Originally published in December 2021 during the first drive event, and updated January 2024.
San Diego, CA – Let’s face it, concept cars are highly stylized, glossy machines void of any actual motor, gleaming under the auto show lights. Typically, ambitious designers conjure far-fetched ideas — all in an attempt to showcase what’s to come in the following years. Cool to look at? Absolutely. A realistic glimpse at the production model? No, rarely.
So when Hyundai’s compact IONIQ 5 compact crossover made its official debut this year, it felt like 2019 all over again when the South Korean automaker unveiled the 45 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, paying homage to the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept car from 1974 while teasing the upcoming 2-row IONIQ.
Seldom do prototypes and real-world production models share the similarities that matter to consumers, but Hyundai did just that with the 2022 IONIQ 5 in a brave move. What we saw then is basically what we have now — a badass-looking EV with the kind of design cues and features the segment is yearning for — from those sweet parametric pixel headlamps and smooth hidden door handles to the geometric wheels, red pixelated rear lights, and stylish air intakes.
Spacious IONIQ 5 Interior courtesy of a large cabin environment and long wheelbase
Overall, the expansive space is the first thing you’ll notice inside the IONIQ 5. Granted, this all-electric crossover takes on more of a 5-door hatchback car vibe from the exterior look (and frankly, worlds apart from the 2017 Ioniq hatch we reviewed here), this compact hauler astonishingly sports an extended wheelbase surpassing anything else in the Hyundai portfolio — yes, even its mid-size Palisade counterpart. It also beats out competitors like the Mustang Mach-E, VW ID.4, and Tesla Model Y in the wheelbase category.
The longer wheelbase measuring 3,000mm coupled with the massive panoramic sunroof above makes this all possible, part of a flexible interior space Hyundai dubs the smart living room, which integrates digital tech throughout. Here’s more on the IONIQ 5’s dimensions.
Interior Dimensions:
- Headroom – front: 39.8 inches
- Headroom – rear: 38.7 inches
- Legroom – front: 41.7 inches
- Legroom – rear: 39.4 inches
- Shoulder room – front & rear: 57.7 inches
- Hip room – front & rear: 53.9 inches
Innovative and practical sliding centre console for the win
Up front, the conventional centre console that typically separates the driver from the passenger is gone. Once again, the interior environment is opened up thanks to the flat floor pass-through design. Instead, the designers introduce a nifty sliding center console that’s both functional and stylish.
The system sits on hidden rails and slides 140mm back and forth. The clean-looking console offers a pair of cup holders up front with wireless charging below it and a large flat storage area below. Pop open the top lid for a compartment to stow those valuables. Plus, a couple of USB ports are a good measure.
Cabin materials with the environment in mind
- Armrest seats are made from recycled plastic bottles
- Dashboard and door panels are made of a polyethylene bio paint derived from bean oil
- The door centre garnish (the long ‘armrest’ running along the interior doors) is made of recyclable fiber called Tyvek
- The carpet below and headliner above come from a sugar cane extract called Bio PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Of course, these days, you can’t have a new-age, futuristic EV without throwing sustainable materials into the mix. So, gone are those sexy leather seats — replaced by materials you’ve never heard of, like Tyvek recyclable fiber and polyethylene terephthalate. And that’s a worthy thing because it’s good for the environment and looks pretty cool, so it’s a win-win.
Standard sliding 2nd-Row
Another great feature you rarely find inside a 2-row crossover is the IONIQ 5’s sliding second row. It is a convenient feature to increase both legroom and storage — and it comes standard here. Heated 2nd row seats for those colder environments are optional.
Up front, the slim design of passenger and driver seats not only proved comfortable during our drive in and around San Diego, but they don’t hog up the valuable interior real estate. Best part? The driver’s seat sports what the Korean automaker calls the Relaxation Function — a reclining setback with an inclining seat. Now that sounds relaxing.
IONIQ 5’s rear cargo capabilities and interior volume
- Passenger volume: 3,016L
- Cargo volume: 770L
- Interior volume (passenger and cargo): 3,786L
What’s a crossover without adequate rear cargo storage? This small sport utility keeps real-world usability in mind — so throw three sets of golf bags, a giant baby stroller, or three luggage bags measuring 26”x3’. We haven’t tried this, but we must take Hyundai’s word for it.
Other IONIQ 5 Interior Features
Reduced cabin noise on the road
Aside from the visible interior aesthetics, Hyundai worked hard to reduce road noise inside the cabin courtesy of countermeasures. Thanks to the carpet incorporating a partial sound absorption layer, acoustic-friendly tires, and a rear subframe damper, the IONIQ 5 EV quietly treks along while providing a more muted experience inside. Other wind noise-reducing features are found at the angled rear spoiler, windshield, door glass, outside side mirrors, and interior door trims.
Premium interior features
Integrated display, ambient mood lighting, and augmented reality HUD.
- BOSE premium sound system
- Wireless phone charging
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- USB chargers and power outlets
- Heated 2nd-row seat
- Power tailgate
In addition to the driver’s seat Relaxation Function feature, the IONIQ 5 sports ambient lighting at the door garnish and around the embedded speakers. It’s one of those things you wouldn’t ask for, but when it’s there, you’re glad it is. It just adds a nice touch at night without looking gaudy or tacky. The integrated display looks sharp and runs along the front cleanly and linearly.
Compared to other HUD systems today, the IONIQ 5’s augmented reality head-up display dials it up a notch. Included for navigation in the HUD or AR Mode, which is projected in a 44-inch field of view, the system includes lane departure warning, turn-by-turn navigation, forward collision assist, and smart cruise control. Three interior colour options are available, including Black/Monotone, Gray/Two Tone, and Teal-Gray/Two-Tone.
Takeaway
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, a sleek and futuristic compact EV crossover, impresses not only with its badass exterior design but also with its spacious and innovative interior. Featuring a large panoramic sunroof, a flat floor design, and narrow front seats, the IONIQ 5 offers an expansive interior environment. Clever additions like the sliding center console, sustainable materials, and ambient lighting contribute to its modern and functional vibe. With ample rear cargo storage, a standard sliding 2nd row, and a well-designed interior with clean lines, Hyundai’s new crossover is poised to meet the needs and preferences of today’s consumers.
Interior photos of the 2022 IONIQ 5
