Hyundai Ioniq 5 unveiled in the U.S.; spotted in all colors [Update]

Update: ‘Price & Release Date’ section updated.

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) opened pre-orders of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the U.S. with a refundable deposit of USD 100 in 2021. While early reservation holders got a chance to place confirmed orders, Hyundai has paused new reservations. However, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the symbol of a new era for Hyundai Motor Group, as it is the company’s first electric car developed from the ground up. This story is a deep dive into the next-gen Hyundai electric model.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 design

Video Source: youtube.com/HyundaiUSA

The Hyundai Ioniq 5’s funky yet hi-tech design is a sign that the future is here. The neo-retro EV takes cues from the Hyundai Pony classic car and is designed around the new “timeless” design philosophy. Clamshell hood, Parametric Pixel lights, the diamond-shaped greenhouse, clean and sharp lines, and super-sized wheels are some of the exterior design highlights.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is available in the U.S. in six colors. The car made its public North American debut at the 2021 LA Auto Show last November. Image Source: Hyundai

The low-profile, minimalist, and futuristic design continues inside. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 interior incorporates the ‘Living Space’ theme. The dashboard and center console occupy visibly less space than similar ICE-powered traditional crossovers. Many elements are made from eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, recycled PET bottles, bio paint with plant extracts, and eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts. The large windows and panoramic sunroof, along with the available light-tone upholstery, ensure that the driver and passengers get a lot of natural light and feel fresh.

The U.S.-spec version has a marker inside the headlamps, an immediate differentiator from the global model. Another difference is the tail lamps blinking completely as turn indicators. The Euro-spec Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a separate turn indicator in the cluster.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 features

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 features pixel-inspired futuristic LED headlights and rear lights, 20-inch alloy wheels – the largest wheels ever fitted to a Hyundai EV, and auto-flush door handles.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 features ‘Universal Island’, a moveable floor console that can be slide back as much as 140 mm (5.5 inches). Image Source: Hyundai

Inside, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has features like a dual-cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), and a Universal Island moveable console (140-mm/5.5-inch rear-sliding floor console). The infotainment system of the Ioniq 5 integrates a new design theme not seen on any Hyundai model so far.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the brand’s first EV to offer a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that allows charging other EVs and using high-power electric equipment using the energy stored in the battery pack. Globally, up to 3.6 kW of power can be supplied using this function, enough to power home appliances and electronic devices during camping or power-cuts, or charge another EV stuck at a remote place with an empty battery pack. In the U.S. market, however, the V2L function can supply up to 1.9 kW of power.

In the U.S. market, the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s V2L function can supply up to 1.9 kW of power. Image Source: Hyundai

Like Tesla EVs, it is possible to plug and charge the Hyundai Ioniq 5. When the charger is connected, the authentication and payment take place automatically, and the charging starts.

Trims

There are four Hyundai Ioniq 5 trims in the U.S., namely SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, and Limited. Below are the key features:

Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE Standard RangeHyundai Ioniq 5 SEHyundai Ioniq 5 SELHyundai Ioniq 5 Limited19-inch Aero alloy wheels19-inch Aero alloy wheelsFull-LED headlights20-inch alloy wheels (AWD configurations)12.3-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch digital instrument clusterHyundai Digital Key“Vision” panoramic sunroof12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemHands-free smart liftgate with auto openPremium Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)Bluelink Connected Car SystemBluelink Connected Car SystemHighway Driving Assist (HDA-2) Level 2Surround View Monitor (SVM)Heated front seatsHeated front seatsAmbient interior lightingBlind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)Ultra-fast chargingUltra-fast chargingLeatherette seating surfacesTwo-way onboard charger

Hyundai Ioniq 5 trims & features for the U.S. market.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 colors

Last year, Naver blog user soonjung8116 posted photographs of multiple Hyundai Ioniq 5 prototypes undergoing testing in South Korea. The vehicles bear no camouflage and show the different Hyundai Ioniq 5 colors in daylight. The images in the gallery below show the electric crossover in Phantom Black Pearl, Atlas White, Shooting-Star Gray Matte, Galactic Gray Metallic, and Digital Teal-Green Pearl colors.

