When the Hyundai Ioniq 5 first hit the market, it was one of the electric vehicles that had lengthy wait times in Canada. It also had one flaw everyone loved to gripe about: the lack of a rear windshield wiper.
For 2025, that issue has finally been resolved. Owners can now easily keep the rear window clean.
Our tester was the top-of-the-line Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD, which has a price tag of $65,736. And unlike some of the early adopters of the Ioniq and other EVs, buyers will no longer benefit from the fairly significant government incentives that once made these vehicles even more attractive.
The Ultimate moniker adds a $6,000 package that brings a long list of features, including silver bumpers and body cladding, leatherette seats, a sliding centre console, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) interior outlet, and a Bose eight-speaker audio system.
Powertrain: The AWD Ioniq 5 features dual electric motors that combine for 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Like most EVs, power delivery is instant and exceptionally smooth, offering plenty of enjoyment behind the wheel.
The long-range model has an 84-kWh battery capable of delivering up to 504 kilometres of estimated range.
Hyundai also includes a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that allows you, with an adapter, to use the battery as a power source which is helpful during power failures or for outdoor events. The Ultimate trim also offers an interior outlet, as noted above.
Exterior: The exterior design of the Ioniq 5 is unapologetically futuristic, which may or may not suit all tastes. Personally, I appreciate the overall look, including the modern pixel-inspired rear light bar.
Up front, slim LED headlights and daytime running lights create a distinctive signature.
Our tester came finished in Cyber Gray Metallic, a colour that really stood out compared to the sea of black Ioniq 5s I typically see on the road.
The look is completed with 19-inch alloy wheels and Hyundai’s Vision Roof, which spans the full length of the vehicle.
Interior: The cabin is flooded with natural light thanks to the expansive glass roof, but even without it, the light gray two-tone materials ensure the interior never feels cramped.
The seats are finished in leatherette; up front, they are heated and ventilated. (Heated rear seats are included as well.)
The sliding centre console allows flexible storage, while the power-operated rear hatch provides convenient access to the cargo area.
The cabin’s focal point is the dual-screen layout stretching across the dashboard, housing both the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment system.
Infotainment: A 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment and navigation duties. The system offers everything you expect in this segment, including satellite radio, Bluetooth for up to two devices simultaneously, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Ultimate trim also features the upgraded Bose eight-speaker audio system with an amplifier.
Drive: The Ioniq 5 delivers a smooth, confident drive. Acceleration is brisk, the steering feels precise, and the overall stability is excellent. I especially appreciated being able to adjust regenerative braking using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Conclusion: While the shine may be coming off the EV market, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 continues to rise to the occasion.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
It’s a pleasure to drive, and I appreciated the cabin’s airiness and comfort. Cargo space is somewhat limited, which could be a consideration for some buyers.
The reduction, or elimination, of government incentives may affect the popularity of many EVs, but when you get behind the wheel of something as well-executed as the Ioniq 5, you’re reminded of just how enjoyable EVs can be. And of course, being able to ignore those pesky gas prices is a welcome perk.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Preferred LR Ultimate AWD
Price as tested: $65,736
Freight: $2,000
Configuration: Dual electric motors / All-wheel drive
Power/torque: 225 horsepower / 258 pound-feet of torque
Battery capacity: 84 kWh
Estimated range: 504 kilometres
Warranties: 5-year/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Nissan LEAF, Volkswagen ID.4
Website: Hyundai Canada