The Right Spec: 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Viewed in a vacuum, especially through the filtered lens of an online picture, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 might appear to be a hatchback roughly the size of a VW Golf. In reality, it’s a lot more crossover-like inside and out, with the added bonus of seating flexibility that eliminates a space-hogging center console which creates a spiritual successor to the old-school bench seat.

There is a quartet of trims offered in our market, starting with the $39,700 SE Standard Range with its single motor and rear-wheel drive.

That’s good for 168 horsepower and an estimated 220 miles from its 58.0-kWh battery pack. If those numbers aren’t appealing, an extra $3,950 will net the SE trim (sans the ‘Standard Range’ moniker) which has a 77.4-kWh battery and approximately 300 miles of range. Interestingly, a rear-drive IONIQ 5 with the larger battery makes 225 horses, pushing the all-electric car to 60 mph from rest in about 7.4 seconds according to Hyundai.

Looking for dual motors and 320 horsepower? You’ll need to upgrade to an all-wheel-drive model, a configuration offered on all trims save for the entry-level SE Standard Range. This is a wise decision by Hyundai since it means customers can get the most powerful options without having to pop for a bucks-deluxe trim level. Note that, thanks to extra weight and other gubbins, the estimated range drops to an indicated 256 miles in the all-wheel-drive model. The least expensive AWD wears a sticker price of $47,550.

Externally, there’s not a ton of difference between the four trims, meaning your snooty neighbors won’t know the difference if you bought the least- or most-expensive IONIQ 5. There’s something to be said for creative design, a signature characteristic of this car with its dot-matrix fore and aft lighting which somehow manages to recall sealed beam headlamps but in a way that’s thoroughly modern. The top two trims do feature a unique-to-them front ‘v’ light bar and some extra silver-look garnish.

Inside, the SE is this car’s only trim with cloth seats; if it’s that upholstery you’re after, go ahead and end your search right there. All trims get heated seats, a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with an equal-size digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate, and safety nannies like smart cruise control. The SEL sets itself apart by including comforts like wireless device charging and a heated steering wheel plus 2nd-row ventilation and a power liftgate.

Limited trim ($50,600 or $54,500 with all-wheel drive) adds vehicle-to-load technology via a two-way onboard charger in the second row. This permits owners to use their car as an enormous battery pack, allowing the electric car to power everyday items when it would otherwise be sitting idle. Whether this is a selling point is up to individual preferences, but we can think of ample opportunities to press this into service both on the road and at home. Typical comfort stuff like a heads-up display and Bose audio also pop up on the Limited.

An all-wheel-drive SEL and rear-wheel drive Limited both come in right around 50 grand, making for an interesting choice of vehicles. The former has a lot more power and can whip to 60 mph in about five seconds, while the latter has braggable-to-EV-friends features like being able to power items in your home. We’d choose the extra power and AWD grip, naturally.

Please note the prices listed here are in Yankee bucks and are currently accurate for base prices exclusive of any fees, taxes, or rebates. Your dealer may (and should) sell for less (obscene market conditions notwithstanding). Keep your foot down, bone up on available rebates, and bargain hard.

[Images: Hyundai]