When the Hyundai IONIQ 5 launched, it redefined what a family EV could look like. With its retro-futuristic, pixelated styling and ultra-fast 800-volt charging, it looked like a concept car that had accidentally made it onto public roads. Now, with the introduction of the heavily updated 2025 models, Hyundai has refined its flagship electric vehicle.

But what is it actually like to live with on a daily basis? To cut through the glossy manufacturer brochures, we rely entirely on direct feedback from actual drivers, utilizing data from the Electric Road EV Owners Poll alongside detailed long-term Owner Reviews & Road Trip Reports.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Owners’ Star Rating

4.53 / 5 Stars

(based on 112 verified UK IONIQ 5 owner ratings)

What Owners Love: Deceptive Space and Ultimate Comfort

The overriding theme across owner feedback is that the IONIQ 5 excels as an incredibly spacious, comfortable, and refined daily driver.

• A “Tardis-like” interior: The retro-hatchback styling cleverly hides a massive footprint. Owners are consistently surprised by the interior volume, describing it as having “a very comfortable driving position” and noting that it “doesn’t look or feel big while driving but it’s very roomy.” Another driver highlighted the “large cabin space” and “lots of leg room.”

   

• A relaxing cruiser: The transition to electric power provides a massive leap in refinement. Drivers praise the IONIQ 5 as being “much quieter while driving” than many direct rivals. The overall experience leads many to find excuses to drive, with one owner admitting, “I go on random round trips to nowhere in particular just to have the joy of driving it.”

   

• Sensible ergonomics: In an era where many brands force everything onto touchscreens, drivers love the balance in the IONIQ 5. One driver stated, “Love the fact it has many physical buttons so you’re not always reaching for the touchscreen while on the move.”

Exceptional Running Costs

Whether utilized as a company workhorse or a school-run vehicle, the IONIQ 5 is proving to be a massive money-saver for its owners.

• Slashing the monthly budget: Drivers replacing internal combustion engines are seeing dramatic financial benefits. One enthusiastic owner reported achieving “a range of 350 miles, costing less than a fiver makes driving fun again.”

   

• Unbeatable charging speeds: Thanks to its 800V architecture, the IONIQ 5 charges significantly faster than almost all of its direct competitors, making motorway top-ups incredibly quick.

Areas for Improvement

One of the most fascinating aspects of polling long-term owners is seeing how a manufacturer responds to feedback. The early editions of the IONIQ 5 had a few well-documented quirks, almost all of which Hyundai has directly addressed in the last year or so.

• The rear wiper debate: The single most common historical complaint from UK owners navigating wet winters was simple: “No rear wiper!” All 2025 onward models now feature a standard rear wash/wipe, completely resolving this significant visibility issue.

   

• Suspension refinements: A few early owners noted that the suspension was “a little woolly” and could feel “bouncy over some undulating B roads.” The newer editions, particularly the N Line trim, offer “a great balance of performance and comfort,” tightening up the ride without sacrificing the car’s signature plushness.

   

• Intrusive safety tech: Several drivers noted that features like lane assist and speed warnings can be annoying, as “you have to reset every time you get back in the car.” While this is largely a requirement of new safety legislation, newer software updates have made disabling these features slightly more streamlined.

Range and Long-Distance Driving

The IONIQ 5 is offered with different battery capacities and drivetrains, and real-world performance instils confidence for long trips.

• Real-world mileage and tech: The battery capacities have increased for the newest models (now up to 84 kWh on Long Range versions), pushing the real-world range higher. The tech assists are also a massive hit for road trips. One driver returning for a second IONIQ 5 noted, “HDA 2 [Highway Driving Assist 2] is very good on motorways, making long journeys even better and less stressful.”

   

• Over-The-Air improvements: The newest models benefit from an upgraded infotainment system and robust Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. As one owner stated, “This is my second IONIQ 5, and the new model is even better, more reliable and the OTA updates continue to improve it.”

The Real-World Verdict

Earning a stellar 4.53 out of 5 stars from 112 owners via our EV Owners Poll, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most recommended electric family vehicles on the market.

It was already a fantastic electric car, but the 2025 updates prove that Hyundai actively listens to its owners – adding the much-requested rear wiper, upgrading the battery, and refining the tech. If you want a spacious, ultra-fast charging, and incredibly comfortable EV that looks like nothing else on the road, the IONIQ 5 demands a spot on your shortlist.