Ioniq 5

The 2026 range spans 495km to 570km on the WLTP cycle. The base IONIQ 5 RWD leads at 570km thanks to its efficient 19-inch wheels and single rear motor. The Elite drops to 530km on its larger 20-inch wheels, and the dual-motor N Line Premium sits at 495km because it carries a second motor and more weight. Every grade uses the same 84kWh battery, so the differences come down to wheels, drivetrain and mass rather than pack size. Real-world range depends on climate, speed and how often you lean on fast chargers.

The IONIQ 5's 800-volt architecture is its standout feature. On a 350kW-class ultra-fast charger it completes a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in roughly 18 minutes, among the fastest in any mainstream electric SUV. That puts it well ahead of the many 400-volt rivals that take far longer. On a slower 50kW regional charger you are limited by the charger, not the car. AC home charging runs at up to 10.5kW, enough to refill overnight. On a road trip, the IONIQ 5 spends less time plugged in than most of its price rivals.

For most buyers the base IONIQ 5 RWD is the one to shortlist. It holds the same 84kWh battery and 800-volt charging as every grade above it, travels furthest at 570km WLTP, and costs the least at $69,990 driveaway on the current NSW offer (August 2026). The Elite adds an electric tailgate, head-up display and Bose audio for around $5,000 more, at the cost of about 40km of range on its 20-inch wheels. The N Line Premium brings dual-motor all-wheel drive and a plusher cabin, but reviewers question whether its pace justifies the price and the shorter range. Let range and value point you low, comfort and styling point you higher.

Yes. The IONIQ 5 carries a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2021 testing, with 88 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 63 per cent for vulnerable road users and 89 per cent for safety assist. Standard kit includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The one common gripe from reviewers is that the driver-assist alerts, particularly the speed-limit warning, can be intrusive day to day. Note the rating covers the three non-N grades here; the separate high-performance IONIQ 5 N is unrated by ANCAP.

The Tesla Model Y undercuts the IONIQ 5 on price by a significant margin, which is the main reason it outsells it. The Hyundai answers with a larger 84kWh battery, more WLTP range, and 800-volt charging that handles 10 to 80 per cent in about 18 minutes on a 350kW-class ultra-fast charger, so it spends less time at fast chargers on a long trip. Its cabin feels more premium, and it adds vehicle-to-load power the Tesla lacks. The Model Y counters with quicker acceleration, a lower entry price and the Supercharger network. On technical merit the IONIQ 5 is the more complete car; on value the Model Y is hard to ignore. Cross-shop the Kia EV5 and BYD Sealion 7 as well.