ExteriorInteriorShooting-Star Gray MatteObsidian Black MonotoneDigital Teal-Green PearlDark Pebble Gray/Dove GrayLucid Blue PearlDark Teal/Dove GrayAtlas WhiteCyber Gray MetallicPhantom Black Pearl

Ioniq 5 colors for the American market

Phantom Black Pearl

Atlas White

Shooting-Star Gray Matte

Galactic Gray Metallic

Digital Teal-Green Pearl

Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 in nine colors in the global market and six colors in the United States. Images: blog.naver.com/soonjung8116

Hyundai Ioniq 5 specifications

Dimensions

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 measures 182.5 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 63.0 inches in height. It has an exceptionally long wheelbase of 118.1 inches – 3.9 inches longer than the Palisade. The originally announced towing capacity of the Ioniq 5 was 2,000 pounds, but at launch, it changed to 1,650 lbs.

27.2 cu. ft. of cargo space is available behind rear seats, and on folding the second-row seats, 59.3 cu. ft. of cargo space becomes available. There’s a front space or ‘frunk’ as well, and the U.S.-spec version offers 0.85 cu. ft. of storage space regardless of the drivetrain layout. In contrast, in the global version, the same measurement is 57 liters (2.0 cu. ft.) for the 2WD configurations and 24 liters (0.8 cu. ft.) for the AWD configurations.

Range & Performance

Hyundai offers the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 in three variants: Standard Range RWD, Long Range RWD, and Long Range AWD. The base variant has a 58 kWh battery pack and a rear motor generating 125 kW (168 hp) and 258 lb.-ft. (to be confirmed). It provides an EPA-est. range of 220 miles.

The Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD variants share a 77.4 kWh battery pack. The Long Range RWD variant has a more powerful motor that produces 168 kW (225 hp) and 258 lb.-ft. It can go up to 303 miles (EPA-est.) on a full charge. The Long Range AWD variant has two motors, one spinning the front wheels and the other the rear, together delivering 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft. Its EPA-est. range is 256 miles.

AspectStandard Range RWDLong Range RWDLong Range AWDBattery Capacity58 kWh77.4 kWh77.4 kWhDrivetrain LayoutRWDRWDAWDMotor(s)One: RearOne: RearFront & rearPower168 horsepower225 horsepower320 horsepowerTorque258 Lb.-Ft.258 Lb.-Ft.446 Lb.-Ft.Top Speed115 mph115 mph115 mphTowing CapacityNot Recommended1,650 lbs1,650 lbsRange (EPA est.)220 miles303 miles256 milesEnergy Consumption (EPA est.)31 kWh/100 miles30 kWh/100 miles34 kWh/100 milesCharging Time (240V)6.3 hours8.5 hours8.5 hours10-80% Rapid Charging (800V)To Be Announced≥ 18 minutes≥ 18 minutes

Hyundai Ioniq 5 specifications in the United States, with inputs from EPA data.

SK Innovation is the supplier of batteries of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The company says that the Ioniq 5 uses the NCM8-type Lithium-ion batteries, which have approximately 80% Nickel content. 80% is the highest level of Nickel content in the Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide batteries the auto industry is using presently for mass-production. In addition, SK Innovation has developed NCM9-type Lithium-ion batteries and plans to supply them to Ford for the F-150 Lightning from this year.

SK Innovation is the supplier of the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s batteries. Image Source: SK Innovation

Charging

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform that supports both 400-volt and 800-volt charging infrastructures. No additional components are required to use either of the charging infrastructures. The higher-voltage charging capability is standard, and with a 350 kW charger, it takes just 18 minutes to charge the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 10% to 80%. Drivers can achieve a 68 miles range with only five minutes of charging.

The peak power of the onboard charger of the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 is 10.9 kW. According to the EPA data, charging the battery pack using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger takes 6.3 hours in the Standard Range variant and 8.5 hours in the Long Range variants.

