Hyundai is shaking up its electric SUV game for 2026, streamlining the IONIQ 5 range and sprinkling some high-tech magic across the line-up. The once sprawling 14-variant menu is now a sleek three, making it far easier to choose your ideal EV without getting lost in a spec maze. The 125kW RWD 63kWh variant bites the dust, and the Digital Side Mirror option has been retired—simplicity is king.
The IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai’s hot-blooded EV sibling, now comes as a single grade with a Vision Roof as standard. Beyond looks, the flagship N benefits from the MY25 update goodies: Intelligent Front Lighting System (IFS) on LED headlights, haptic feedback steering, all-window auto up/down, and a tricked-out N Drift Optimiser Pro for even more sliding fun. N Active Sound has been tuned too, giving that thrilling EV growl a little more drama.
Model naming has also been tidied up. The range opener stays the IONIQ 5, the mid-grade is now IONIQ 5 Elite, and the top N Line Premium replaces the Epiq trim. Hyundai Australia’s Gavin Donaldson says it best: this refresh pairs Digital Key 2.0 convenience with a simple, smart line-up, making it one of the most compelling medium EVs around.
Battery-wise, the 2026 IONIQ 5 now standardises an 84kWh pack, offering plenty of range for the daily grind or weekend escape. And yes, the Digital Key 2.0 is clever: walk up with a UWB-enabled smartphone and the car unlocks itself, or tap via NFC if your phone is older. Share with 15 devices, no signal needed, and it even works with a flat phone battery.
Colours? Plenty. Celadon Grey Matte joins ten shades for the standard IONIQ 5, while the N gets nine options including the hero Performance Blue in gloss or matte. Interiors have been simplified too: black is standard, with N Line Premium featuring suede/leather and Elite trims offering two light-colour options.
Above: This Week’s VIDEO Review – 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV SLAYS Official Economy Figure
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ABOVE: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 range
Prices kick off at $76,200 for the base RWD 168kW, rising to $115,000 for the 448kW N AWD. Pre-paid service plans are available, and Hyundai’s myHyundaiCare promises worry-free ownership with a 7-year/Unlimited km warranty and 8-year EV battery coverage.
In short, Hyundai’s 2026 IONIQ 5 refresh is all about smarter tech, simpler choices, and a dash of N adrenaline for those who like their EVs with a little
attitude.
#Hyundai, #IONIQ5, #IONIQ5N, #ElectricVehicle, #EV, #DigitalKey2, #HyundaiAustralia, #EVNews, #EVUpdate, #HyundaiN
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| Model | Powertrain | Battery | Drive | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | WLTP Range | Key Features | MLP (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONIQ 5 | RWD 168kW | 84kWh | RWD | 168 | 350 | 570km (19″) / 530km (20″) | LED headlights, SmartSense Safety, i-Pedal, Auto up/down windows, 10-way driver seat, 12.3″ digital cluster, Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | $76,200 |
| IONIQ 5 Elite | RWD 168kW | 84kWh | RWD | 168 | 350 | 570km (19″) / 530km (20″) | 20″ alloys, Eco-leather seats, Heated front seats, Smart tailgate, BOSE 8-speaker audio, Head-Up Display, Sliding centre console | $81,200 |
| IONIQ 5 N Line Premium | AWD 239kW | 84kWh | AWD | 239 | 350 | 495km | Vision Roof, N Line styling, LED IFS headlights, Suede/Leather seats, Heated/Ventilated seats, Memory seats, Red N stitching, 20″ N wheels | $91,700 |
| IONIQ 5 N | AWD 448kW | 84kWh | AWD | 448 | 770 | 448km | Vision Roof, Dual-motor AWD, N Drift Optimiser Pro, N Active Sound+, N e-Shift & Pedal, Forward Collision Avoidance, 21″ forged wheels, V2L, Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluelink + Digital Key 2.0 | $115,000 |
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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