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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5: rapid charging and a relaxed ride, now at lower US prices

Review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD 2026

Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD 2026

The review

All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$35,000 (SE RWD Standard Range, US) · A$76,200 (RWD, Australia, before on-roads) Official range: 245–318 miles (EPA) · 495–570 km (WLTP), excluding the Ioniq 5 N 0–60 mph: 4.7 seconds (dual-motor, Edmunds) Safety: 5 stars Euro NCAP (2021) · 5 stars ANCAP (2021) Overview The Ioniq 5 is Hyundai's retro-styled electric crossover, now in facelifted form with larger batteries and updated equipment. It appeals to buyers who want fast charging, a comfortable ride and a flexible, lounge-like cabin. In the US, Hyundai cut 2026 prices by several thousand dollars from October 2025, making it far more competitive. In Australia, the range was trimmed to four variants from December 2025, all with an 84 kWh battery. Design & Interior The pixel-style lights and sharp creases still make the Ioniq 5 stand out. Inside, twin 12.3-inch screens face the driver, and the flat floor makes the cabin feel open. The rear bench slides and reclines, which adds useful flexibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the US, and an augmented-reality head-up display is available. Australian testers found the touch-sensitive climate controls less intuitive than physical buttons. Edmunds notes that thick rear pillars create blind spots. Driving Rear-drive models produce 168 kW (225 hp), and US dual-motor versions produce 320 hp. Edmunds quotes 4.7 seconds to 60 mph for dual-motor models and praises the comfortable ride and quiet cabin. CarExpert found the Australian N Line Premium stiffly sprung and heavy-feeling, though it corners tidily. The same testers found the lane-keeping assistance and speed warnings intrusive. The high-performance Ioniq 5 N is a separate model and is not covered here. Range & Charging EPA estimates run from 245 miles for the US Standard Range to 318 miles for the rear-drive long-range model. All-wheel-drive versions are rated at 259–290 miles, depending on trim and wheels. In Australia, the RWD is rated at 570 km on 19-inch wheels and the N Line Premium at 495 km (WLTP). CarExpert recorded 16.4 kWh/100 km, better than the official figure. Charging is the Ioniq 5's standout feature, thanks to its 800-volt electrical system. Hyundai Australia claims a 10–80% charge in about 18 minutes on a suitable ultra-rapid charger. US models have a NACS port for access to Tesla Superchargers. Practicality Rear-seat space is generous, and the flat floor helps middle-seat passengers. Luggage space is less impressive, with Edmunds measuring 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That is smaller than the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. CarExpert lists 520 litres with the seats up and 1,580 litres folded. The front trunk is shallow, and there is little underfloor storage in the boot. Safety The 2026 Ioniq 5 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with Good ratings in all three crash tests. Euro NCAP awarded five stars in 2021: adult occupants 88%, children 86%, vulnerable road users 63% and safety assist 88%. ANCAP's 2021 five-star rating covers all variants except the N, with scores of 88%, 87%, 63% and 89%. That ANCAP rating expires in December 2027. NHTSA has not issued an overall rating for the 2026 model, though it gives five stars for rollover resistance. Verdict The Ioniq 5 remains one of the most well-rounded mid-size EVs. It combines very fast charging, a comfortable ride, strong safety results and a roomy, adaptable cabin. The US price cuts make it strong value, but Australian pricing is high against rivals. The modest boot, rear blind spots and fussy driver-assistance warnings are the main drawbacks. How we rated it Range 4.0 (mid-pack range, excellent charging speed) · Performance 4.0 (brisk and comfortable, not sporty) · Safety 4.5 (IIHS Top Safety Pick+, five-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP, ageing ratings) · Comfort 4.5 (quiet, smooth and spacious) · Overall 4.5. Sources Hyundai, 2026 US pricing: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-lowers-price-on-2026-ioniq-5-ev-lineup-302572865.html EPA range figures (fueleconomy.gov): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49961&id=49960&id=49962&id=49963&id=49964 CarExpert, Australian pricing and specs: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-ioniq-5-price-and-specs-smaller-battery-axed-in-reshuffled-range evee, Australian pricing update: https://www.evee.com.au/blog/2026-hyundai-ioniq-5-australia-price-specs-range/ CarExpert review: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2026-hyundai-ioniq-5-review Edmunds review: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/ IIHS ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/ioniq-5-4-door-suv/2026 Euro NCAP 2021 rating: https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/hyundai/ioniq-5/43813 ANCAP rating: https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/hyundai/ioniq-5/9de91a NHTSA rating (2026 RWD): https://api.nhtsa.gov/SafetyRatings/VehicleId/21152

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