A game-changing EV for sub-£20k? How to bag a Hyundai Ioniq 5

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Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 11:00 0 26 autotech

You can have your Ioniq 5 in a choice of trims ranging from SE Connect (climate control, heated mirrors and sat-nav), through Premium (LED headlights, a powered tailgate and heated seats) to Ultimate (leather, privacy glass and a Bose sound system) and thence to Namsan Edition (digital side mirrors and ‘relaxation’ front seats). Worthwhile options to look for include the heat pump/Eco pack and battery heater on early cars and built-in vehicle-to-load capability. Find one with that lot and you’ll have a quick, capable, comfortable and practical EV to be proud of.

An owner’s view

“We have two Ioniq 5s in our household, which tells you all you need to know about how satisfied I am with the model. Mine was registered in 2023 and is a 77kWh Namsan Edition. It has done 39,000 miles and is reliable, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to own. It has an excellent range. I recently completed a trip from Coventry to Southampton and back on a single charge. All the recalls have been completed, including replacement of both door wing mirror cameras, something anyone interested in buying one of these models should make a point of checking.”  Rajiv Lahiri

Buyer beware…

Motor and Electrics: A recall concerning the possibility of a defective integrated charging control unit (ICCU) no longer charging the 12V battery and so putting the car in failsafe driving mode was issued on 6 May 2024. ICCU replacement delays have been experienced by some owners. Aside from this, batteries have been known to go flat due to parasitic draw and software issues. Make sure the four-year/40,000-mile service was done – it includes a battery coolant change.

Driveline: A recall concerning the possibility of loss of drive due to a failing of the rear inner driveshaft was issued on 13 May 2024. Some owners have reported driveshaft replacement delays. A whine may signal imminent failure of the reduction gear bearings.

Suspension, brakes and tires: Check remaining tyre life and alloys for scrapes (some wheels protrude noticeably). A recall concerning the possibility of the parking brake not holding was issued on 20 June 2022. Check if the wheel bearings have been replaced under warranty.

Body: Examine windows for tiny cracks (some cars have suffered). The front bumper is easily chipped. Note that early models don’t have a rear wash/wipe. Ensure the door handles close and wing mirrors fold when locking the car.

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