The Hyundai Ioniq 5 range has been revised and is headlined by the price-leading Dynamiq variant. Trent Nikolic gets behind the wheel of the entry-grade model and finds out more doesn’t necessarily mean more when it comes to electric vehicles.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Dynamiq
Updated at the end of 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was subtly improved from what was an already popular model. So much so that waiting lists existed almost immediately post-launch. It remains the case that Hyundai can’t get enough of them into Australia to satisfy demand. In one way, it’s a good problem to have, but in a business sense, it must irk Hyundai that it could be selling many more than it can secure.
Expressions of interest in a new car don’t always translate to sales, of course, but it’s still fair to say Hyundai could sell many more Ioniq 5s in Australia if it could secure more stock. That might be true of all electric vehicles at the moment, but the Ioniq 5 is certainly one of the frontrunners. Part of that popularity is the style, but there’s a lot to be said for Hyundai’s five-year warranty and brand equity earned over the last two decades.
Key to the changes implemented at the back end of 2022 are an improved battery pack, with a move to the 77.4kWh unit that powers even the entry-grade Dynamiq we’re testing here. That’s an 8kW battery capacity bump from the previous model in base trim, which isn’t much when you look at a number on a page, but in the EV world, every improvement is welcome.
Service intervals were also pushed out, which we’ll detail below. Crucially, Dynamiq is a rear-drive, single-motor EV, and offers something we’ve been requesting for some time. That is, the key to broader EV adoption.
Forget power and torque figures, dual motors, AWD or 0–100km/h times. The average new car buyer looks for a cost-effective way to do the driving they need to do, without the focus on performance. Think of the success of small hatchbacks or the new wave of small SUVs, for example. Front-engine, FWD, well-equipped, efficient and with a strong focus on value.
As such, we have a sneaking suspicion that the base Ioniq 5 might, in fact, position itself as the smart purchase in the three-model range. Let’s find out.
How much does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 cost in Australia?
The old two-model range has been replaced with three repositioned variants: bookended by the base, rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 5 Dynamiq and the all-wheel-drive (AWD), flagship Ioniq 5 Epiq.
The new rear-drive-only Dynamiq variant is now pitched as the entry-level model starting from $72,000 plus on-road costs. Standard kit across the range includes an augmented-reality head-up display – which projects navigation arrows onto the road ahead – and a second vehicle-to-load port, allowing the car’s battery to power external electrical devices. Like plenty of new technology, that concept might seem a bit naff now, but it’s something I think we’ll start to see being used more and more into the future.
Driving range has been increased for the updated Ioniq 5 as well, in the form of 19-inch rims and Michelin Primacy 4 tyres for the entry-level Dynamiq – replacing 20-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber – which increase the range claim from 481km to 507km on the WLTP cycle. Anecdotally, a range beyond 500km is something you keep telling us will allow more people to consider the move to an EV. With that in mind, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq is going to make sense to a lot of EV fans.
Powering the entry-level Dynamiq is a 77.4kWh battery pack and 168kW/350Nm electric motor on the rear axle, which results in a pretty punchy 7.3-second 0–100km/h time, and the aforementioned 507km driving range claim.
In short, the Dynamiq has more on-road performance than you’ll ever need, whether you’re running around town or on a longer road trip. And that feeds into the argument that a more simplified drivetrain arrangement could be just the ticket for a broad range of Aussie buyers.
The Ioniq 5 is capable of 800 volts and 350kW DC fast charging, good for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in a claimed 18 minutes in optimal conditions.
Key details2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 DynamiqPrice$72,000 plus on-road costsColour of test carLucid BlueOptionsNonePrice as tested$72,000 plus on-road costsRivalsKia EV6 | Tesla Model 3 | Tesla Model Y
How much space does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 have inside?
The storage smarts of the Ioniq 5 are immediately visible as soon as you get seated, whether you’re driving or a passenger. First up, the glovebox is an ingenious execution of design for something so simple that has been around for so long. The drawer inside the glovebox is a 9.4L storage receptacle, where you can hide something as big as a laptop, and then hide it out of sight when you want to keep your valuables safe.
Space up front is excellent, thanks in part to the flat floor, which opens up a useful storage area for something as large as a decent backpack or handbag. Useful bottle holders and pockets sit in the door linings, and there are cupholders with a wireless charging pad beneath them in the centre console. I prefer wireless charging, but the positioning of the wireless pad is neat. The centre armrest is adjustable, and it’s got a small storage shelf inside it as well.
No matter how tall you are as the driver, you’ll be able to get comfortable and visibility will be excellent. The Ioniq 5 is a comfortable vehicle to spend time in, regardless what sort of driving you’re doing. And, as we move to EVs as family vehicles, that sort of cabin comfort and flexibility is important. The rear doors get bottle holders, and the cupholders are hidden in the fold-down centre armrest.
