Pros
- 800V architecture charges at up to 350 kW — 10-80% in 18 minutes
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) lets you power devices from the car
- Stunning retro-futurist design inside and out
- Ultra-flat floor and sliding centre console maximise cabin space
- Genuine 5-star ANCAP safety rating
Cons
- Long-range range figure doesn't match Tesla Model Y in real world
- Rear storage under the boot floor feels like an afterthought
- Base variant lacks heat pump — important for cold-weather range
- Larger turning circle than expected for city driving
Design that ages well
Three years after launch, the IONIQ 5 still draws attention in a way few production cars manage. The parametric pixels lighting, flush door handles, and 1970s-inspired proportions were a bold gamble from Hyundai — one that paid off. The 2024 update adds a new colour palette and revised wheel designs, keeping it fresh without touching what works.
800V charging: the real game changer
The IONIQ 5's E-GMP platform supports 800V charging, meaning it can accept up to 350 kW at compatible chargers. At an Evie Networks ultra-rapid 350 kW charger, we added 200 km of range in under 15 minutes. This changes the calculus of long-distance EV travel in Australia — a 30-minute charge stop on a Melbourne–Sydney run means the charging network, not the car, is the limiting factor.
Interior and technology
The interior is genuinely special. Two 12.3-inch screens arc across the dashboard, physical climate controls sit below (a welcome choice), and the sliding centre console can move forward to create a walkthrough interior reminiscent of a minivan. The V2L system — 3.6 kW of usable power through a standard socket in the boot — makes the IONIQ 5 unexpectedly useful for camping, worksites, and outdoor events.
Range and real-world efficiency
The Long Range AWD claims 481 km on the WLTP cycle. In mixed Australian driving we achieved 390–420 km — respectable, if a little behind the Tesla Model Y in equivalent trim. The heat pump (standard on Long Range variants) makes a meaningful difference in winter and should be considered essential for buyers in Victoria, Tasmania, or elevated areas.
Verdict
The IONIQ 5 is the EV for people who care about design, technology, and charging speed in equal measure. Its 800V charging architecture is a genuine advantage in Australia as the ultra-rapid network matures, and the interior remains one of the most thoughtfully designed in the segment. It sits a rung above the competition in feel and technology, and is priced accordingly.