Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review: The Best All-Round Electric SUV in Australia?

What Does the Ioniq 5 Cost in Australia?

Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 in four distinct variants in Australia, ranging from the sensible base RWD to the frankly unhinged N performance model. All variants share the same 84kWh battery and 800V architecture. Here is the full pricing:

Driveaway pricing adds roughly $2,500 to $5,000 depending on your state and any applicable EV incentives. Queensland and ACT buyers tend to get the best deal on registration costs, while Victoria's distance-based EV road user charge adds ongoing costs. For a full breakdown of state-by-state incentives, check our best electric cars guide.

The sweet spot for most buyers is the Elite at around $82,000. It adds a raft of important equipment over the base model (we will detail this below) without stretching to $90k. The N Line Premium makes sense if you want all-wheel drive grip, 605Nm of torque, and every luxury feature Hyundai offers in the Ioniq 5. The N? That is for people who want a car that produces more power than a Porsche 911 Turbo. It is genuinely absurd and we love it, but it is a niche purchase.

Interior and Tech

The Ioniq 5's interior is one of its strongest selling points, and it starts with that completely flat floor. With no transmission tunnel, driveshaft, or exhaust system to package, Hyundai's designers had the freedom to create a cabin that feels more like a lounge room than a car. The centre console slides back and forth, the front seats recline almost flat (handy for DC charging stops), and the sense of space is remarkable for a vehicle of this size.

The dual 12.3-inch screens stretch across the dashboard in a single housing. The left screen is the digital instrument cluster, and the right is the infotainment touchscreen running Hyundai's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is clean and reasonably responsive, though not quite as fluid as Tesla's system. Crucially, Hyundai has kept physical buttons and dials for climate control and volume. You do not need to dive into a touchscreen to change the temperature or turn up the radio. That alone is a massive win over some rivals.

Material quality is good without being exceptional. The dashboard uses a mix of soft-touch plastics and recycled materials (Hyundai makes a point of the sustainability angle), and it all feels solidly assembled. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment range. The N Line Premium and N variants get sportier bolstered seats with suede-like inserts.

Rear seat space is excellent. The 3,000mm wheelbase (longer than many mid-size SUVs despite the Ioniq 5's relatively compact exterior) means rear legroom is limousine-like. Two adults can sit behind two tall front-seat occupants without any complaints. Three across is manageable thanks to the flat floor. There are USB-C charging ports in the rear, air vents, and enough headroom for passengers well over 180cm.

The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) system deserves its own mention. A standard 240V outlet under the rear seats and an exterior V2L adapter let you draw up to 3.6kW of power from the car's battery. You can run a kettle, power tools, a portable fridge, camping lights, or even charge another electric vehicle. On paper it sounds like a novelty; in practice, it is one of the most useful features on any car sold in Australia. Campers, tradies working on remote sites, and anyone who has ever needed power where there is no outlet will appreciate it. Read our EV charging guide for more on V2L applications.

What's Under the Bonnet (and Floor)

All Ioniq 5 variants share the same 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 800V electrical architecture. The key differences are in how many motors they run and how much power they produce.

The 800V architecture is the headline technical feature. Most EVs in this price range (including the Tesla Model Y) run 400V systems. The practical benefit is charging speed. On a compatible 350kW ultra-rapid charger, the Ioniq 5 can go from 10% to 80% in roughly 18 minutes. That is faster than most people take to order and receive a coffee. Even the Kia EV6, which shares the same platform, cannot quite match the Ioniq 5's real-world charging curve at every state of charge.

The catch? You need access to a 350kW charger to see those peak speeds. As of 2026, the ultra-rapid charging network in Australia is growing but still concentrated in capital cities and along major intercity routes. On a more common 150kW charger, the Ioniq 5 still charges quickly (10-80% in about 28-30 minutes), but you are not getting the full benefit of the 800V system. On a 50kW charger, expect around 60-65 minutes for the same charge. Our charging guide maps out the current Australian fast-charging network.

Driving

The base and Elite RWD variants with 168kW are not going to pin you to the seat, but they are perfectly adequate for daily driving. The 350Nm of instant torque means the Ioniq 5 feels quicker than the 7.4-second 0-100 time suggests, particularly in the 0-60km/h urban acceleration range where you spend most of your time. Merging onto freeways and overtaking are handled with confidence.

Step up to the N Line Premium AWD and you get 239kW and 605Nm across both axles. This is a genuinely quick car. 0-100 in 5.1 seconds, all-weather traction, and a feeling of effortless acceleration that makes petrol equivalents in this price range feel sluggish. For most buyers who want a bit of performance without going overboard, this is the sweet spot.

And then there is the Ioniq 5 N. With 478kW in boost mode and 770Nm of torque, this is one of the fastest SUVs you can buy in Australia at any price. It hits 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, which is supercar territory. But the N is not just about straight-line speed. Hyundai's N division has fitted electronically controlled limited-slip differentials, adaptive dampers, stiffer springs, and a unique "N e-shift" feature that simulates gear changes to give the sensation of a traditional performance car. There is even a synthetic engine sound piped through the speakers. It is deeply weird and oddly brilliant.

