2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an electric vehicle (EV) that manages to recapture the childlike excitement often lost in the mundane world of new cars. Much like its sedan sibling, the IONIQ 6, the IONIQ 5 boasts a design that’s both futuristic and nostalgic. However, as a hatchback with a silhouette reminiscent of a pixelated Lancia Delta Integrale from the future, the IONIQ 5 possesses an extra layer of desirability. While both IONIQ models are visually striking, the IONIQ 5’s practicality as a hatchback elevates it, making it a compelling choice for families seeking an EV, despite one notable drawback.
The Defining Flaw: Rear Visibility in Inclement Weather
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
That drawback? The conspicuous absence of a rear wiper. This omission transforms driving the IONIQ 5 on winter roads coated in salt and grime into a frustrating ordeal. Once road spray and dirt accumulate on the rear window, rearward visibility becomes severely compromised, akin to piloting a windowless van.
Yet, paradoxically, this very flaw contributes to the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5’s unique character. In a world obsessed with perfection, the IONIQ 5’s missing rear wiper is like Cindy Crawford’s mole or Jennifer Lopez’s curves – an imperfection that somehow enhances its appeal. Hyundai is reportedly addressing this in the upcoming mid-cycle refresh, with the high-performance IONIQ 5 N expected to include a rear wiper upon its anticipated Canadian debut this spring. Therefore, this visibility issue is likely temporary.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Despite this quirk, the IONIQ 5 exudes coolness. Its distinctive shape and futuristic headlight and taillight designs evoke a Cyberpunk aesthetic. Adding to its visual intrigue is a clever design trick: the IONIQ 5 appears compact from a distance but surprisingly spacious upon closer inspection. This optical illusion is similar to the design ingenuity Frank Stephenson employed in the original BMW MINI Cooper.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The model reviewed here is the Preferred Long Range, the base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant, priced at $57,666 (before EV incentives). Interestingly, a Tesla Model 3 now comes in at a lower price point. For the 2024 model year in Canada, Hyundai streamlines the IONIQ 5 lineup to just two primary trims, the second adding all-wheel drive (AWD). An optional $6,000 Ultimate package further enhances the vehicle with premium features and technology. However, the base Preferred Long Range, especially in the Lucid Blue paint, presents a compelling value proposition. The only regret? The striking Teal paint option remains exclusive to the Ultimate package.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Powering every 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a 77.4-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Hyundai Canada has discontinued the smaller 58-kWh battery option available in other markets. In the RWD test model, this battery feeds a rear-mounted electric motor producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Natural Resources Canada estimates a range of 488 km for this configuration. Level 2 home charging is rated at 10.9 kW, while DC fast-charging can reach up to 239 kW under optimal conditions.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Fun and Functional
Winter testing inevitably impacted the IONIQ 5’s real-world range. After preheating the cabin remotely via the My Hyundai app while plugged into a home charger, the instrument cluster displayed a maximum range of 300 km. While a reduction from the official figure, it still proved sufficient for holiday travel needs.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai’s Winter Mode, a battery preconditioning system, effectively prepared the battery for fast charging, maintaining consistent charging speeds. Using 100 kW and 150 kW chargers resulted in average charging rates of 85 kW and 130 kW, respectively.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Beyond charging, the IONIQ 5 impresses in virtually every aspect, from its striking interior and exterior styling to its engaging driving dynamics. Even in base trim, the power and torque are ample, enough to challenge a tailgating Volkswagen Golf GTI. It delivers more than adequate performance for daily driving, enhanced by the fun factor of a rear-wheel-drive hatchback.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
While the IONIQ 5 can execute controlled power slides with traction control disabled, the instant torque from the electric motor demands attentiveness. Hyundai’s traction control offers three settings: on, partially off, and fully off. On snowy and icy surfaces, the partially off setting proved ideal for managing the electric motor’s output.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
On imperfect road surfaces, the IONIQ 5 feels remarkably solid and refined, exhibiting a composed ride quality often associated with German vehicles. While not a hot hatchback, it handles corners confidently for its weight. Hyundai’s regenerative braking system is particularly intuitive, using steering wheel paddles to toggle between three regen levels, plus an i-Pedal mode for full one-pedal driving, and an auto mode for automated regen management.
Practicality is a key differentiator favoring the IONIQ 5 over the IONIQ 6 sedan. Hyundai classifies it as a crossover, but it functions more like a spacious hatchback. Regardless of categorization, the IONIQ 5 provides generous legroom and headroom for passengers, along with a sizable trunk capable of accommodating strollers and groceries.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
During holiday travels, the IONIQ 5’s cargo area effortlessly swallowed presents, toys, extra clothing, and pet gear. With a child seat and a dog occupying the rear seats, ample space remained, and the abundant storage solutions were appreciated.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
In conclusion, the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a near-perfect EV punctuated by one prominent flaw, almost as if intentionally designed with this imperfection. While Hyundai hasn’t confirmed any deliberate intent, the overall sophistication and engineering of the IONIQ 5 suggest the missing rear wiper might be a quirky design choice.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Preferred RWD by William Clavey
Subcompact Crossovers
Pros:
- Retro 80’s styling remains timeless.
- Base model offers excellent value.
- Spacious, practical, and enjoyable to drive.
Cons:
- Lacks a rear wiper.
- Premium paint colors are expensive upgrades.
- Tesla Model 3 is now more affordable.
