First Look Review: The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is retro-style with everyday usability

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the most high-tech electric cars from a mainstream brand currently on the market. The first Hyundai designed from the outset to be an EV marks the beginning of the South Korean automaker’s fast-paced transition to zero-emission models in the United States. Last week, I sat in a Digital Teal 2024 Ioniq 5 and checked out its design and features in detail. Here’s what I think about the latest version of Hyundai’s futuristic EV:

Design

While the design is a carryover from last year’s model, the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintains its futuristic look with retro elements inspired by the Hyundai Pony from the 1970s. Hyundai may be calling it a crossover, but after seeing its exterior in person, I can tell you that it looks more like a large and sporty hatchback with squared edges. It’s a bit quirky, but there’s plenty to like all around.

The exciting aspect of the 2024 Ioniq 5’s exterior, in my opinion, is its pixel-inspired lighting system. I think the sharp, dual-element headlamps give the EV an intense and assertive first impression without disturbing the car’s elegance. I like Hyundai’s subtle touch here, and I find these headlamps to be more visually appealing than split-type designs that are catching on in every segment.

The hood of the 2024 Ioniq 5 slopes gently, maintaining a higher profile that significantly enhances its crossover appeal. This design choice adds a dash of elegance to the EV’s exterior. Along the sides, the Z-shaped formation on the door panels and the sleek glasshouse pair well with the retro-modern design. At the rear, the pixel-inspired combination lamps lend the vehicle a distinctive, sci-fi look. Designers have done such a good job that I don’t see the need for ‘EV’ badges on the body!

One issue that I noted in this part of the exterior is that there’s no wiper. The exclusion of a rear wiper impairs visibility when it rains (the SE and SEL trims don’t have the option for a digital rearview mirror), but thankfully, we’ve spotted test prototypes of the facelifted Ioniq 5 (2024 global release, likely MY2025 Ioniq 5 for the U.S.) with this feature.

Interior

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a minimalist interior focused more on space and convenience than anything else. While I like the understated appearance, especially on the dashboard, the two-spoke steering wheel, which includes haptic feedback for added safety for MY2024, is a little odd for my liking.

The light color scheme and the glass roof make the cabin feel roomier than it already is. The clean and crisp graphics of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system lend the interior a more upscale vibe.

When I used the infotainment system of the 2024 Ioniq 5, I saw that its software was easy to use, and the display was easy to read. Hyundai has said that it will enable wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto in the Ioniq 5 with a future software update.

Another interesting feature I used in the 2024 Ioniq 5 was the movable center console, which I could slide forward or backward as needed. There’s free space below the center armrest, spacious enough to keep items like small bags and umbrellas. The sleek climate control panel looks fancy, but it’s entirely touch-operated, which I don’t find easy to use when driving.

Since it only has 6.1 inches of ground clearance, I felt it easy to step into the vehicle. I’m six feet tall, and I sat comfortably in the 2024 Ioniq 5 driver seat. There’s excellent headroom in the front of the cabin, and the forward visibility inspires confidence. I felt that under-thigh and lumbar support and the side bolstering were adequate.

In the back, the reclining function helped me settle into a more relaxed position. I had a lot of legroom and knee room, helped by the flat floor, and under-thigh support was fine, though I would have liked the floor to be a bit lower. My only complaint is the lack of USB-C ports on the back of the movable center console, which I hope is fixed in the MY2025.

Interestingly, on the MY2024 Ioniq 5, to get the H-Tex artificial leather seat covers, center rear seat armrest, and rear AC vent, you would have to upgrade to the top-spec ‘Limited’ variant. These features were available in the mid-level SEL in last year’s model.

Driving impressions

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has remained mechanically unchanged from the previous models. It comes in 168 hp RWD, 225 hp RWD, and 320 hp AWD variants, with a standard 115-mph top speed. It has a 58 kWh battery pack in the base variant and a 77.4 kWh battery pack in the other two variants. On a full charge, it can travel up to 220 miles in the base variant, 303 miles in the mid variant, and 260 miles in the top-end variant.

Since it is mechanically similar to the previous model years, we expect the vehicle to offer the same performance and handling. Hyundai put a lot of heart into engineering the Ioniq 5 for people who love driving. EVs usually impress in straight-line acceleration, but that’s not all the Ioniq 5 does. It’s well-behaved around corners and quite grippy, too. As much as it can be supple during dynamic driving, it can be a relaxing cruiser when the driver desires comfort.

One-pedal driving works so well in the car that the driver rarely ever requires the friction brakes. The cabin doesn’t let in much noise, and the suspension does a good job at absorbing imperfections on the road.

Price

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5’s prices range from USD 41,800 to USD 57,400 (excl. USD 1,375 freight charge). For a limited time, there’s also a Disney100 Platinum Edition on offer, based on the top-end configuration (Limited AWD) and priced at USD 59,400 (excl. USD 1,375 freight charge).

Sales of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition are limited to 1,000 units. Finished in Gravity Gold Matte paint, the special edition model flaunts exclusive 20-inch wheels, black brand badges at the front and back, and Disney100 Platinum Edition badges on the front fenders.

Inside, the limited-edition model has a unique terra brown and mud gray two-tone color scheme and a Disney-themed intro in the displays and music welcomes the occupants. The front seat headrests, the center console armrest cover, and the floor mats feature the Disney100 logo. Disney-inspired trim strips in the front and rear doors are also among the special interior features.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 comes across as smart and futuristic, both on the outside and inside. It boasts ample space for passengers and cargo, extending ample comfort in both rows. Its performance for everyday use is commendable, matched with surprisingly agile driving dynamics and a decent range. While I wish it was priced more affordably, it’s still a fantastic car and a strongly recommendable choice in the mid-size segment.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 FAQs