GoKawiilHyundai's Ioniq 5 still impresses in 2026, but rivals have caught up
Ars Technica revisited the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, testing an AWD Limited trim with an 84 kWh battery, NACS charging port, and 320 hp output following the car's early 2025 refresh. The reviewer found the retro styling and fast-charging capability still hold up well five years after launch, though the AWD version's range drops to 269 miles compared to 318 miles for the rear-wheel-drive model.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The Ioniq 5 helped popularize 800V fast-charging architecture in mainstream EVs, but the compact electric crossover segment has grown far more crowded since 2021. How well an aging design ages against newer competitors matters for Hyundai's ability to hold market share as buyers get more EV choices.
- 2026 Ioniq 5 AWD Limited starts at $45,075 with 320 hp and 84 kWh battery
- 2025 refresh added NACS charging port and a previously missing rear wiper
- AWD trim sacrifices range (269 miles) versus rear-wheel-drive version's 318 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 5 NACS Charging Adapter — Since the 2025 refresh switched the Ioniq 5 to a NACS port, having an adapter on hand is handy for accessing older CCS1 stations or vice versa during the transition period. It's a small, practical accessory that ensures you're never stranded without the right plug, letting you make the most of that impressive 800V fast-charging system the article praises.
See Hyundai Ioniq 5 NACS Charging Adapter on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-09-17
Published there as: “2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Here's what we still like, here's what annoys us”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.