Mat’s Car of the Day: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is used car of the year, and it’s easy to see why
Car changing is a big deal
Carwow’s sister publication Auto Express has just crowned the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Used Car Of the Year, and Mat Watson has found some great deals on this futuristic SUV.
I remember first seeing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 back in 2021 and thinking it looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, and it still does five years later. The difference is now there are loads of used examples out there, and prices are temptingly cheap.
It’s such a great-value that Auto Express has dubbed it Used Car of the Year for 2026, and it’s well-deserved. Here’s an example I found for sale on Carwow, as well as a few reasons I think you should buy one.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Used Hyundai Ioniq 5 deals
Prices for a used Hyundai Ioniq 5 start from as little as £16,000 through Carwow, which is around £25,000 less than the cost of a new one. It’s also about the same as the tiny Leapmotor T03, for a car which is miles more practical and has over 100 miles more range.
However, this is the car which caught my eye. It’s the Ultimate version from 2021 with just over 35,000 miles on the clock, and it’s up for £19,995.
It has heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, twin 12.3-inch screens and wireless smartphone mirroring, as well as the punchy 305hp motor and up to 268 miles of range.
Three good things about the Hyundai Ioniq 5
1. It’s really spacious inside
I was really impressed with the amount of interior space on offer in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. There’s loads of room to get comfy up front, plenty of storage space inside and even tall adults will be able to get comfy in the back.
2. The interior is posh and high-tech
It’s hard to believe that you can get an electric SUV which feels this premium for less than £20,000. All the materials are nice and plush, the build quality is solid and the switchgear is nicely damped. I like the twin screens as well – they’re responsive and easy to use on the move.
3. It stands out from the crowd
The Ioniq 5’s retro-futuristic styling still looks good, even after five years. I love the pixel-style rear lights and sleek front visor, and the angular bodywork makes it look like a bit of metal origami.
Three annoying things about the Hyundai Ioniq 5
1. Other EVs have better range
For the same money as this Ioniq 5, you could also have a 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. That car has up to 374 miles of range, over 100 miles more than the Hyundai featured here and 20 miles more than the latest Ioniq 5 can manage.
2. The boot isn’t the biggest
The Ioniq 5 has a useful 520-litre boot, and it’s a nice, square shape. However, the Skoda Enyaq has up to 585 litres of space, and a Tesla Model Y has more than 800 litres of carrying capacity.
3. The steering column needs more reach adjustment
Make sure you try an Ioniq 5 before you buy, because I found that the steering wheel doesn’t come quite close enough for my liking. It feels like I’m reaching a bit too far for it, which gets tiring on long journeys.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Want to see the latest car content first? Add Carwow as a preferred source here. Click here to follow us on Reddit, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.