The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most popular EVs for its affordable price, long range capabilities, and modern tech. Is it the best bang for your buck when it comes to an EV?
Hyundai IONIQ 5 voted best-of-the-best EV
After going on sale in the US in late 2021, Hyundai’s electric crossover SUV quickly began winning over buyers with a bold new design, fast charging, long driving range, and comfortable interior.
The IONIQ 5 has remained one of the best-selling EVs over the past four years. However, for the 2025 model year, Hyundai upped the ante, launching the US-built 2025 IONIQ 5 with more driving range (up to 318 miles), improved styling inside and out, and a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
After the federal $7,500 EV tax credit expired at the end of September, Hyundai cut prices on 2026 models by up to $9,800.
The company said the lower prices “reflect Hyundai’s commitment to affordability and its long-term EV strategy” in the US.
According to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Buy Awards, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the best overall electric vehicle you can get your hands on. Hyundai’s price cuts place “the IONIQ 5 among the most competitive in terms of EV pricing,” KBB said, “making this best-of-the-best EV approachable to an even wider set of shoppers.”
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at just $35,000. That’s for the base SE Standard Range model, with an EPA-estimated driving range of 245 miles.
Meanwhile, the extended-range SE RWD trim, starting at $37,500, delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles. With 800V/350 kW DC ultra-fast charging, the IONIQ 5 can add up to 178 miles in as little as 15 minutes.
Inside, the IONIQ 5 is surprisingly spacious. Although it’s about the same size as the Tucson, the IONIQ 5 has a longer wheelbase than the three-row Palisade.
The interior, although relatively minimalistic, is loaded with modern tech. At the center of it is dual 12.3″ driver display and touchscreen infotainment screens with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the IONIQ 5 took the top spot as the best EV overall for 2026, several other electric models made the list in different categories.
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | Driving Range (miles) | 2025 Starting Price | 2026 Starting Price* | Price Reduction | 2025 Monthly Lease Price in January | 2026 Monthly Lease Price in January |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 245 | $42,600 | $35,000 | ($7,600) | $189 | $289 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 318 | $46,650 | $37,500 | ($9,150) | $199 | $299 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 318 | $49,600 | $39,800 | ($9,800) | $239 | $339 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 318 | $54,300 | $45,075 | ($9,225) | $279 | $439 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 290 | $50,150 | $41,000 | ($9,150) | $238 | $369 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 290 | $53,100 | $43,300 | ($9,800) | $279 | $409 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 259 | $55,500 | $46,275 | ($9,225) | $289 | $459 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 269 | $58,200 | $48,975 | ($9,225) | $319 | $499 |
The new 2026 Nissan Leaf won the Best New Model and Best EV Under $35,000 awards. Nissan revamped the electric hatch with a new crossover SUV-like design and over 300 miles of range for the 2026 model.
Looking for something bigger? The 2026 Kia EV9 won the Best 3-Row EV, with KBB deeming it “a true family hauler that also happens to be fully electric.” Kia’s larger electric SUV also offers over 300 miles of range, a spacious tech-oriented interior, and fast charging (10% to 80%) in about 25 minutes.
Like Hyundai, Kia is cutting prices, offering a $10,000 Customer Cash Bonus discount on the 2026 EV9 and 2025 EV6.
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