Update: ‘Release Date & Price’ updated.
The Ioniq 5 debuted as Hyundai’s first bespoke EV in February 2021 and has earned the South Korean brand recognition worldwide for its futuristic design, innovative technologies, and impressive efficiency and range. Fast forward to 2024, and we’ll see a new Hyundai Ioniq 5 with updated styling, and possibly better specifications to replace an already successful model. Here’s what we expect from the new Hyundai electric car.
Design
In August 2023, an extensively camouflaged Hyundai Ioniq 5 was spotted in Germany. The EV’s license plate confirmed it was registered in the Groß-Gerau district, where the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) is located in Rüsselsheim city. Given the type of camouflage and the location of registration, it was widely reported that this particular Ioniq 5 was an early prototype of the facelifted version.
New bumper
In September 2023, S.Korean blogger Soonjung8116, posted images on Naver of the camouflaged Ioniq 5 testing in S.Korea. The images appear to show a new vertical cut on the side of the front bumper where fog lamps are otherwise placed.
Recent spy shots from Europe also seem to confirm that the front sensors would be placed on a black strip in the bumper as opposed to the current silver, and a wider A-shaped detailing on the rear bumper.
Rear windshield wiper
The addition of a rear windscreen wiper has also been verified in recent spottings in S.Korea (via Autospy), while the new alloy wheel design has spats that could offer aero benefit.
Roof rails
The 2024 Ioniq 5 doesn’t have roof rails, which is one of the most common features of crossovers and SUVs. The new Ioniq 5 will likely feature roof rails, helping it to look a little more like a crossover than a hatchback. On November 20, 2023, a spy video of a test mule (via YouTube/우파푸른하늘Woopa TV) of the updated EV showed it fitted with satin-finish flush roof rails. This car seemed to integrate marker lights as well, which could mean it was a U.S.-spec model.
New digital side mirror & alloy wheel design
The latest round of spy media from S.Korea appear to show new foldable digital side mirrors (not U.S.-bound) on the Ioniq 5 facelift prototypes. These also integrate LED pixels for the side indicators. Additionally, the video from YouTube channel Ggoma Studio reveals a new alloy wheel design with triangular spokes and spats.
The spy video from YouTube channel 우파푸른하늘Woopa TV showed the facelifted Ioniq 5 featuring a second new type of alloy wheels. Although new for the Ioniq 5, these wheels looked the same as the 18-inch wheels of the Ioniq 6.
Interior
Recent test mules have revealed a major interior change as well. Hyundai has used a new center console (titled for vertical orientation) that has two cupholders on the passenger side and a smartphone storage tray, which looks to have a built-in wireless charger, on the driver side. Interestingly, there’s a row of new switches at the back of the new center console which we think are for the ventilated/heated seats and steering wheel.
The updated infotainment system should allow customers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, which is not an option in the current Ioniq 5. In September 2021, Hyundai confirmed that the Ioniq 5 will receive this feature through an infotainment software update.
Overall, we expect revised bumpers, new aero alloy wheels (via Instagram/shorts_car), updated instrument cluster and infotainment system, a practical center console with physical buttons for the HVAC, and new sustainable materials in the Ioniq 5 facelift.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Line
Going by new spy shots from S.Korea, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Line configuration also appears to be in development, one that offers added style and a sportier experience, but isn’t extreme like the N variant. YouTube channel 뻥태기 has spotted a test mule that could be this variant based on the facelifted model.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Line sports a new grille and 20-inch N-branded sporty wheels wrapped in Michelin-sourced 255/45 R20 tires. Its lower front fascia looks sportier than the currently sold regular Ioniq 5 but is a little different from and less aggressive than the Ioniq 5 N. The mirrors are in black, matching the window surround, while the brakes appear to be the same as those of the normal Ioniq 5.
As for the interior, we’re able to see the updated center console (discussed in the previous section) and unique checkered flag graphics on the door armrest, and suede leather-like sections on the backrest. The N-Line model could slot between the SEL and Limited configurations.
Specifications
Fourth-gen battery
Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 in the U.S. with SK Innovation-built 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery packs, which deliver an EPA-est. range of 220 miles and up to 303 miles, respectively. The company may replace the 77.4 kWh unit with the N variant’s 84 kWh when it introduces the facelift in 2024. The new battery could help increase the EPA-est. driving range to over 325 miles.
At the Ioniq 5 N Tech Day held in Seoul on September 14, 2023, Hyundai N officials offered a presentation on the improvements in battery technology. Where the current battery pack in the Ioniq 5 (third-generation) offers an energy density of around 618 wH/L, the Ioniq 5 N comes with the fourth-generation battery which has an energy density of 670 wH/L. The 8.4 percent improvement in energy density is achieved through the application of new materials and the optimization of the battery cell design, and process optimization.
While most countries received the Ioniq 5 with a 72.6 kWh battery pack as an option to the 58 kWh battery pack at launch, the U.S. got a 77.4 kWh unit as the extended-range option from day one. It’s hard to see why Hyundai wouldn’t want to introduce the 84 kWh battery pack in the new Ioniq 5 and promote it as a more practical EV.
There’s no word on the changes in the motors, but we’re certain that Hyundai will try to package all the necessary hardware and software fixes in the updated model to ensure it doesn’t suffer issues like power loss like the outgoing model. The latter is available with 168 hp/258 lb.-ft. single-motor, 225 hp/258 lb.-ft. single-motor, and dual-motor 320 hp/446 lb.-ft. powertrain options in the U.S. All three powertrains provide the EV with a top speed of 115 mph.
Release Date & Price
The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 could start arriving at U.S. dealerships as a 2025 model in Q4 2024 (October-December 2024), about three years after the current model went on sale in the country. We expect prices to start close to USD 43,000.
Hyundai achieved a record-breaking overall sales performance in 2023 in the U.S. market. 33,918 units of the Ioniq 5 were delivered, which represents a 48% year-over-year increase. With the upcoming introduction of the Ioniq 7 and the facelift Ioniq 5, the company will aim to continue this upward trajectory in the Ioniq series sales.
TopElectricSUV says
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be a more stylish, innovative, efficient, and practical EV than today’s crossover. The facelifted version would also be an opportunity to fix issues and address feedback from early adopters. If priced attractively, it’d make for an appealing budget alternative to the new Tesla Model Y.
New Hyundai Ioniq 5 FAQs
What is the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 release date?
The new Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be launched in the U.S. in the second half of this year for the MY2025.
What will be the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 price?
The new Ioniq 5 could be priced close to USD 43,000 in the base configuration.
Which EVs will be new Hyundai Ioniq 5 rivals?
The Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Kia EV6 will be the closest competitors.
Featured Image Source: Naver/Soonjung8116
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