As the entry level model the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq does miss out on the fully-reclining ‘relaxation’ seats available in the Techniq and Epiq grades, along with functions like seat ventilation, and the sliding rear seat with heating, but it doesn’t feel like it’s been decontented without them.
The second row is comfortable even with tall occupants up front, and while the Ioniq 5 doesn’t look huge from outside, the cabin is something of a TARDIS. Comfort across the second row is excellent, even if you’re around the six-foot mark, with plenty of visibility to match the comfort too. Important for family road trips.
There are two outboard ISOFIX locations and three top-tether points across that second row also. The second-row air vents aren’t in the centre console area (which can be slid back and forth), rather they are fitted up higher into the B-pillars. Generally, back seat passengers told us they liked the positioning of them.
Luggage space is also a feature here, with 531L on offer if you’re using the second row, expanding out to 1591L with those seats folded down. There’s also a handy 57L front boot, which works for storing charge cables and adapters. Loading things into and out of the hatch area is made pretty easy by a broad opening, with room for longer items that you might typically need to move.
The false floor isn’t a huge step down from the lip edge, and the wheel arches don’t intrude too much into the space either. The storage area under that rear floor is also handy for cables or small items, if you’d rather not store them up front.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 DynamiqSeatsFiveBoot volume531L seats up
1591L seats folded
57L under bonnetLength4635mmWidth1890mmHeight1605mmWheelbase3000mm
Does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
We love the integration of the tech within the cabin, and the Ioniq 5 runs a system that works seamlessly with your smartphone. Two whopping 12.3-inch screens headline the cabin tech, with the central infotainment screen working quickly and accurately whenever you need it to, and the driver’s display not only showing handy information, but it’s easy to understand too.
The blind-spot image that comes up when you indicate is excellent, and while some people find it a little strange, you quickly get used to it, and find yourself using it when you’re driving a car that has the feature. While the touchscreen itself is excellent, there are also regular buttons and dials, which we also like to see for anything you might need to do on the fly.
For example, you get a regular volume rotary dial – thank you Hyundai – tuning adjust as well, and a touch-reactive control panel for the AC adjustment. There are controls like the seat heating, for example, that you still need to access through the touchscreen, but I’m happy with the balance that Hyundai has struck. A complete lack of buttons might look good in a photo inside a glossy brochure, but don’t translate well when you want to adjust something without taking your eyes off the road at 110km/h on the freeway.
The central screen has proprietary satellite navigation if you wish to use that, but does a fantastic job of mirroring your smartphone as well. Crucially, it’s easy to see in any light other than really harsh, direct sun, whether you’re stationary or on the move. Smartphone integration is cabled, not wireless, but that’s not an issue for me. I’d rather be charging my phone and mirroring it at the same time. I’m not generally a fan of cooking my phone with the wireless charger.
Inputs are USB-A only, and there are five of them to choose from throughout the cabin. The small storage bin, beneath the 12V socket and one USB input in the lower centre section of the dash, is a safe and smart place to stash your mobile while you’re on the move.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a safe car?
With a full, five-star ANCAP safety rating, as we’ve come to expect from Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq is a practical and well-equipped family vehicle when it comes to the crucial aspect of safety. Tested in late 2021, the five-star rating applies to all variants.
Ioniq 5 scored 88 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 63 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 89 per cent for safety assist systems. The link to the ANCAP testing results below details the ratings in full.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 DynamiqANCAP ratingFive stars (tested 2021)Safety reportLink to ANCAP report
What safety technology does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 have?
Safety equipment is extensive, and across the range Ioniq 5 gets forward autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction assist and crossing assist, rear AEB, blind-spot monitoring, avoidance assist, a driver attention warning, leading vehicle departure alert, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane-following assist, lane centring, surround-view camera, front parking sensors, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
Ioniq 5 is also catered for airbag inclusion and has, as standard, seven airbags with dual front, front side, front centre, and full-length curtain airbag coverage.
How much does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 cost to maintain?
How long is a piece of string? That’s the answer we still have to give when it comes to estimating how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle. Almost nothing if you have your own solar panels and charge at home all the time. But, it also depends on where you charge, when you charge, which provider you have a contract with, and how much you’re paying for your plan.
In terms of maintenance and running costs, though, the Ioniq 5 is sharply positioned to be as cost-effective as possible. Service intervals have been moved out to an impressive 24 months or 30,000km. At those services, it’s likely to be tyres and brakes that are the main perishable items, such is the inherent mechanical simplicity of electric vehicles. A quick electric systems check, and you’re – theoretically – going to be good to go.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Dynamiq will cost $1644.16 per annum to comprehensively insure based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
At a glance2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 DynamiqWarrantyFive years, unlimited km
Eight years, 160,000km (battery pack)Service intervals24 months or 30,000kmServicing costs$1660 (4 years)
$2230 (6 years)
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 energy-efficient?