Across all variants, the ride quality is firm but not harsh. The Ioniq 5 sits on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and the battery weight (low and central) keeps body roll in check. That said, on the rougher back roads and poorly maintained surfaces that are common across regional Australia, you will feel bumps and expansion joints more than you would in something like a Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4. The N Line Premium and N variants with their larger wheels are the firmest of the bunch.

Steering is light and accurate, which suits the Ioniq 5's character as a comfortable commuter and touring car. The N Line Premium and N tighten things up with sportier steering calibration and more weight at higher speeds. One-pedal driving is available on all variants via a paddle behind the steering wheel, and it works well. You can also set the regenerative braking level through four stages, from almost zero regen to full one-pedal mode.

Road noise is the one area where the Ioniq 5 could be better. Without engine noise to mask it, tyre roar on coarse-chip bitumen is noticeable, particularly above 80km/h. Wind noise is well controlled, but the overall cabin is not quite as hushed as a Tesla Model Y or the Mercedes EQB at highway speeds.

Equipment Highlights by Variant

Base RWD ($76,200)

• Dual 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster + infotainment)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• V2L (interior and exterior)
• LED headlights
• Cloth seat trim
• Rear parking sensors and reversing camera
• Smart key with push-button start
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Heat pump (standard on all variants)

Elite RWD (~$82,000)

• Everything in Base, plus:
• Leather-appointed seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Electric driver's seat with memory
• Blind spot cameras (feeds to instrument cluster during lane changes)
• Surround-view monitor (360-degree camera)
• Bose premium audio system
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (hands-on lane centring with lane change assist)
• Solar roof (contributes a small amount of charge)
• Powered tailgate
• 20-inch alloy wheels

N Line Premium AWD (~$90,000)

• Everything in Elite, plus:
• Dual-motor AWD (239kW / 605Nm)
• N Line exterior styling (unique bumpers, side skirts, badges)
• Suede and leather sport seats with increased bolstering
• Gloss black exterior accents
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Sport-tuned suspension
• 20-inch N Line alloy wheels

N AWD ($115,000)

• Dual-motor AWD (478kW / 770Nm in boost)
• N-specific adaptive suspension with three modes
• Electronic limited-slip differentials (front and rear)
• N e-shift (simulated gear changes)
• N Active Sound+ (synthetic performance sound)
• N bucket seats with full suede inserts
• Drift mode (yes, really)
• N-specific 21-inch forged alloy wheels
• N-specific brakes (400mm front discs)
• Launch control
• Track-focused drive modes (Sprint, Endurance, Custom)

Safety

The Ioniq 5 holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Hyundai's SmartSense active safety suite is standard across the range, and it is one of the more comprehensive packages in the segment:

• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection
• Lane Following Assist (active lane centring)
• Lane Keeping Assist with lane departure warning
• Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Warning (alerts if a car or bike is approaching before you open your door)
• Speed Limit Assist

The Elite and above add Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane centring and can initiate lane changes on the highway when you activate the indicator. It is one of the more capable Level 2 driver-assist systems on the market, though like all such systems, it requires constant driver attention.

Seven airbags are standard across the range, including a centre-side airbag between the front occupants. The battery pack is protected by a reinforced aluminium housing and sits low in the chassis, which lowers the centre of gravity and reduces rollover risk.

ISOFIX anchor points are on the two outer rear seats, with top tether points for all three rear positions. The wide rear doors and flat floor make fitting child seats straightforward.

Boot Space and Practicality

The Ioniq 5 offers 527 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to approximately 1,587 litres with them folded. There is also a 57-litre front boot (frunk) on the RWD variants and a smaller 24-litre frunk on the AWD models (the front motor takes up space).

527 litres is competitive but not class-leading. The Tesla Model Y offers 854 litres behind the rear seats, which is a substantial difference if cargo capacity is a priority. That said, the Ioniq 5's boot is well shaped, the opening is wide, and the floor is flat. A pram, a couple of suitcases, and the weekly shop fit without issue.

The sliding centre console is a genuinely useful feature. Push it all the way back and you get a flat floor between the front seats that is wide enough to walk through from the front to the rear of the car. It is particularly handy when loading kids into car seats from the opposite side in tight parking spots.