The spec sheet Hyundai has revealed for the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 mentions the charging times for only Long Range variants with the 77.4 kWh battery pack. Charging from 10 to 100% SoC using a Level-2 (240V) AC charger takes 6 hours 43 minutes. Charging from 10 to 80% SoC using a 150 kW (400V) DC charger takes 25 minutes (estimated), but switching to a >250 kW (800V) DC charger can reduce that time to 18 minutes.

Fast-charging or rapid-charging rates don’t usually last for long. The charging power often tapers quickly after reaching its peak, mostly to prevent the battery pack from overheating. That isn’t the case in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, though. Ryan Miller, Manager – Electrified Powertrain Development, Hyundai America Technical Center, INC., has told Automotive News that the E-GMP platform has a newly developed cooling system called “in-cell cooling.” The edge of the cells has direct contact with a cooling plate, which uses liquid cooling.

Charging the Hyundai Ioniq 5 from 10-80% SoC using a 350 kW DC fast-charger takes just 18 minutes. Image Source: Hyundai

High-power charging in the Ioniq 5 generates almost twice as much heat as in the Kona Electric. Yet, thanks to better thermal management, it can charge at more than two times the rate. It’s possible to consistently charge the Ioniq 5’s battery pack at more than 200 kW from 10% SoC until about 55% SoC. Moreover, the drop in the charging power afterward happens gradually.

For the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s charging network in the U.S., Hyundai has partnered with Electrify America. Customers can enjoy free 30-minute charging sessions from the date of purchase at Electrify America charging stations for two years. Electrify America’s charging stations allow charging at speeds of up to 150 kW and 350 kW. Its charging network was scheduled to expand to 800 charging stations with approximately 3,500 chargers open or under development by the end of 2021.

‘Hyundai Home’ for the Ioniq 5

With Hyundai Home, American customers will be able to charge their Ioniq 5 using eco-friendly energy even at home. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

EVs don’t benefit the environment if their energy doesn’t come from clean resources. So, Hyundai will help its U.S. customers to set up a clean energy solution right at their homes. Called ‘Hyundai Home,’ this solution enables customers to charge their EVs using solar energy.

Hyundai says it will use top-rated home chargers, solar panels, and energy storage systems for its new home-charging solution. Dedicated concierge representatives will help the customers create their Hyundai Home as per their individual energy needs. The company says that this solution, which it plans to introduce in select markets this year, will work with any EV or PHEV.

Production

In May 2021, the South Korean automaker announced its electrification plans for the U.S. market. The company said that it plans to start manufacturing Kia and Hyundai electric cars in America. It will invest a whopping USD 7.4 billion in the United States by 2025 to manufacture future EVs, improve production facilities, and further its investments in smart mobility solutions. Currently, the Ioniq 5 arrives from Ulsan, South Korea, where production began in March 2021.

Price & Release Date

Prices of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the U.S. start at USD 39,700 MSRP. With the USD 7,500 tax credit, the base price reduces to USD 33,200 MSRP. Destination charge is USD 1,225 extra. The Hyundai USA website currently states “extremely limited availability” on the top of the Ioniq 5 page.

Ioniq 5 TrimPowerDrivetrainRangeMSRP*SE Standard Range168 hpRWD220 milesUSD 39,700SE225 hpRWD303 milesUSD 43,650SE320 hpAWD256 milesUSD 47,150SEL225 hpRWD256 milesUSD 45,900SEL320 hpAWD303 milesUSD 49,400Limited225 hpRWD256 milesUSD 50,600Limited320 hpAWD303 milesUSD 54,500

*Excludes USD 1,225 destination charge and subsidies

In Canada, the Ioniq 5’s prices start at CAD 44,999 (USD 35,837) and go up to CAD 54,999 (USD 43,800).

The Ioniq 5 is on sale in the U.S., but only for reservation holders, and the company is yet to reopen orders. Deliveries of reserved units began on December 15, 2021, with Yaron Alfi buying an Atlas White unit in Cerritos, California. In total, HMG delivered 153 units of the Ioniq 5 in the U.S. in 2021.

Video Source: YouTube/HyundaiUSA

In the first quarter of 2022 (January-March 2022), HMG shipped 6,244 units of the Ioniq 5 in the country. January was a good month, with 989 units delivered. In February, the monthly sales continued growing significantly, creating a new record of 2,555 units. March brought another monthly record – 2,700 units.

