IONIQ 5

Driving Experience

The IONIQ 5 feels composed and planted despite its unconventional styling. The suspension strikes an impressive balance between being responsive yet compliant, while the paddle shifter-controlled regenerative braking system lets you dial in exactly how much energy recovery you want without feeling like you're fighting the car.

Pros

• Genuinely striking and timeless design that stands out everywhere
• Exceptional rear legroom with adjustable footrest and reclining seats
• 800-volt charging system with 350kW peak and 18-minute 10-80% capability
• Thoughtfully retained physical controls avoid forcing everything onto screens
• Comfortable suspension tuning that's neither harsh nor wallowy
• Excellent adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist

Cons

• Touchscreen UI feels dated and lacks Thai language option
• No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto despite the price point
• Wireless charging location makes phone retrieval awkward
• Front storage is cramped for a car at this level
• Requires pressing stop before exiting, unlike most EVs
• No kick sensor for hands-free tailgate opening

Value for Money

You get serious technology like 800-volt architecture, extensive warranty coverage including 10 years of free maintenance, and a genuinely well-tuned driving experience that competitors struggle to match. The feature set is generous for the segment, though some infotainment shortcuts feel like cost-cutting.

Verdict

This is a car for people who want something genuinely different without sacrificing daily usability. Whether you're a young professional after something distinctive or someone seeking real comfort on long drives, the IONIQ 5 delivers on multiple fronts in ways that matter.

Driving Experience

The car feels engaging with its rear-wheel-drive layout, offering genuine fun when pushed hard while still being composed and predictable in everyday driving. The suspension is tuned more toward comfort than outright sportiness, giving a slightly soft and floaty feel at higher speeds rather than the planted firmness some enthusiasts might prefer.

Pros

• Striking, timeless design that still looks premium after two years
• Impressive 800V charging system with fast 350kW DC capability
• Generous wheelbase with exceptional rear legroom comparable to full-size sedans
• Spacious interior with clever storage solutions and modular rear seating
• Engaging rear-wheel-drive character with surprising driving fun
• Strong 217 horsepower with responsive performance in Sport mode
• High-quality materials and thoughtful cabin design

Cons

• Suspension setup feels slightly soft and floaty at speed above 130 km/h
• Accelerator and brake pedal feel overly soft, lacking mechanical feedback
• ADAS lane-keeping system doesn't corner follow effectively
• Rear suspension lacks sufficient firmness for more aggressive driving
• Smaller touchscreen (12.3 inches) compared to rivals
• High-performance Damper could be firmer for sporty driving

Value for Money

The IONIQ 5 offers impressive value with its unique design, spacious interior, advanced charging technology, and genuine driving engagement. For what you get—premium materials, clever engineering, and real driving fun—it remains competitive in its segment despite pricing pressures from Chinese EV rivals.

Verdict

The IONIQ 5 First Edition is a complete package: stylish, practical, and genuinely fun to drive. It's best suited to buyers who want a family-friendly EV that doesn't compromise on character and daily usability.

Driving Experience

The IONIQ 5 feels composed and confident through corners with excellent body control that belies its soft suspension tuning. The regenerative braking system is smooth and customizable across multiple levels, letting you dial in exactly how much one-pedal feel you want.

Pros

• 800V ultra-fast charging reaches 80% in under 10 minutes
• Spacious interior with clever rear seat that slides and reclines independently
• Excellent handling balance—soft enough for comfort but planted in corners
• Pixel-pattern design language looks genuinely modern and distinctive
• Modular battery design simplifies repairs and keeps costs down
• Comprehensive driver assistance systems that actually work well
• Adaptive air intake and active aerodynamics show real engineering thought

Cons

• USB ports are Type A only, not USB-C like competitors
• Dashboard cluster isn't touchscreen, which feels dated versus the infotainment screen
• Paddle shifters control regeneration, not gear selection—takes adjustment
• Rear seat passengers don't get Type C charging ports
• Limited to 170 hp on the base model versus 217 hp on higher trims
• Fabric roof instead of glass can feel claustrophobic in hot climates

Value for Money

You're getting a car that punches well above its price with German-level suspension tuning, premium interior materials, and future-proof battery technology. Compared to rivals like the Model Y or Chinese EVs in this segment, the IONIQ 5 offers more sophisticated driving dynamics and clever design without charging a premium.

Verdict

This is a genuinely likeable electric car that doesn't feel like a compromise. If you want something that feels current without being trendy, handles corners with confidence, and actually makes long road trips painless with rapid charging, the IONIQ 5 deserves a serious look.