Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a compact electric crossover (≈4.65 m, 3.0 m wheelbase, 5 seats) built since March 2021 in Ulsan, South Korea, on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP platform with an 800 V architecture. That voltage is its headline feature: peak DC charging of ≈175–235 kW and roughly 18 minutes for 10–80 %, faster than the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Its twin is the Kia EV6 (same platform, similar drivetrain, sportier body). This article is written for a used-car buyer in Germany; numbers are an October 2026 snapshot. For a side-by-side see Tesla Model 3 vs Polestar 2.

Variants and model years

VariantYearsDriveBattery (gross)WLTPPower0–100 km/h
Standard Range2021–2024RWD (AWD in MY21–22)58 kWh (≈54 usable), SK On NMC≈384 km125 kW (170 PS); AWD ≈173 kW8.5 s
Long Range2021–2024RWD / AWD72.6 kWh≈451–481 km (RWD)RWD ≈160 kW; AWD 225 kW (306 PS)AWD 5.2 s
Long Range (larger pack)2022–2024RWD / AWD77.4 kWhAWD ≈412–418 kmRWD 168 kW; AWD 239 kW (325 PS)AWD 5.1 s
Facelift (from Mar 2024)2024 →RWD / AWD84 kWh (≈80 usable)RWD ≈453–485 kmRWD 168 kW (228 PS); AWD 239 kW7.3 s / 5.1 s
Ioniq 5 N2023 →AWD84 kWh≈350 km478 kW (650 PS)3.4 s
  • 2024 facelift: 84 kWh battery (replacing 72.6/77.4), updated infotainment, rear wiper (the original had none), N Line trim, small aero tweaks. Price-wise this is where used cars jump: pre-facelift from ≈ €20,000, post-facelift from ≈ €30,000+.
  • Sources disagree by a few kWh/km for individual variants; trust the data of the specific car.
  • Usable vs gross capacity matters when comparing against the Model 3 (usable 52–75 kWh) and Polestar 2 (usable 60–79 kWh).

Platform, efficiency and range

  • E-GMP: flat floor, 3.0 m wheelbase (more rear legroom than the Model 3 despite a similar footprint), rear-biased RWD layout, standard heat pump on most variants.
  • Efficiency: WLTP ≈ 167 Wh/km (58 kWh) and ≈ 180 Wh/km for bigger packs — worse than the Model 3 (≈140–145) but close to the Polestar 2 (≈171–194). Real-world: 18–22 kWh/100 km, higher in winter, i.e. a realistic 300–400 km depending on pack.
  • Cost per 100 km: → at 20 kWh/100 km ≈ €6 at 30 ct/kWh at home, ≈ €12 at 60 ct/kWh on the road.
  • Weight: ≈ 1.8–2.2 t.

Charging

  • DC: CCS2, up to ≈ 175 kW (58 kWh) and ≈ 233 kW (77.4 kWh); ≈ 257 kW for the 84 kWh facelift. 10–80 % in about 18 minutes under good conditions; about 100 km of WLTP range in 5 minutes. The flat, high charging curve is the best argument for this car on motorway trips.
  • Cold-weather caveat: early cars (2021–22) lack proper battery preconditioning, so winter charging is slow until the pack warms up; check whether the car has the update/feature.
  • AC: 11 kW Type 2.
  • V2L: up to 3.6 kW (interior outlet under the rear seat and an external adapter) — the car can power tools, a camping setup or even another EV.

Known issues and recalls

  • ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) — the most serious problem. The ICCU manages HV charging and feeds the 12 V battery; when it fails the 12 V battery stops charging and the car can lose drive power or become undrivable (“Limited Power” warning, error P1A9096, dead 12 V, no start). Hyundai ran a large recall for cars built 26 Jan 2021 – 28 Feb 2023, with a software update and replacement where needed. Some dealers report failures after the recall; replacement units were improved (the revised “FFF-ICCU”). Ask for proof that the recall was carried out.
  • Other recalls: parking brake (2021–22 cars risk rolling away), loss of brake pressure due to software (cars built Mar 2023 – Dec 2024), wrong weight data on door plates (MY22).
  • 12 V battery: weak; a flat 12 V can completely disable the car.
  • Build details: squeaking brakes, simple door panels, some interior creaking, isolated charge-port/latch failures.
  • Insurance: comprehensive cover is reported as very expensive.
  • TÜV Report 2026: 4.9 % defect rate at ≈ 46,000 km average mileage — the Ioniq 5 is among the best EVs, with only low-beam headlights and steering joints (tie-rod ends) noted as weak points. This compares to 13.1 % (Model 3) and 6.9 % (Polestar 2) in the 2–3-year class (different mileage bases — treat as indicative).

Warranty

Hyundai Europe gives a long vehicle warranty (5 years, unlimited km, in the standard European terms — verify for your car) and an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty on the HV battery and components (≥ 70 % capacity retention is the usual condition). Missing service stamps can weaken claims, so a full service history matters.

Safety

Euro NCAP (2021): 5 stars — adults 88 %, children 86 %, vulnerable road users 63 %, safety assist 88 %. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2022 and 2026 models). Note the Ioniq 5’s pedestrian score is clearly below the Model 3’s 74 %.

Practicality

  • Boot 527–531 L (≈1,590 L folded) plus a small frunk (up to ≈57 L on RWD) — comparable to the Model 3’s 561 L + 88 L, but a taller, hatchback shape.
  • Universal Island: 140 mm sliding front centre console; flat floor and generous rear space; optional glass roof; recycled-material interior.
  • Drivers’ ergonomics are conventional (physical climate controls plus a screen), unlike the Tesla.

Used prices in Germany (snapshot)

OfferPrice
Ioniq 5 from 2022 (158 cars)typical ≈ €30,000
Ioniq 5 from 2023 (287 cars)typical ≈ €30,800
Older / higher-mileage carsfrom ≈ €20,000
2026 cars (139 offers)median ≈ €40,000; range ≈ €31,800–48,800
Newest/most equippedup to ≈ €48,000–72,000

2022–2023 cars have barely differed in price because the 77.4 kWh pack and mileage dominate the price.

Buyer’s checklist (used, Germany)

  1. ICCU: proof of the recall and software version; ideally a car with the revised ICCU. Know where the 12 V is and its age.
  2. Variant: the 58 kWh is for city/commuting only; the 72.6/77.4 kWh packs are the sensible choice; prefer the 2024+ facelift (84 kWh, rear wiper) if the budget allows.
  3. Battery: documented state of health from a diagnostic report; remaining 8-year / 160,000 km warranty.
  4. Recalls: parking brake, brake-pressure software.
  5. Charging: test a real DC charge (including preconditioning) and the AC port/latch.
  6. TÜV points: headlights, tie-rod ends, brake squeaks and discs.
  7. Heat pump: confirm the car has it.
  8. Service history with no gaps; check insurance quotes before buying.

Sources

See also