Towards the end of January 2022, HMG announced the launch of a new Ioniq 5 marketing campaign with two commercials featuring Jason Bateman: History of Evolution and Campsite. The History of Evolution ad, as its title suggests, shows how the Ioniq 5 brings advancement in the EV segment the same way human language, navigation, phones, and televisions have progressed. Campsite, as one would easily guess after reading the charging part of this article’s specifications section, puts a spotlight on the Ioniq 5’s V2L function.

Video Source: YouTube/HyundaiUSA

Ioniq 5 subscription in the U.S.

A subscription ownership model has been planned for the U.S. targeting aspiring EV prospects who demand more convenient ownership, cannot afford an outright purchase and aren’t risk-takers. At the U.S. debut of the Ioniq 5, Hyundai confirmed that it is considering a subscription model for the future:

We are also looking at alternative ownership models to attract and engage first-time EV customers. Our research tells us many people are interested in trying EVs but want to do so in a convenient, low-risk way. We call them EV mobility pioneers. They are young city dwellers who are already comfortable using subscriptions to buy goods and services. We will offer a simple automobile subscription service for those Ioniq intenders that would feature a single all-inclusive monthly payment covering the vehicle insurance and maintenance.

Jose Munoz, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor North America (Hyundai Ioniq 5 U.S. debut)

The future subscription service will provide customers with a convenient and low-risk way of owning a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Customers will need to make only one monthly payment that includes all the costs and covers the vehicle, insurance, and maintenance. A report from Automotive News says that the subscription period will range from one month to three months. The try-and-buy concept should be particularly effective in drawing the interest of the fence-sitters in switching from an ICE vehicle to an EV.

With the tenure options restricted to just a few months, the subscription plans aren’t aimed at creating a permanent alternative ownership model for the Ioniq 5. The intention here is to generate customer interest by offering a trial period.

Motional Ioniq 5 robotaxis

In the U.S., people not owning or subscribing to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 will have a way to experience the car, via Lyft. In late 2020, Motional and Lyft partnered to deploy the world’s largest robotaxi network. In March 2021, Motional announced plans to use the Hyundai Ioniq 5 for its robotaxis. Lyft riders will be able to book and experience the fully autonomous taxi from 2023.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxis integrates Motional’s driverless system and has Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. Motional’s driverless system works using LiDAR, radar, and cameras, which provide it with a complete sense of the vehicle’s surrounding environment. It can see up to 300 meters away and react to dynamic driving environments.

The Ioniq 5 robotaxi has visual differences from the regular Ioniq 5 for private customers. A change immediately noticeable on the autonomous taxi is a blue cylindrical module on its roof. That’s a LiDAR, and cameras and radars supporting it are also present on the roof. There are about 30 sensors on the bumpers, fenders, and other places.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 autonomous driving vehicle. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

In case of an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding, Motional will provide the Ioniq 5 robotaxis Remote Vehicle Assistance (RVA). A support provider from Motional would connect to the vehicle and direct it to a new path.

Testing of the robotaxis is underway. In fact, when Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung visited the U.S. in June 2021, he took a test ride in one of Motional’s modified Ioniq 5, a Korea JoongAng Daily report said. Motional is a joint venture between the South Korean conglomerate and technology solutions company Aptiv. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi debuted at the 2021 Munich Motor Show (IAA 2021) that took place between September 6 and 12, 2021.

Digital mirrors & solar roof not offered in the United States

Following the refreshed Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5 in 2021, HMG will launch the Hyundai Ioniq 6 this year. Image: Hyundai

In South Korea, Hyundai offers camera-based virtual mirrors, which improve aerodynamics, provide a clear view of the rear, and reduce blind spots. The Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai model to feature digital side mirrors, the feed of which is displayed on dedicated screens located on the inside portion of the front doors. This feature is not available in the U.S., though, and depending on government regulations, the company would unlock the feature in the overseas markets.

