2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD Review

This week I bring you the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 - an all-electric crossover that debuted to such high acclaim in 2022 that it was subsequently named World Car of the Year.  As crowning an achievement as that is,  the IONIQ 5's success isn't just measured in its many awards, but also in the fact that it quite impressively launched Hyundai's new EV portfolio. It was the brand's first vehicle to use its new EV platform which now includes the IONIQ 6 sedan and soon to come IONIQ 7 SUV.  I have the top-of-the-line 2023 Limited AWD variant, just like I reviewed in its first model year.

Exterior

The IONIQ 5 stands out from the crowd (in a good way) with its modern, aerodynamic looks.  My test vehicle wears Cyber Gray which I think looks fab with the 20-inch black alloy wheels. The front sports premium LED accent lighting and projector style headlights along with LED daytime running lights and active grille shutters.  The Limited is distinguished by silver bumpers and body cladding along with premium side sills and premium gloss black accents.

 

 

 

 

 

You'll see pixelated lights on both the front and rear, which you'll see on all of Hyundai's EVs. 

The IONIQ 5 Limited's profile sports power folding and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators along with automatic flush door handles. The crossover's tail end features rear spoiler.

All in all this an EV that hits all the exterior design notes just right.

Powertrain

My dual-motor electric powertrain with optional all-wheel drive delivers a robust 320 horsepower and a fantastic 446 pound-feet of torque. That is torque you can feel my friends. It gives you incredible off-the-line, smooth acceleration. It really gives the IONIQ 5 some amazing performance.  The engine is mated to a smooth shift-by-wire transmission located on the steering column.  

Note, a new high-performance N model is being added to the 2025 lineup. 

Range and Charging

The lineup offers up to 303 miles of range on a charge for rear-wheel drive models.  But you sacrifice some range for AWD. The official range estimate on my Monroney is 266 miles. (The 2023 AWD model did pick up 10 more miles over 2022.)

 

 

 

 

Using a Level 2 charger Hyundai cites a 10%-100% charging time of 7 hours 10 minutes. (My Monroney lists a charge time of 8.5 hours using a Level 2 charger.) Use rapid charging and it drops to just 18 minutes. Level 1 charging is SUPER SLOW. Charging at 0.7 kWh and it will take you more than 42 hours to go from 60%-100%.

I really like the power open/close charging port area which you can operate remotely. Charging times are easy to see thanks to great graphics on the touchscreen.

A Level 2 on board charger is standard. The Limited model also has Vehicle-To-Load technology.

Interior

The IONIQ 5's roomy interior features an open layout with plenty of headroom and legroom, too, thanks to the flat floor. Ergonomics are just right, placing the stop/start button within easy reach. 

The Limited features comfortable H-Tex-trimmed seats.  Both the driver and passenger seats are 8-way power adjustable and offer power lumbar support. They are heated and ventilated as well - and I must say the heating element is really terrific.  You'll access the heated and ventilated functions through the multimedia system, but I'd wish for external controls as well.

 

 

 

 

 

A heated and leather wrapped steering wheel features glossy black along with regenerative braking paddle shifters.

The Limited's clever manual sliding center console really comes in handy.  You can lift the console above it up for some very versatile space.  For example, it kept my to-go secure in transit, and at another point,  a four-pack of chocolate shakes.  How convenient and handy! You can also slide it so that the driver can enter from the passenger side.

Above, the Vision panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade is incredibly expansive thanks to its single glass pane. Hands-down it's one of my favorite features.

 

 

The 60/40 rear folding split seats recline.  There's plenty of room back there too. Passengers get their own drop-down center armrest with small cupholders, some USB ports and manual rear sunshades.

Standard Limited features include dual-zone climate with driver only mode, a wireless charger, 64-color ambient lighting,  a digital rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.

A hands free liftgate opens to ample cargo space. You can hide valuables under a tonneau cover. A tire repair kit is located under the cargo floor mat. 

Technology

Technology shines in the IONIQ 5 which has two standard 12.3-inch displays. One is the digital gauge cluster with fantastic graphics, and the other is the multimedia touchscreen with navigation. Dynamic Voice Recognition is excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

A premium 8 speaker Bose sound system fits the space well.  Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.  The IONIQ 5 also has Hyundai Pay, a new in-vehicle payment system that launched with the 2024 Kona.  There is also a WiFi hotspot but the surprise for me is no USB-C ports, just USBs.

Safety

Safety is, in a word, outstanding. The lineup comes with Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assist technology with things like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist,  Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist,  Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Curve Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert. Seatbelt reminder is new and standard for the lineup for 2023.

The lineup also comes with Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The Limited trim's version incorporates both Standard + Machine Learning.

The Limited is also equipped with Blind Spot View Monitor as well as Parking Distance Warning - Forward and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection, Junction Turning/Crossing, Lane-Change Oncoming/Side, and Evasive Steering Assist.

The IONIQ 5 Limited also comes with Highway Driving Assist 2, Hyundai's latest very impressive semi-autonomous driving system.

Other cool tech: a Augmented Reality Head-Up display and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) which allows you to park the vehicle using the key fob.

Ride and Drive

The IONIQ 5 AWD is very enjoyable vehicle to drive with quick off-the-line acceleration and great handling thanks to the power, torque and optional all-wheel drive.  The ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. Sport mode is the most engaging. Braking is excellent.  Visibility is terrific, too. 

What You'll Pay

The only option on my test vehicle are the $210 carpeted floor mats. MSRP on my test vehicle is $58,005. The IONIQ 5 does not currently qualify for a full or partial federal government clean vehicle tax credit. 

Verdict

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is worthy of all the awards it's received.  It's an innovative and fun all-electric crossover with distinctive looks,  a user-friendly cabin and fantastic technology.