Running Costs

One of the strongest arguments for the Ioniq 5 is the running cost equation. Here is what to expect at 15,000km per year:

• Electricity (home charging at ~$0.30/kWh): Approximately $650-$800 per year for the RWD variants. The AWD models consume roughly 10-15% more
• Electricity (100% public charging): $1,500-$2,200 per year, depending on charger speed and pricing. DC fast charging typically costs $0.45-0.60/kWh
• Servicing: Hyundai's EV service schedule is every 15,000km or 12 months. Costs are lower than ICE vehicles. budget $300-$450 per service, or $300-$450 per year
• Tyres: The Ioniq 5 weighs around 1,985-2,180kg (variant dependent), which means tyre wear is higher than a lighter ICE crossover. Budget $450-$600 per year amortised on 20-inch tyres
• Insurance: $1,600-$2,400 per year depending on your profile and variant
• Registration and EV road user charges: Varies by state. Victoria charges $0.028/km for EVs (about $420/year at 15,000km)

Total annual running costs for an Ioniq 5 RWD charging at home sit around $3,300-$4,200. Compare that to a similarly priced petrol SUV like a Tucson Hybrid at $4,800-$6,000, and the savings are meaningful. Over five years, you are looking at $5,000-$9,000 in total cost of ownership savings, depending on how much you charge at home versus on public chargers.

Hyundai's 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty is the standout here. That is two years longer than Tesla, Kia, and most other competitors. The 8-year/160,000km battery warranty provides additional peace of mind that the most expensive component in the car is covered long-term. For a deeper comparison of EV vs petrol running costs, read our electric car buyers guide.

Rivals: What Else Should You Cross-Shop?

Tesla Model Y (from ~$67,900)

The Model Y is the Ioniq 5's most obvious rival. It starts cheaper, has a much larger boot (854L vs 527L), and benefits from the Tesla Supercharger network. The Model Y charges at up to 250kW, which is fast but not Ioniq 5 fast. The interior is more polarising (no instrument cluster, everything through the centre screen), and the warranty is two years shorter. If boot space and charging network are your priorities, the Model Y wins. If charging speed, V2L, and warranty matter more, the Ioniq 5 takes it.

Kia EV6 (from ~$74,590)

The EV6 shares the Ioniq 5's platform, battery, and 800V architecture, so on paper they are nearly identical. The differences come down to design (the EV6 is sportier and lower-slung), ride quality (the EV6 is firmer), and pricing (generally similar, though deals vary). The EV6 GT Line adds features like a GT-specific suspension tune and a more aggressive exterior. The Kia EV6 review covers this in full, but the short version is: choose on looks and dealer experience, because the engineering underneath is the same. Kia's warranty is also 7 years.

BYD Sealion 7 (from ~$52,990)

The Sealion 7 is the value disruptor. For roughly $23,000 less than the Ioniq 5 base, you get a capable electric SUV with competitive range and a well-appointed interior. BYD's Blade Battery technology is proven safe, and the 6-year warranty is decent. Where it falls short is charging speed (no 800V architecture), brand perception and dealer network maturity, and the overall refinement gap at highway speeds. If budget is the primary consideration, the Sealion 7 deserves a test drive. But the Ioniq 5's charging speed, V2L, and Hyundai's warranty make it worth the premium for buyers who can afford the stretch.

Our Take: Should You Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

Yes, if:

• Charging speed is a priority. 350kW DC charging and 18-minute 10-80% times are best in class
• You want V2L capability for camping, work sites, or emergency home backup power
• A 7-year warranty gives you confidence in making the switch to electric
• You prefer physical buttons for climate and volume alongside the touchscreen
• Rear passenger space matters. the Ioniq 5's rear cabin is one of the most spacious in any EV
• You want a car that does everything well rather than one thing brilliantly

Maybe not, if:

• Boot space is critical. the Tesla Model Y's 854L is significantly larger
• You want the cheapest entry to electric motoring. the BYD Sealion 7 and MG4 are much less expensive
• You rely heavily on a specific charging network (Tesla Superchargers, for example)
• You do not have access to home charging. the cost advantage shrinks considerably on public chargers only
• You prioritise a whisper-quiet cabin above all else. road noise is the Ioniq 5's weak point
• You want a spare tyre. the tyre repair kit is a common complaint among Australian owners

The Ioniq 5 is not the cheapest electric SUV in Australia, and it is not the one with the most boot space. But it is, in our view, the most well-rounded. The 800V charging architecture means less time waiting at chargers. V2L means genuine off-grid utility. The 7-year warranty means fewer sleepless nights about battery degradation. And the interior, with its flat floor, sliding console, and physical controls, is one of the nicest places to spend time in any EV at this price.

For most buyers, the Elite at around $82,000 is the one to get. It adds the features that genuinely matter in daily life (ventilated seats, Bose audio, 360-degree camera, blind-spot cameras, powered tailgate) without the performance-tax of the AWD variants. If you need all-wheel drive for traction or want the extra performance, the N Line Premium at $90,000 is well-specced and genuinely quick. And if you have $115,000 and a desire to terrify your passengers, the Ioniq 5 N is waiting.

Cross-shop with our Model Y vs Ioniq 5 and EV6 vs Ioniq 5 head-to-head comparisons. Or browse the full best electric cars in Australia guide to see where the Ioniq 5 ranks against every EV on sale.

→ Compare all Hyundai Ioniq 5 variants on CarSorted (200+ specs)