From Ars Technica · · 3m
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 review: still sharp, but rivals caught up
Five years later, Hyundai's angular EV remains stylish and quick to charge, but the compact crossover market is far more crowded now.
In brief
Five years later, Hyundai's angular EV remains stylish and quick to charge, but the compact crossover market is far more crowded now. The Ioniq 5 still delivers on design and charging speed, but potential battery controller failures and touch-sensitive climate controls are real frustrations to weigh against its…
The Ioniq 5 changed the game in 2021
When it debuted, the Ioniq 5 brought 800V charging architecture to mainstream buyers, charging from 10-80 percent in just 18 minutes. Its retro boxy design also channeled 1970s-80s hatchbacks.
But the market got crowded fast
Five years later, the compact electric crossover segment is far more competitive. Hyundai needed to refresh the Ioniq 5 to see how it still stacks up against newer rivals.
2025 refresh brings NACS and wipers
The 2026 model year added a NACS charging port (replacing CCS1), a rear windshield wiper, and an 84 kWh battery pack. The AWD Limited starts at $45,075.
AWD costs power and range
The AWD version adds 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque for $3,900 extra, but EPA range drops from 318 miles (RWD) to 269 miles (AWD). Real-world efficiency falls from 4 miles/kWh to 3.4 miles/kWh.
Fast charging still impresses
The Ioniq 5 charges from 10-80 percent in 20 minutes at 350 kW chargers. NACS access means it can use Tesla Superchargers, though older V3 units top out at 250 kW. Level 2 AC charging takes 7 hours 20 minutes.
Blind spot camera is genuinely useful
The Limited trim includes a blind spot view monitor that uses wing mirror cameras to display traffic when you signal. It makes checking protected bike lanes and tight spots much easier.
Climate controls are frustratingly bad
Touch-sensitive climate controls sit below the air vents with weak backlighting that's hard to see in sunlight. They attract dust and lack muscle memory, making them annoying to use daily.
Battery controller failures are a real concern
The Integrated Charging Controller Unit can fail if overvoltaged during charging cycles or if it overheats, sometimes causing cars to stop on highways. Hyundai recalled units in December 2024.
Recall scope may be larger than stated
Hyundai said 1 percent of vehicles were affected, but Consumer Reports survey data suggests 2-10 percent of E-GMP platform EVs experience ICCU failures. Hyundai extended the warranty to 15 years or 180,000 miles.
“Consumer Reports says its survey data shows the incidence is between 2, 10 percent for EVs that use the E-GMP platform”
XRT is rugged but pricey
The XRT variant costs $46,275 with lifted suspension and protective cladding for off-road use. It loses another 10 miles of range compared to the AWD Limited but handles potholes and rough roads well.
RWD SEL makes the most sense
The reviewer would choose RWD for extra range and skip the Limited trim, opting for the $39,800 SEL instead. Most Limited features are standard in the SEL, and winter tires handle cold weather better than AWD.
Still stylish, but not a slam dunk
The Ioniq 5's angular design remains fresh in 2026, and its charging speed is still competitive. However, the ICCU failure risk and climate control frustrations are real drawbacks in a crowded market.
What to remember
The Ioniq 5 still delivers on design and charging speed, but potential battery controller failures and touch-sensitive climate controls are real frustrations to weigh against its strengths.
