Hyundai IONIQ 5 Model Year Guide

In late 2021, Hyundai delivered its first vehicle based on the E-GMP platform to the United States. This car was the fully-electric IONIQ 5, a crossover with a retro-futuristic design boasting groundbreaking 800V battery technology. Very few electric cars feature this technology, primarily allowing for unparalleled charging speeds. At the time of its release, the only other vehicle outfitted with this tech was the illustrious Porsche Taycan.

While its entry-level trims are sparse on features, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 prides itself in the safety and tech departments, offering many safety features and cool party tricks, such as V2L capabilities. V2L (Vehicle-to-load) gives owners access to 1.9kW of electricity from the battery via an adaptor. This means the IONIQ 5's high-voltage battery pack can become a backup generator during power outages or even non-emergency activities like camping trips.

Overall, the IONIQ 5 is a solid offering from the Korean auto giant. The best of its abilities is its capacity to make use of 350kW chargers. At one of these stations, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. For non-Standard Range RWD models, they can add 212 miles in 18 minutes at these high-powered stations. Compared to other options like the Mach-E or ID.4, there is simply no comparison: the IONIQ 5 is a charging powerhouse.

For its warranty, the IONIQ 5 comes with an impressive 5-year / 60,000-mile warranty, longer than the vast majority of other cars. Its powertrain warranty spans 10 years or 100,000 miles, though if sold secondhand, that figure will only cover the battery rather than the powertrain entirely. Still, its warranty is more impressive than most. Overall, the IONIQ 5 poses itself as a more than reasonable option.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

At its launch into the U.S. market, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was met with a generally positive reception. Its rebellious design paired with avant-garde battery technology was a solid recipe, and it had substantial consumer interest— primarily for dual motor versions. In the AWD guise, the 2022 IONIQ 5 makes a considerable 320 horsepower, bringing an element of muscle to the table. With dealership markups galore, it was challenging to acquire IONIQ 5s early on, but now with a steady supply in the used market, they're easier than ever to obtain.

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2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Korean automaker brought along some updates for the IONIQ 5's second model year. The car remained the same for the most part, but there were a few notable changes. AWD models received a slight range increase of 10 miles, boosting their range figures from 256 to 266 miles. Non-Standard Range examples also had a towing capacity boost, now allowing for a maximum of 2,300 pounds. The other notable addition was a new matte gold color.

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2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The 2024 model year was a "refinement" year. Hyundai focused on safety and small quality-of-life tweaks rather than a total overhaul. Most notably, rear side-impact airbags and outboard seatbelt pretensioners became standard, further boosting its safety score. For those eyeing the top-tier Limited trim, Hyundai finally added a digital rearview mirror to help with rear visibility—a clever, if temporary, fix for the car’s lack of a rear wiper.

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2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

This is the year Hyundai finally listened to the internet: the IONIQ 5 got a rear wiper. But the 2025 refresh was more than just a squeegee. Battery capacities were bumped across the board, with the Long Range pack growing to 84 kWh, pushing range up to 318 miles. Hyundai also swapped the CCS port for a native NACS port, giving owners access to Tesla’s Supercharger network without an adapter. Inside, a revised center console brought back physical buttons for seat heaters and frequently used functions, and wireless Apple CarPlay finally became standard.

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2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

For 2026, Hyundai simplified the lineup to stay competitive as the market became more crowded. The 84 kWh battery became the standard for nearly all configurations, and a new "Sage Silver Matte" finish joined the palette. This year also saw the rollout of more sophisticated Matte Black exterior accents on the Limited and N-Line trims. Perhaps most importantly, the front bumper gained a dedicated camera on higher trims to improve the 360-degree parking view, solving one of the few remaining gripes with the car's massive footprint.

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How Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trims Differ in Practice?

SE Standard Range The SE Standard Range trim is the least expensive way to get into Hyundai's IONIQ 5. Unfortunately, this comes at the levy of missing out on a lot of options. When opting for the SE Standard Range, interior comfort, range, performance, and safety take a hit. For performance, the base trim offers 168 horsepower, significantly lower than virtually every comparable vehicle.

SE (AWD and RWD) Featuring a broadly similar set of features as the SE Standard Range, the SE provides a larger battery pack than the base model. In RWD guise, it makes a more substantial 225 horsepower (bumped in later years). AWD models pack an even more hefty punch with 320 horsepower.

SEL (AWD and RWD) The SEL serves as a midrange option. It offers a solid blend of options, including ambient lighting, leatherette seating, Hyundai Digital Key, and Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II). HDA II can perform lane changes with the click of the blinker stalk.

Limited (AWD and RWD) At the pinnacle of the IONIQ 5 lineup, the Limited trim comes with all the bells and whistles. It features upgraded exterior cladding, ventilated seats, Bose audio, a panoramic glass roof, and a head-up display with AR functionality. It also gains the "Digital Key 2 Premium," allowing your smartphone to act as your key via UWB.

XRT (AWD Only) New for 2025, the XRT is for those who find the standard car a bit too "urban." It features a 23mm suspension lift, unique 18-inch black wheels with all-terrain tires, and digital camouflage cladding. While the extra drag drops the range slightly, it’s the choice for light trails or snow.

IONIQ 5 N This isn't just a trim; it's a total reimagining. It packs 641 hp and "simulated" gear shifts that make it feel like a combustion car. It’s wider, lower, and features 21-inch wheels with massive performance brakes. It’s expensive, but it's arguably the most "soulful" EV on the market.