When this author first drove the Hyundai Ioniq 5, we were still reeling from a pandemic. Travel was limited. Our job here at EV Pulse looked very different from it does today.
But one key take-away from my first drive in San Diego was just how good the Ioniq 5 is. It was the first car that I’ve driven on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, and it gave me a distinct impression that this platform would be the one to beat.
But after having driven the EV6 and the Genesis GV60, would coming back to the Ioniq 5 change my opinion? You see, the EV6 is the sportier of the two mainstream cars, with the Genesis being sportier yet. Do I still want an electric car that does better on the highway than the twisties?
Hyundai recently had me out to a local event along the Lake Erie coastline, and I spent a little more time in the Ioniq 5. This part of the state is known for tourism and some retirement wealth, there’s still a bunch of local folks making their livings fishing, running pickup trucks from the late 1990s.
To be honest, in these parts the Ioniq 5 still looks like a space ship. It truly looks like it belongs in the future — or perhaps the retro-future — more here than other places I’ve been.
But if you like it how it looks, it’s still a fantastic car. We’ll have a full review from our Senior Editor Craig Cole in the near future, but it’s safe to stay this car still doesn’t disappoint.
There’s plenty of interior space, though we wish there was a proper frunk, and the car is plenty quick in dual motor trim. The dual motor setup is more likely purchased because it’s all wheel drive, but the extra oomph from the all-wheel drive setup is fun.
It’s also still quiet and comfortable on the freeway. You can put a lot of miles on this car without much effort, and when you do stop to charge, you can recharge very quickly. Hyundai claims 18 minutes from 10% to 80% state of charge, and if you watch the video below you’ll see the company’s claim is spot on.
It’s a great car, and it’s one I’d love to spend even more time in. And if you do get one and live along the Lake Erie coast, you’ll get to experience a unique problem. The Canadian Geese already ignore cars for the most part, but when the cars don’t sound like cars they don’t care at all. So try not to hit them.
