diverse demands of the compact SUV segment it proudly inhabits. This year’s distinction belongs to the Hyundai Ioniq 5—a vehicle that has redefined expectations and set a new benchmark for what an electric SUV can achieve.
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 represents a watershed moment in the transition toward electrified mobility. As the first fully electric vehicle to receive our prestigious Of The Year award, it challenges conventional notions of what an SUV can be. Its design language strikes a delicate balance between approachability and innovation, offering a form factor and control scheme that will feel instantly familiar to drivers transitioning from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Yet, its interior packaging and performance characteristics are made possible only through the deployment of advanced, energy-dense electric motors.
What truly sets the Ioniq 5 apart, however, is its cutting-edge 800-volt electrical architecture. This technology positions the Ioniq 5 among the quickest-charging electric vehicles currently available, with charging times that rival the brief stops required for fueling and refreshment on a long-distance journey. Furthermore, at a starting price point just north of $40,000, it represents the most affordable vehicle on the market to incorporate such advanced charging capabilities. When measured against the six critical criteria that define our Of The Year selection, no vehicle in our exceptionally diverse 33-contender field more convincingly demonstrates its worth than the new Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Advancement in Design: A Harmonious Blend of Retro-Futurism and Modernity
To fully appreciate the Ioniq 5’s bold vision, one must first acknowledge its departure from conventional SUV styling cues. With its steeply raked rear tailgate, lack of a traditional D-pillar, and modest 6.1 inches of ground clearance—barely exceeding that of a standard sedan—the Ioniq 5’s exterior aesthetic leans more toward that of a midsize hatchback. Nevertheless, its visual presence is undeniably one of the most compelling and refreshing to grace public roads in recent memory.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Giugiaro-designed Hyundai Pony concept of decades past, the Ioniq 5 masterfully blends retro-futuristic elements with sharp, contemporary edges and distinctive lighting signatures. This thoughtful combination creates a captivating visual narrative that resonates deeply with both Generation X and Millennial sensibilities, evoking a sense of playful nostalgia.
“I absolutely love the interior and exterior styling,” remarks digital director Erik Johnson. “It’s like a Trapper Keeper with Max Headroom on its cover that I might have carried to elementary school, but reimagined on wheels.” Associate editor Duncan Brady echoes this sentiment, highlighting specific design details: “I want to draw special attention to the parametric pixel hash marks along the wheel arches, and, of course, those truly rad wheels.”
The interior design of the Ioniq 5 is equally successful, though some critics might wish the design team had imbued the cabin with the same degree of playful creativity evident in the exterior. The electric vehicle’s cockpit is characterized by its clean, uncluttered layout and intuitive user interface. Twin 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dashboard, complemented by a distinctive two-spoke steering wheel devoid of traditional branding. A thoughtful selection of physical buttons, knobs, and switches ensures tactile feedback remains central to the driving experience.
“Hyundai really sweated the details and smoothed out the user experience,” observes head of editorial Ed Loh. “This is a great transitional EV—new yet familiar. There’s a push-button start, as most people understand, and numerous physical knobs for engaging drive modes and adjusting settings with positive, tactile response. There’s no need for capacitive guessing or relying solely on a screen to confirm your input. The result is simple and elegant, a deceptively difficult achievement in modern automotive design.”
Engineering Excellence: The Foundation of the Ioniq 5 Experience
Underpinning the Ioniq 5’s striking exterior is Hyundai Motor Group’s pioneering Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This cutting-edge architecture also serves as the foundation for related vehicles such as the Kia EV6 (a finalist in our Of The Year competition) and the Genesis GV60, as well as future members of the Ioniq family. The inherent versatility of the E-GMP platform has empowered Hyundai Motor Group’s three distinct brands to engineer three dramatically different electric SUVs, each featuring unique wheelbase dimensions and hardpoint configurations, while sharing the same underlying battery and motor technologies. This strategic approach allows consumers to benefit from a wider array of choices and access to advanced technologies at more accessible price points.
In terms of powertrain options, Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 with two distinct battery and motor configurations. The entry-level Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range model is equipped with a 58.0-kWh battery pack paired with a single, rear-mounted electric motor. This configuration delivers 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving an EPA-estimated driving range of 220 miles on a full charge.
Stepping up one level on the trim ladder unlocks the Ioniq 5’s larger 77.4-kWh battery pack. For rear-wheel-drive configurations, this enhanced battery is paired with an upgraded motor producing 225 horsepower and the same 258 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with the optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the Ioniq 5 unleashes a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive variants offer an EPA-estimated range of 256 miles (which increases to 266 miles for 2023 models), while the single-motor, long-range version achieves an impressive 303 miles between charges.
Even more remarkable than its range figures is the Ioniq 5’s charging speed. Benefiting from its 800-volt architecture, this Hyundai is one of the few production vehicles capable of leveraging 350-kW Level 3 DC fast chargers. With a peak charging rate of 239 kW for large-battery models (base models are limited to 195 kW), the Ioniq 5 can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent capacity in as little as 18 minutes. This charging duration aligns closely with the time required for a typical fuel stop and a brief break for refreshments and stretching during a long-distance road trip in a conventional gasoline vehicle. Hyundai’s commitment to innovation extends to its charging technology; the company is actively developing software updates aimed at further improving charging speeds, with the ultimate goal of making DC fast charging comparable to the convenience of traditional gasoline refueling.
Beyond its charging capabilities, the Ioniq 5 stands out as one of the few production electric vehicles offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. This innovative feature allows an adapter to be connected to the charge port, effectively turning the vehicle into a mobile power source capable of powering external devices and equipment.
Performance of Intended Function: Meeting the Demands of a Modern SUV
Despite its somewhat unconventional, hatchback-like exterior proportions, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 excels in performing the tasks we expect of a modern SUV. A primary attribute is its exceptional spaciousness. With a wheelbase that surpasses that of Hyundai’s own full-size Palisade SUV, and its wheels positioned at the absolute corners of the vehicle, the Ioniq 5’s interior feels remarkably open, airy, and inviting. The cabin floor is completely flat, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Adults and children alike will find both seating rows comfortable and accommodating, offering an upright and commanding view of the surroundings. Storage solutions are plentiful and intelligently designed, including a highly practical center console that can slide forward and backward by 5.5 inches. Additionally, various cubbies and storage compartments are cleverly integrated throughout the interior. “The enormous open space in the center console means you can easily fit a large bag there,” notes buyer’s guide director Zach Gale. “Or at least two tubs of ice cream.” While the Ioniq 5 lacks a traditional front trunk (frunk), it compensates with a capacious, multi-tiered cargo area—ideal for additional storage needs, perhaps for even more frozen desserts.
The driving dynamics of the Ioniq 5 are equally impressive. Our 2022 test vehicle (which is functionally identical to the 2023 model) strikes a masterful balance, offering a comfortable and relaxing experience when the moment calls for it, yet proving to be engaging and genuinely fun when the driver seeks a more spirited drive. The electric motors deliver
