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2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD Limited - Review by Mark Fulmer


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Love at First Drive

By Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL



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Driving downtown in California's capitol city in the new Ioniq 5 with young women passengers, they were all a-twitter at the wide-eyed gawking stares from strolling pedestrians who would stop and point. When I told them that it was about the car they were both relieved and irritated, but agreed that the side body fold and rims were "very cool." Some folks say that "variety is the spice of life." To which one could also add "to each their own spice." This writer found that the exterior style talked to his sci-fi spice.


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The rims do have a "looks-like-they're-moving-standing-still" appearance.


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And the interior exudes futuristic simplicity with a clean, uncluttered style.


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Roominess abounds in the front seats floor space with a sliding center console.
Head Room 39.8 (39.1 with sunroof)
Leg Room 41.7
Shoulder Room 57.7
Hip Room 53.9


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So much so that with an integrated seat extension it's quite comfortable lounge during recharging either the Ioniq or your beleagured body.


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The rear seats proved quite comfy as well for folks of all sizes.
Head Room 38.7 (37.5 with sunroof)
Leg Room 39.4
Shoulder Room 57.7
Hip Room 53.6


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The pair of mega rectangular 12.3-inch high resolution screens are both easy on the eyes and make good use of both voice commands and steering wheel buttons. The infotainment screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and embedded navigation. Three in front and two in the back.


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There's also a 120-volt outlet that can pull up to 16 amps back there, too, in case you need to set up an outdoor workstation.


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Cargo capacity, rear seats up 27.2


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Cargo capacity, rear seats folded down 59.3


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The all-wheel-drive Ioniq 5's muscle derives from a total 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, courtesy its pair of electric motors. A getaway 0-to-60-mph time of 5.2 seconds is possible, however if you are into fuel cost efficiency there is a multi-stage regenerative braking system with a one-pedal mode. The suspension is silky smooth, and the low center of gravity creates steady handling. The lack of internal combustion vibration and noise creates a whisper environment for both conversation and music.

The Ioniq 5 has an 800-volt architecture, which means it can accept charging speeds up to 350 kilowatts. That could recharge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes. I used the 150 kW charger by Electrify America at a Walmart for an hour and it recharged 50%. The range is around 220 miles but that depends on your driving habits and the terrain. The good news is that Electrify America and Hyundai offer free charging for the first 2 years of your new Ioniq 5.

The bottom line is if you are in the market for, and have not gotten behind the wheel of, an all electric car, be sure to test drive the Ioniq 5. You may find, like me, it's love at first drive.


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