HYUNDAI Ioniq Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Korean carmaker introduced the second generation of its electric Ioniq 5 model at the beginning of 2021 with a CUV-like appearance and a stunning design.

Ioniq 5 was based on the Hyundai 45 EV design study and resembled the 45 years brand's history. It was built on the E-GMP platform that brought a longer wheelbase and featured a more muscular appearance. The sci-fi design and angular-sculptured side panels paved the way for a Korean carmaker's new design language.

Hyundai's first car on the market was the 1975 Pony designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and the 2021 Ioniq 5 took its inspiration from that model. At the front, the clam-shell design continued to minimize the grille and pushed the company's logo on the hood. From its sides, the huge wheelbase for its car category led to a spacious interior.

Inside, Hyundai took the minimalist design to a different level. The dashboard was divided into an upper and lower section, with just a few buttons on the center stack. There was a 12" TFT display for the instrument panel in front of the driver and, in the middle of the dash panel, an additional 12" screen for the infotainment system. Both of them were mounted on a shared board. The front passenger's seat featured a foot-rest to enjoy more comfort on longer journeys. There was room for three passengers in the rear, and, thanks to the completely flat floor and the 3.0-meters (118") wheelbase, they all had enough legroom.

The carmaker offered the 2021 Ioniq 5 with two power options. Customers could choose between a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive solution or two motors (one on each axle). Also, the carmaker offered two battery options. Another important innovation was the electric system, which allowed high-voltage and high-power charging stations of up to 800 volts.

Hyundai Ioniq was launched in 2016 and it was the first car that was designed and engineered from the start to be a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric. In 2019 it went through a mid-life cycle refresh, to boost its sales.

The eco-friendly car revolution didn't have to move everyone into the boring car territory. Hyundai understood that and it didn't rush to build their first ecological vehicle from the ground up. It created it with the ecology in mind so the same platform could have been used for more than just one solution, but all three of them.

The facelift for the Ioniq brought a new mesh-grille and an updated front bumper design with a silver-colored molding at the bottom. The LED DRLs, as well as the newly available, LED head- and taillights were completely redesigned to make the Ioniq looks better.

Inside the car, a new AVN 10.25” display to control the heating, and climate control. The electric version of the Ioniq has received a new, 7” LCD console display. The same display was also available for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, on their higher trim levels.

The battery pack was increased for the electric version from the former 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh and that led to a range of up to 186 miles (300 km).

The 2016 Hyundai Ioniq was designed from the start to be delivered in three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric. By doing this, the car could have been equipped with batteries without altering the rest of the vehicle.

It was not a secret for anyone that Hyundai targeted the Toyota Prius when it launched the Ioniq. It took everything that people liked about Toyota and improved it in every way. It was the same recipe that Toyota used when it started to sell cars in the U.S. or Europe.

The wedged shape of the car, with a sloped rear and a long liftgate. The sloped rear end was similar to the Prius idea of a long tailgate that covered a large and accessible trunk. Under the trunk's floor, the Ioniq featured a space-saver spare wheel instead of a flat-tire repair kit.

On the inside, Hyundai managed to install an impressive list of features as standard, such as the leather steering wheel, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. For the upper trim levels, there was available a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats. The 7” infotainment unit included the navigation system and was compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

There were three powertrain options. There was a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric version. The latter was not available for the Toyota Prius.