The electrification of the automobile is in full swing, and this week’s review of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate AWD EV is a shining example of where things could be headed. While supply in the market is generally scarce, the Ioniq 5 is a precursor of what future standard-issue compact crossover sport utility vehicles will be like.
In photos viewed on a screen, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 might look a little more like a compact hatchback similar in size to say, a Volkswagen Golf, but that’s not the case at all. In reality, it’s about the same length as a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, or Mazda CX-5, and in the width department, the Ioniq 5 is actually an inch or two wider. The slick styling is futuristic while also remaining pretty realistic – and it definitely garnered plenty of attention from the public during its week on test in the Daddy’s Digest garage.
By the Numbers
Although the base Ioniq 5’s Essential trim starts at $44,999 Canadian before taxes and fees, you might be hard pressed to find this trim level available anywhere at dealers. The Canadian government offers a $5,000 rebate after tax for electric vehicles whose base models start below $45,000 – so the Essential is really just a regulatory stop-gap since the more expensive trims are still eligible for the same rebate. The Preferred ($46,999) adds the ability to do faster charging (at up to 800 volts), and a heat pump and battery heating system that’s useful for colder climates.
The Preferred Long Range trim is $51,999 and ups the battery capacity from 58 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 77.4 and boosts power output from 125 kilowatts (kW) to 168. The model tested this week, however, Is the $60,999 Preferred AWD Long Range with the Ultimate Package, which uses the 77.4 kW battery pack with dual motors front and rear. Output increases to 239 kW, and of all the Ioniq models, this one truly hauls ass. For those who speak in horsepower, this is equivalent to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque – all of which is available from a dead stop.
In the range department, the base 58 kWh battery pack in rear-wheel drive form can do 354 kilometres (220 miles) on a full charge. The 77.4 kWh Long Range can do 488 kilometres (303 miles), and the Long Range AWD can do 414 kilometres (257 miles). Expect to lose approximately 20 percent of range in winter conditions.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Features and Equipment
For the Ultimate AWD model’s sixty-one large, there are 20-inch wheels, power folding side mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, rain sensing wipers, Bose premium audio, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an “augmented reality” head-up display, and a 360-degree surround view camera system. The Ultimate also gets Premium Relaxation Seating, which is a power-operated recline and leg rest for the driver’s seat, which is useful for rest periods – these seats will be great for catching a quick nap when charging.
The Ultimate package gets Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system, which takes the typical autonomous driver safety assist systems (forward collision warnings, lane keeping assists, blind spot monitoring, et cetera) and adds a lane change assist to the mix. Even in more mainstream SUVs such as the Tucson, Highway Driving Assist is one of the better ones in terms of staying centred within the lane at highway speeds. With the HDA2 system, automatic lane changes are reasonably quick and efficient, and further add to the great highway driving experience.
Leading the Charge
When equipped with the 800 volt “Level 3” fast charging, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can draw up to 350 kW from a charging station (assuming the station is equipped to do so), which does beat out Tesla’s 250 kW peak for their Supercharging network. At 350 kW, Hyundai states that the Ioniq 5 can be charged from 10% to 80% charge in just eighteen minutes, and if you’re in a rush, 100 kilometres can be added in just five. Realistically though, good luck finding many 350 kW capable stations in the real world at the moment – Tesla has this pretty well sorted out, by comparison.
In and around the Toronto area, 50 kW charging stations can be found here and there, which will take a bit more time to charge with. Buyers of the Ioniq 5 – or any other electric vehicle, really – should strongly consider having 240 volt Level 2 charging at home or work. While Level 2 is only capable of up to 7 kilowatts in most situations, the slower charging is easier on the battery pack for long-term wear and tear and is more reliable than constantly searching for charging away from home.
Driving Dynamics
In general, many electric vehicles drive similarly in between makes and models, and the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is no exception. When hitting the accelerator, there is a giant shove of torque from a stop, and it’s a silent and seamless transaction when getting up to speed. These same words could be used to describe a Tesla or any other EV – what differs is the overall acceleration levels. Hyundai states that the zero to 100 km/h acceleration also varies between trims, going from 8.5 seconds on the low end to 7.3 seconds for the Long Range, and topping out at a brisk 5.1 seconds for the Long Range AWD.
The Ioniq 5’s handling is about right for a compact crossover SUV, but electric vehicles often have to contend with a whole lot of weight due to the battery pack. The Ultimate package tips the scales at 2,115 kilograms (4,663 pounds), which is right in the range of a crew cab half-ton pickup truck. While regenerative braking will help prolong the life of brake pads and rotors, expect this kind of mass to increase longer-term maintenance costs for tires and suspension components – they have to be beefy in order to stand up to the task. The ride quality strikes a good compromise between firmness and handling, although the aforementioned extra weight does give the suspension a bit of a workout; pothole-ridden urban roads might see the Ioniq bouncing around a little more than it should.
For Dads and Families
Passenger and cargo capability in the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is good – and is competitive with most cars of its size. While the fast-sloping rear hatch eats into overall capacity, cargo floor space is similar to the Hyundai Tucson, as is rear legroom. This means that space-eating rear-facing child seats will fit easily, and carrying four adults (there’s seating for five) will not be a concern. LATCH/ISOFIX seat anchors are provided for the rear outboard seating positions, and there are top tether mounts on the rear seatbacks. There’s also a small storage compartment in the front, under the hood.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Bottom Line
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate AWD EV is a formidable effort by the Korean automaker and sets the example for where mainstream electric vehicles should be going within the next few years. With many of Tesla’s models firmly planted in a more premium or luxury market, the Ioniq 5 is a well-equipped family car that looks cool and drives well. It has sufficient range to be relied upon as a primary vehicle, although at the moment, many families who buy will likely have a gasoline or hybrid second vehicle as a backup for longer trips. The 350 kW fast charging capability is helpful for future-proofing as charging infrastructure improves, although Level 2 home charging at 240 volts is strongly recommended for an optimal experience. With other offerings expected in the near future – including larger three-row SUVs – expect the Ioniq to be competitive with the best of them.
