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The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is named MotorTrend SUV of the Year, proving that the definition of an SUV is evolving to include cutting-edge electric vehicles. This marks a significant shift in the automotive landscape, where traditional boundaries between vehicle types are blurring.
What Exactly Is an SUV in 2026?
The concept of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) has always been fluid, and in 2026, it’s more ambiguous than ever. Ask ten people what defines an SUV, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. For some, it remains a rugged, body-on-frame vehicle with four-wheel drive, harkening back to the original Jeeps that pioneered the segment. To others, it’s simply a two-box shape with increased ground clearance and ample space for weekend adventures. Many still consider an SUV to be any hatchback or wagon that’s larger than a standard car.
While we can generally agree on what an SUV should accomplish, its physical characteristics have become increasingly diverse. As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously noted when grappling with the definition of pornography, “I know it when I see it.” Similarly, we recognize a great SUV when we drive one. A truly exceptional SUV instills confidence, capable of handling daily commutes with ease, embarking on long road trips, and tackling various weather conditions, including snow and light off-road trails. It must be spacious, providing comfortable accommodations for both passengers and their cargo, while also prioritizing safety and fuel efficiency. Aesthetically pleasing design doesn’t hurt, either.
For years, we’ve debated the precise definition of an SUV, but we’ve yet to find a more objective measure than our rigorous Of The Year testing and evaluation criteria. Regardless of individual interpretations, one thing is certain: the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 handily meets and exceeds the diverse expectations of the compact SUV segment it competes in. It’s visually striking, enjoyable to drive, remarkably roomy, comfortable, highly efficient, and offers exceptional value. You likely already know what it is: our 2026 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
As the first fully electric vehicle to earn our prestigious SUV of the Year award, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 represents a revolutionary reimagining of what an SUV can be. The Ioniq 5 offers an approachable, modern design with a familiar form factor and controls that make the transition from conventional SUVs seamless for first-time EV buyers. Yet, its packaging and performance capabilities are only made possible by its advanced, compact, and energy-dense electric motors.
More significantly, the Ioniq 5 boasts cutting-edge 800-volt electric architecture, positioning it among the fastest-charging EVs on the market. Its charging times rival those of typical road trip stops, making range anxiety a thing of the past. Starting at just over $40,000, it’s also the most affordable vehicle on the market equipped with this advanced technology. Simply put, no SUV in our incredibly diverse field of 33 contenders more faithfully embodies our six key SUV of the Year criteria than the new Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Advancement in Design
Admittedly, the Ioniq 5’s styling is where some might initially question its SUV credentials. With its steeply raked tailgate, absence of a D-pillar, and a mere 6.1 inches of ground clearance—barely more than a Subaru Legacy sedan—the Hyundai’s appearance leans more toward a midsize hatchback than a traditional compact SUV. However, the Ioniq 5’s design is undeniably one of the most exciting and refreshing mainstream automotive designs to emerge in the last decade.
Drawing inspiration from the Giugiaro-designed Hyundai Pony concept from decades past, the Ioniq 5 masterfully blends 8-bit retrofuturism with sharp, angular lines and distinctive lighting graphics. This aesthetic expertly taps into the nostalgia of Generation X and Generation Y audiences. As digital director Erik Johnson aptly put it, “I absolutely love the interior and exterior styling. It’s like a Trapper Keeper with Max Headroom on its cover I might have carried to elementary school, but on wheels.” Associate editor Duncan Brady enthusiastically agreed, noting, “I want to call special attention to the hash marks along the wheel arches, and of course those super-rad wheels.”
The interior design is equally successful, even if some judges wished Hyundai’s designers had dedicated as much creative energy to the cabin as they did to the exterior. The EV’s cockpit is characterized by a clean, simple, and intuitive layout, featuring twin 12.3-inch digital displays, a streamlined, brandless two-spoke steering wheel, and a thoughtful combination of physical buttons, knobs, and switches. Head of editorial Ed Loh praised the execution, stating, “Hyundai really sweated the details and smoothed out the user experience. This is a great transitional EV, new yet familiar. There’s a push-button start as most people understand and lots of physical knobs for putting it into gear and adjusting things with positive response by feel. There’s no capacitive guessing or checking some screen with your eyes to confirm your input. It’s simple and elegant, which is deceptively difficult to achieve.”
Engineering Excellence
Beneath its stylish exterior lies Hyundai Motor Group’s cutting-edge E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) architecture. This same versatile platform also underpins the Kia EV6 (another SUVOTY finalist) and the Genesis GV60, along with future Ioniq family vehicles. The E-GMP architecture allowed Hyundai Motor Group’s three brands to engineer three distinct electric SUVs with varying wheelbases and hardpoints while sharing the same batteries and motors. This strategic approach ensures customers benefit from a wider range of choices and access to advanced technologies at more competitive prices.
Hyundai offers two distinct battery and motor configurations for the Ioniq 5, providing customers with considerable choice. Base Ioniq 5 SE Standard Range models are 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. Moving up one step on the trim ladder unlocks the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack. Rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5s with the larger battery feature an upgraded motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants offer a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive Ioniq 5s can travel 256 miles between charges (with 2023 models achieving 266 miles), while the single-motor variant boasts an impressive 303 miles on a single charge.
The Ioniq 5’s charging capabilities are equally impressive. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, this Ioniq is one of the few production vehicles capable of utilizing 350-kW Level 3 DC fast chargers. With a peak charging rate of 239 kW on large-battery models (base models are limited to 195 kW), the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes—roughly the time it takes for a typical fuel stop and bathroom/stretch/snack break on a road trip in a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. Furthermore, Hyundai is committed to enhancing charging speeds through over-the-air updates, with the ultimate goal of making DC fast charging truly comparable to the convenience of traditional refueling. The Ioniq 5 also stands out as one of the few production EVs offering vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. This feature allows the charge port to function as a 120-volt outlet, enabling the vehicle to power external devices and appliances.
Performance of Intended Function
Despite its unconventional, hatchback-like styling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 excels in performing the very tasks we expect from an SUV. For starters, it offers exceptional interior space. With a wheelbase longer than Hyundai’s full-size Palisade SUV, wheels positioned at the extreme corners of the vehicle, and a completely flat floor, the Ioniq 5’s cabin feels open, airy, and inviting. Both adults and children will find both rows of seating spacious and comfortable, providing an upright and commanding view of their surroundings. Storage options are plentiful, including a clever center console that slides 5.5 inches fore and aft, as well as numerous cubbies throughout the interior. Buyer’s guide director Zach Gale highlighted this feature, noting, \”Enormous open space in the center console means you can easily fit a large bag there. Or at least two tubs of ice cream.\” While the Ioniq lacks a traditional front trunk (frunk), it compensates with a spacious, tiered cargo area—perfect for additional storage, perhaps for more ice cream.
The driving experience is equally compelling. Our 2022 test vehicle, which is functionally identical to the 2023 model, demonstrates a perfect blend of comfort and engagement. It’s exceptionally comfortable and relaxing when cruising, yet remains enjoyable and fun when the driver desires a more spirited experience. The electric motors deliver smooth and powerful acceleration, offering V-8-like performance in a segment often dominated by loud, 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, one-pedal driving, and an adaptive auto mode.
The Ioniq