One area where power should be a key measure of value for money is charge. Specifically charging intake. Out on the road, we’ve said for some time now that 50kW needs to be the baseline, with infrastructure improving from there. The Ioniq 5 can take on 11kW AC charging, which is handy for those of you topping up at home overnight – still the smartest way to use an EV.
Out on the road, the Ioniq 5 can accept 220kW fast DC charging, which means you could take on 100km of range in less than five minutes. Extrapolate that out, and you can boost your range by 400km in under 20 minutes, not much longer than it takes to stretch your legs, take a bathroom break, and grab a coffee when you’re driving around town.
In terms of energy usage, the Ioniq 5 was excellent regardless of the driving discipline. Against Hyundai’s (conservative) claim of 17.9kWh/100km, we used just 16.4kWh/100km. That included a decent 100km highway run, where as we know, you take any EV out of its comfort zone. Around town, the Ioniq 5 is in its element, with clever regenerative braking assisting to eke back some charge while you’re on the go.
Energy Consumption – brought to you by bp
What is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 like to drive?
I love driving the base variant of any EV, and the updated Ioniq 5 is no different. With 168kW and 350Nm on offer, you’ve got more punch and performance than you need for the driving that any of us do outside of trying to cut lap times at a track day. While there’s a faster, all-wheel drive variant available, you really don’t need it, and if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, in the real world, you’re not missing out on anything. The fact that the base car looks just as striking as the fast version is a bonus.
The Ioniq 5, like any EV, is heavy with just over 2000kg to haul around. And yet, it never feels sluggish, even if you need to get cracking quickly. What it does do is illustrate the enjoyment and simplicity of the entry-grade car, despite not owning the bragging rights to winning the traffic light drag race. After a few full-blooded launches, you’re getting bored anyway, and I’d rather preserve my licence around town in any case.
The other benefit of this model is the 19-inch wheels and tyres in lieu of the 20s running on the more expensive variant. Along with the revised ride and handling tune, the smaller rims and chubbier sidewalls assist in delivering a more comfortable ride around town than the old model. It’s not wafty, large SUV magic carpet like, but no electric car is, and there’s always that two-tonne mass to control. However, the Ioniq 5, in this grade, does a good job of masking as much of that weight as it can, remaining comfortable while doing so.
Ride comfort on poor surfaces is the next frontier for electric vehicles. And, while the Ioniq 5 is better than it was, and better for the 19s it’s running, you do need to remember that it will feel firm if you’re jumping out of a Hyundai Tucson you’ve had for a few years, for example. Still, that’s only worth noting over really poor road surfaces too. In general conditions around town, the Dynamiq is comfortable and enjoyable.
Around town, the 11.98m turning circle and firm steering mean the Ioniq 5 is fun to punt down any street. The steering feels right whether you’re at speed on the freeway or reverse parking in a tight inner-city laneway. Some electric vehicles have strange steering that doesn’t translate to driving enjoyment, but on any road, at any speed, the Dynamiq was enjoyable.
The shove afforded by the zero-lag electric motor means you can get up to speed effortlessly, maintain that speed easily, or overtake without hesitation if you need to. If you’ve got a country property or you head out of town regularly, the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq can tackle that task with ease.
Key details2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 DynamiqEngineSingle electric motorPower168kWTorque350NmDrive typeRear-wheel driveTransmissionSingle-speedPower-to-weight ratio80.2kW/tWeight (kerb)2095kgSpare tyre typeNoneTow rating1600kg braked
750kg unbrakedTurning circle11.98m
Should I buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5 Dynamiq?
The answer, if you can get one, would be a definitive yes. Debate – both in the Drive office and with everyone we speak to – centres around which design you prefer. That is, Ioniq 5 v EV6. Both approach the same task differently, and I love the futuristic styling of the Ioniq 5. Crucially, though, there’s substance to match the styling. The base-model Ioniq 5 has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
It doesn’t feel like you’re missing anything if your budget doesn’t stretch to the range-topper, and the performance is hardly an issue when our speed limits keep you to 60km/h in town and 110km/h out on the open road. Like all electric vehicles, the Ioniq 5 is an effortless road-tripper, sitting on the freeway speed limit with ease.
We’re fast approaching the point where an EV works for more Australians, more often, especially those of us who live and move around the major cities. While there remains some work to be done on infrastructure and rural charging availability, the Ioniq 5 is an excellent option if you’re shopping for an EV in this price range. If you want one, get your name on a list as quickly as you can, because you’re likely to be waiting.
The post 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Dynamiq review appeared first on Drive.
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