Hyundai IONIQ - A Complete Buyers Guide

Ready to take the leap into the future of electric vehicles? If you've done any browsing of EVs, you will have heard about Hyundai's IONIQ series - the tech-focused lineup from the increasingly influential South Korean brand. In this blog, we'll be taking a close look at the flagship IONIQ 5 and exploring the history and future of the IONIQ line. For those of you who are in the market for an EV, we’ll also break down the cost, reliability, and features of these cutting-edge vehicles.

Drawing attention to the electric vehicle segment of its large automotive catalogue, Hyundai Motor Company launched the IONIQ sub-brand in 2020. This cutting-edge division's mission is clear: help Hyundai reach one million EV sales by 2025. It is estimated that 560,000 of those vehicles will come from this subsidiary headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

The IONIQ Electric was Hyundai's first electrified vehicle. It was Hyundai's first model specifically designed for electrified powertrains; offering options of a conventional hybrid to rival the Toyota Prius, a plug-in hybrid or an all-electric drivetrain giving buyers more choices than ever before. Despite the increasing demand for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars, Hyundai made the decision to discontinue all four trims of its first IONIQs in 2022, much to the surprise of critics and enthusiasts.

Unlike Tucson, Kona and other recent Electrified Hyundai models, there will be no new IONIQ hatchback. Instead, the name lives on as an all-electric sub-brand of Hyundai which has already created the sought-after IONIQ 5 mid-size 'SUV'.

Hyundai's ambitious new endeavour, the IONIQ 6, is rolling into showrooms shortly. This 4.9-meter-long electric sedan is built with its exclusive E-GMP architecture - a modular framework crafted for solely electric cars!

The IONIQ model range will expand even further by 2024, with the addition of a spacious seven-seat SUV, aptly named IONIQ SEVEN. Unfortunately, there is no news yet regarding smaller models that will replace the very first IONIQs.

When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, the cost is always a major factor to consider. The original IONIQ Hybrid started at $34,200, the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) was going for $40,100, and the IONIQ Electric started at $41,700. While these prices may seem steep, the latest addition to the lineup, the IONIQ 5, is currently starting at $72,000.

The high sticker price for the IONIQ 5 is backed up by an impressive array of features and interior specs. Not to mention, it has already been crowned the 2022 Drive Car of the Year, rising above popular options in its class in its first year on the roads. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and eco-friendly features, the IONIQ 5 is well worth its price tag. One of the most noteworthy features is the "Vision Roof" - a panoramic sunroof that extends all the way to the rear seat. This feature not only provides a stunning view but also maximizes natural light to create a bright and open interior.

Additionally, the IONIQ 5 offers a range of cutting-edge technology, including advanced safety features, a 12.3-inch digital cluster display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Plus, with its impressive energy efficiency, you'll save money in the long run on fuel costs.

It also features regenerative braking, which charges the battery each time you brake, maximizing energy efficiency and prolonging your charge level. And, with a DC fast charging station, you can recharge your IONIQ Electric in a matter of minutes.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 also features the "Parametric Pixel" exterior lights. These small square lighting elements give the car a unique, jewel-like appearance and are a unifying design concept across the entire IONIQ brand. These lights are not just for show, they also serve a functional purpose. They provide a clear visual indication of the car's charging status, as well as its driving mode, whether it's in sports, normal, or eco mode.

The jury is out on this one, on the one hand, it's great value for money as one of the cheapest hybrids on the market. The IONIQ hybrid and plug-in hybrid competed with the Toyota Prius for their relatively low starting price and impressive fuel efficiency. If you're a long-haul driver, it might even be a better option than a fully electric car, since you can fill up between charging stations.

On the other hand, the Hyundai IONIQ hybrid, plug-in hybrid along with IONIQ electric have been discontinued. You will have to buy it on the second-hand market, and new-car sales of the original IONIQ have stopped this year. This might make it more difficult to service and perhaps find parts for in the future.

But, even with these drawbacks, it's still great value for money compared to others in its class. So, while the original IONIQs are no longer available as brand-new vehicles, those looking for a great deal on a hybrid or plug-in hybrid can still find them on the second-hand market. With Driva's Hyundai loan, you can access affordable financing to make purchasing a new or second-hand IONIQ more manageable.

From 2023 onward, yes. With the departure of the first Hyundai IONIQ, there are two more models, the IONIQ 6 and 7, joining the family along with the next iteration of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 this year.

Both of the IONIQ 5 trims are fully electric offering a range of 311km on a single charge. It also features regenerative braking, which charges the battery each time you brake, maximizing energy efficiency and prolonging your charge level. And, with a DC fast charger, you can recharge your Hyundai IONIQ 5 in a matter of minutes.

If it looks like something you're looking for, don't hesitate to look into Driva's EV Loan. With our EV loan, you can access affordable financing bundled with Comprehensive Insurance and Fast AC or DC chargers to accompany your new electric vehicle.

The short answer is yes. Like its predecessor, Hyundai IONIQ 5 owners report that the cars provide reliable performance with minimal upkeep required. This is a huge benefit for drivers who want to spend more time enjoying their vehicles and less time worrying about maintenance.

It's received great feedback thus far. Like its predecessors, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has received a five-star ANCAP rating, which is a testament to its safety and reliability. Additionally, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking, which further enhance the overall driving experience.

Released in 2021, there is not quite enough long-term data to give a definitive answer on Hyundai IONIQ 5's manufacturing flaws. Apart from a small batch of the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5s being recalled for a software error in the US, publicly reported issues with the model are fairly limited. The most common issues are a malfunction of some sort with an electrical component.

That said, these are vulnerabilities shared among all EVs and seems the incidents are few and far between for the '5 models'.

With the success of the IONIQ 5, it's exciting to look ahead to what else Hyundai has in store for the IONIQ line. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 and 7 are set to take the market by storm, with their sleek designs and advanced technology.

The Hyundai IONIQ 6, set to enter the market in 2023, has been referred to as an "electric streamliner" by Hyundai, thanks to its aerodynamic design and high-performance tires. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21cd, it's one of the slipperiest cars ever made, and its specially developed tires are dedicated to the model, reducing losses even further. Refinements to the power management system also reduce the energy most EVs waste when transferring battery charge to the wheels. As a result, the imminent Hyundai IONIQ 6 is able to travel up to 610km from just 77.4kWh of battery - an impressive range that outdistances most other electric cars in the world with far bigger batteries.

Lastly, there's the IONIQ SEVEN. It's the latest introduction to the Hyundai IONIQ lineup and it's set to shake things up in the EV market. This sleek, seven-seater SUV was recently unveiled as a concept and it's already turning heads with its striking design and it's ambitious technology. The IONIQ 7 is a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles and where Hyundai sees the world of EVs going.

One of the most fascinating things about the Hyundai IONIQ 7 is its unique interior. According to Hyundai, the IONIQ 7's interior is designed to be a mobile living space and it's clear that they're thinking beyond just transportation. The Hyundai IONIQ 7's interior is meant to be a relaxing and comfortable space, with features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating. It's clear that Hyundai is preparing for the autonomous driving experience, setting the bar high for what we can expect from the future of electric vehicles.

Overall, the Hyundai IONIQ series offers a range of options for drivers looking for eco-friendly and energy-efficient vehicles. The Hyundai IONIQ Electric, IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 6 all offer unique features and capabilities, making them worth considering when in the market for a new car. With a variety of charging options, the Hyundai IONIQ series is also great for those looking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their on-road costs, including stamp duty and fuel efficiency. With the latest reviews available, the Hyundai IONIQ series is a top choice for car buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly pure electric vehicle.