The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been our Best Buy Award winner in its class for four years in a row, meaning it’s our top recommendation among electric vehicles (EVs). Suffice to say, there is a lot we like about it. In fact, narrowing it down to just three traits is something of a challenge. But if we could only pick a trio of our favorite things about the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, it would be these.
1. Head-Turning Design
When the Ioniq 5 splashed onto the car scene, there was nothing else like it on the road. Five years later, there still isn’t. No other vehicle – electric or otherwise – blends aesthetics like it. The Ioniq 5 still feels like a fever dream plucked from a 1980s video game. It’s at once retro yet futuristic, with a design dominated by angles, pixelated lights, and attitude.
Even its body style might is unique. While it’s technically an SUV, the Ioniq 5 can make a great case for being the modern hot hatch, especially in its hottest form – see #2.
2. Model Variety
The 2026 Ioniq 5 lineup gives you a lot of choice. Range of 245 to 318 miles, rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD), and several trims to choose from. Then there are the more specialized variants. The Ioniq 5 XRT, seen above, is the more rugged, off-pavement variant, featuring standard AWD, all-terrain tires, enhanced ground clearance, and chunky cladding. It’s like a modern, all-electric rally racer.
Then there’s the actual racer of the bunch, the furious Ioniq 5 N. Boasting up to 641 horsepower and the ability to rocket to 60 mph in around 3 seconds, this track-ready Ioniq 5 is an absolute blast to drive. We love its ability to mimic gear shifts and even simulate the burble of an exhaust. As a complete package, it’s wicked fun.
3. Overall Value
Value can be measured in several ways, and here too the Ioniq 5 delivers. First is its price. Starting at $36,600, including destination fee, the Ioniq 5 makes for a highly attractive, innovative EV whose upfront cost won’t break the bank.
Then there’s the value of the assurance from its warranty, which you can’t put a price on. As with all Hyundai models, the Ioniq 5’s new-vehicle warranty is good for five years/60,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for 10 years/100,000 miles. Those coverage terms are unbeatable.
Read More on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Read our full review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, find this week’s Fair Purchase Price, or see Ioniq 5 models for sale near you.
