The sleek, futuristic Hyundai Ioniq 5 has made waves since its launch last year, winning acclaim for its innovations but also facing some quality hiccups. As your friend in the EV space, I want to provide a detailed look at this vehicle‘s pros and cons so you can determine if it‘s a good fit.
Overview: The Ioniq 5 brings creative design and tech to the EV market. However, first-year models have experienced issues like rattling or false warnings that detract from the experience. Hyundai is addressing problems, but buyers should weigh options carefully.
Awards and Innovations
As background, the peculiarly styled Ioniq 5 ride has won praise for interior flexibility afforded by its flat floor, allowing the center console to slide back. "This gives front and rear passengers the ability to customize space to their liking," notes Cars.com reviewer Brian Wong [1]. The eco-dash also utilizes recyclable, sustainable materials [2].
Key Highlights:
- 2022 World Car Awards Winner [3]
- ~220 mile range (RWD long-range model) [4]
- 18 minute 10-80% charge time with 350 kw charger [1]
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| World Car Awards | World Car of the Year | 2022 |
| Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX Awards | Best Interior UX | 2022 |
| iF Design Award | Product Design | 2021 |
Clearly the vehicle shows promise on paper. Now let‘s examine how initial execution has gone.
Known Complaints and Issues
Reviews from owners and industry experts have highlighted an array of teething issues with the newly launched EV. These span smaller irritations to safety concerns requiring formal recalls.
Build Quality and Rattles
Reviewers have called out panel gaps, misalignments with lights, and lower-grade plastics used on components like the center console [5]. Consumer Reports also documents rattling from the front dash on road irregularities [6]. These detract from the feeling of luxury or refinement users might expect in a $50k+ vehicle.
Safety System Faults
According to Consumer Reports, "owners report issues with the forward collision warning system, lane keep assist and safe exit assist triggering warnings unnecessarily" [6]. Hyundai has issued a software update to address errors in sensing car proximity or lane markings [7]. Still, faulty alerts undermine trust in these safety aids.
Brake Concerns
Most critically, federal safety regulators issued a recall in March 2022 for nearly 80,000 Ioniq 5 models over Defective Electronic Brake warning lights malfunctioning, allowing the parking brake to engage randomly while driving [8]. This could increase stopping distances and crash risk.
While only ~1% of vehicles were found to have the brake defect, it nevertheless highlights the potential flaw of over-reliance on drive-by-wire electronic systems vs traditional mechanical controls.
Other Annoyances
Smaller complaints mentioned by owners include:
- Plastic charge port cap coming detached at charging stations [9]
- Lack of interior storage compartments [1]
- Rear cargo cover that seems out of place [1]
Efforts to Address Concerns
In Hyundai‘s defense, the automaker has acknowledged complaints of rattling, warning system glitches, and braking problems specifically. They‘ve issued recalls and software fixes to remedy issues, and will likely continue fine-tuning [6][7][8]. Most new models experience growing pains, although safety issues raise particular concerns.
It‘s also worth noting that JD Power‘s 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study ranked Hyundai #2 out of 33 brands analyzed, with 90 problems per 100 vehicles reported [10]. So the marque still delivers better-than-average new car quality overall.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Ioniq 5 gives you pause, comparable electric crossovers to consider include:
- Mercedes Benz EQA – $48-53k starting, 2WD or AWD available [11]
- Lexus UX 300e – $45-47k starting, 54 mi electric range [12]
- Tesla Model 3 – $47-57k starting, 270-353 mi range [13]
Each option offers a different blend of luxury, quality, range and capabilities to suit your preferences. I suggest taking advantage of test drives where possible.
Summary
The Ioniq 5 brings welcome innovation to the increasingly crowded EV marketplace. But early production issues highlight potential growing pains in Hyundai‘s push into advanced electrification.
While problems should smooth over time, I‘d advise interested buyers to monitor reliability reports over the next model years. Ensure updated software and recalls adequately resolve complaints before purchasing. Only you can determine if the trade-offs and uncertainties balance against the high-tech styling, performance and interior flexibility offered.
I‘m happy to address any other questions as you weigh options. Please drive safely!