Another major feature the U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 misses is the solar roof. The electricity produced from the sunlight the rooftop solar panels absorb recharges both the 12V starter battery pack and the high-voltage (traction) battery pack to increase the driving change in the global version.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Safety

Safety features

The U.S.-spec Ioniq 5 gets a wide range of active safety features as standard. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCTA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Highway Driving Assist I (HDA I), and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) are some of these main features.

Surround View Monitor, Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), front parking sensors, Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II), and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning/Crossing are the optional active safety features.

Safety tests

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 will undergo NHTSA‘s most stringent, 5-star safety rating test, the agency said in a press release in October 2021. A detailed test report will become available online on NHTSA‘s website following the test.

KNCAP has awarded the Ioniq 5, a 5-star safety rating. The Korean safety agency evaluated one of the 72.6 kWh configurations based on 19 different parameters. Out of the maximum 100 points, the EV scored 92.1 points.

Video Source: YouTube/koreancap

The Ioniq 5 achieved a 98.8% score (with 59.29 points out of maximum 60 points) in crash safety and a 95.9% score (with 19.17 points out of maximum 20 points) in accident prevention safety. However, its pedestrian safety is not as good, as it scored significantly lower in that area – 68.2% (13.64 points out of maximum 20 points). That’s an aspect Hyundai needs to work on during the facelift and subsequent model years.

Ioniq 5 EuroNCAP safety rating

The Ioniq 5 has achieved a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP as well. It scored 88% in adult occupant protection, 86% in child occupant protection, and 88% in safety assist.

In the frontal offset test, dummy numbers showed good protection of the knees and the driver and passenger’s femurs. All main body areas of the driver received good protection in the full-width rigid barrier test, and for the rear passenger, the protection was at least adequate. The Ioniq 5 offered good or adequate protection for all body regions to child dummies in the frontal offset test. In the side barrier test, it offered good protection to child dummies for all critical body areas. The AEB system showed adequate response to pedestrians and good response to cyclists, and it helped avoid or mitigate collisions in most test scenarios.

Like in KNCAP’s tests, the Ioniq 5 didn’t fare as well in pedestrian protection as in the other areas – 63%. Euro NCAP says that it recorded poor results at the base of the windscreen and on the stiff windscreen pillars. Moreover, the EV scored zero when it came to protecting the pelvis.

Electrification Quality Division

The Hyundai Kona EV has put customers in danger because of quality issues. Fires caused by faulty batteries and the massive related recall in 2020 affected Hyundai’s reputation, particularly in South Korea. To avoid new fiascos, HMG has reportedly set up a new Electrification Quality Division, which will work on strengthening quality control. Jinan Choi, previously in charge of the Powertrain Quality Division, is the Executive Vice President of the new division, the Korean media reports.

Hyundai & Genesis warn dealers against markups

A stir caused by Hyundai and Genesis dealers has led the brands to call out high price markups. Hyundai and Genesis’s dealers reportedly are selling cars ‘way above’ their sticker price, as Auto News reported on February 23, 2022. The report states that customers see one price online, and when they begin negotiating with the dealers, they are substantially high. This could hurt future sales, as the brands’ ability to retain loyal customers and attract new ones gets hampered.

When the chip shortage resolves by 2023, car prices should drop, as supply would normalize. Customers who purchased cars amidst the shortage might feel they were charged a premium and switch to other brands. Other OEMs like Ford and GM dealt with the problem more directly, warning dealers that they will stop sending stocks to those who continue with the malpractice. The Korean brands stated that dealers should envision the future instead of resorting to short-term money-making practices.

New offerings like the Ioniq 5 are shaping the brand’s image globally and establishing Hyundai as a company that delivers reliable and future-proof EVs. It’s a period that’s laying a solid foundation for the future, and problems like these can easily influence buyers’ decisions, especially when competition among EVs is growing sharply.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 FAQs

What is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 U.S. release date?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now on sale in the U.S. market with extremely limited availability.

What is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 price?

The base Ioniq 5 starts at USD 39,700 in the United States.

Which are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 alternatives/competitors?

VW ID.4, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ4X, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Subaru Solterra & Nissan Ariya are its competitors.

Featured Image Source: Hyundai Newsroom

Keyword: Hyundai Ioniq 5 unveiled in the U.S.; spotted in all colors [Update]