Five years young and fighting strong? (Hyundai Ioniq 5 2026 Review)

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric SUV was mould-breaker when it launched back in 2021, boasting future-retro styling, high-tech 800-volt E-GMP architecture and an inspired, forward thinking approach to interior execution and packaging. It would also spawn the mighty, novelty-packed Ioniq 5 N high-performance offshoot. But Ioniq 5 never enjoyed Tesla-like popularity and with sales dwindling in 2025, Hyundai Australia revamped the now much consolidated lineup, while boosting its BEV credentials in tandem with dropping pricing. Our base 168kW rear-driver now fits a big 84kWh battery and boasts 570km of claimed range, while clocking in (for a limited time) at just $71,990 drive-away. And those are stats its importer hope makes it more competitive to key rivals and more seductive to EV buyers. Here, Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez takes a deep dive with one of the oldest EV models on the Australian market to discover that was – and still is – one of the best electric choices out there for quality and value. Time codes: 0:00 - Intro 0:54 - Tesla 1:26 - Five years young 2:15 - Hatchback? 2:49 - Elexio 3:37 - New for MY26 4:32 - Base RWD 5:35 - Interior 6:50 - Seating 7:16 - Media 8:17 - Row two 9:09 - Boot space 9:48 - On road 11:11 - Chassis 11:55 - Ride comfort 12:43 - Annoyances 13:25 - Ownership 14:09 - Insurance 14:33 - Verdict As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/user/ChasingCarsAustralia?sub_confirmation=1 Chasing Cars on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingcarsaustralia/ Follow Chasing Cars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcars.com.au/ Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider! Budget Direct Car Insurance is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company. See PDS & TMD at budgetdirect.com.au