The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most important electric SUVs of the last few years. With retro-futurist styling, ultra-fast charging, and a genuinely useful interior, it helped prove that mainstream EVs could be both practical and interesting. Now that it’s a few years old, the 2023 IONIQ 5 is also becoming a compelling used EV buy, if you know which version to get and what to look for.
Where the 2023 IONIQ 5 fits
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Glance
Key 2023 IONIQ 5 specs
Bottom line up front
Driving experience: Calm, quick, and comfortable
On the road, the 2023 IONIQ 5 leans more toward calm and comfortable than razor‑sharp and sporty. That’s deliberate. Most trims ride on compliant suspension tuning that shrugs off broken pavement better than many EV rivals, especially the firmer Tesla Model Y. Steering is light but accurate, and the low center of gravity from the battery pack keeps body roll in check.
Single‑motor RWD: Smooth and efficient
The rear‑drive 2023 IONIQ 5 with the 77.4‑kWh battery makes 225 hp and 258 lb‑ft of torque. It won’t pin you to the seat like a performance EV, but it’s more than quick enough for U.S. highway traffic and on‑ramp merges. Power delivery is smooth, and with less weight over the front axle than AWD models, it feels a bit more relaxed and natural in everyday driving.
Dual‑motor AWD: Genuinely quick
Add the front motor and output jumps to 320 hp and 446 lb‑ft. Independent testing has clocked AWD models around 4.4–4.5 seconds 0–60 mph, squarely in sports‑sedan territory. You do feel the extra weight and slightly firmer ride, but for drivers in snowy climates or people who want that punchy acceleration, AWD is a compelling upgrade.
Ride & wheel choice matter
Range and efficiency: How far the 2023 IONIQ 5 really goes
Official range ratings for the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 depend heavily on battery size, drive layout, and wheel choice. For used shoppers, knowing which combination you’re looking at matters more than memorizing every EPA number.
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 EPA-estimated range
Approximate EPA range figures for common 2023 IONIQ 5 configurations.
| Trim / configuration | Battery | Drive | EPA-est. range (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE Standard Range | 58 kWh | RWD | 220 |
| SE / SEL / Limited (19" wheels) | 77.4 kWh | RWD | 303 |
| SE / SEL / Limited | 77.4 kWh | AWD | 266 |
Real‑world range will vary with speed, temperature, elevation, and wheel choice, but these figures provide a useful baseline.
In independent highway testing, an AWD IONIQ 5 with the big pack has delivered just over 200 miles at around 75 mph, which is consistent with what we see from many competitors. Around town, the car’s efficiency improves, and careful drivers in mild weather routinely report real‑world ranges in the 240–280‑mile window for RWD long‑range cars.
Cold‑weather expectations
Charging: Where the IONIQ 5 still leads
If there’s one area where the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 still feels ahead of the pack, it’s DC fast charging. Thanks to an 800‑volt electrical architecture, still rare in this price class, it can take in power at up to around 235–250 kW on a sufficiently powerful charger, dramatically cutting highway stop times.
- DC fast charging (public): On a 350‑kW DC fast charger, Hyundai quotes about 18 minutes to go from 10–80% charge. Even on a 150‑kW unit, it remains impressively quick.
- Level 2 at home/work: With its 10.9‑kW onboard charger, a 240‑V Level 2 station can refill the 77.4‑kWh pack from empty to full in roughly 7–8 hours, and the smaller pack in a little under 6 hours.
- Level 1 (120 V): Technically possible but painfully slow. Think of the included 120‑V cord as an emergency backup, not a daily solution for a 2023 IONIQ 5.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability
If you’ll be relying on public charging, the IONIQ 5’s fast‑charge performance is a real advantage over many rivals. But for most owners, the backbone of a good experience is still a reliable Level 2 setup at home or at work.
How Recharged can help with charging
Trims and configurations explained
For 2023, the IONIQ 5 lineup in the U.S. centers on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims, plus the SE Standard Range entry model. All use the same basic platform and design; your choice really comes down to battery, driven wheels, and comfort/tech features.
2023 IONIQ 5 trims in plain language
What you actually get with SE, SEL, and Limited.
SE Standard Range
- 58‑kWh battery, RWD only
- 220‑mile EPA range
- Good value but limited availability
- Best for short commutes and second‑car duty
SE / SEL (77.4 kWh)
- 77.4‑kWh battery (RWD or AWD)
- More power and range (up to 303 mi)
- SEL adds more comfort + tech
- Core of the 2023 lineup
Limited (77.4 kWh)
- Top trim with most features
- Available in RWD or AWD
- Often includes 20" wheels on AWD
- Head‑up display, premium audio, advanced parking aids
Which trim makes the most sense used?
Interior, space, and tech: Everyday livability
The 2023 IONIQ 5’s interior is where its long, 118‑inch wheelbase really pays off. Legroom in both rows rivals many midsize SUVs, and the completely flat floor makes it easy to slide across the rear bench or install child seats. The squared‑off exterior hides a cabin that feels airy and open, especially in lighter interior color schemes.
- Space: Generous rear legroom and headroom; adults can sit comfortably behind adults. Cargo space is competitive for the segment at around 27–28 cubic feet behind the second row.
- Seats: Front seats are comfortable, with Limited models offering memory, ventilation, and relaxation functions. Rear seats recline and slide, which helps balance passenger room against cargo.
- Controls: Dual 12.3‑inch screens handle instruments and infotainment. Unlike some EV rivals, Hyundai keeps a healthy mix of physical buttons and knobs for climate and basic functions, which makes daily driving more intuitive.
- Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard (wired via USB), along with over‑the‑air updates for certain systems and a solid native navigation system tailored for EV routing.
Family‑friendly touches
Safety ratings and driver-assist tech
The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has performed very well in independent safety testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives it top marks in most crashworthiness categories, and its automatic emergency braking earns high scores in both vehicle and pedestrian tests. That strong passive safety showing pairs with a generous standard driver‑assist suite.
- Standard on most trims: Forward collision‑avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane‑keeping assist, lane centering, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and safe‑exit assist.
- Available on higher trims: Highway Driving Assist 2 (which combines adaptive cruise with active lane centering and automated lane changes on certain roads), surround‑view cameras, remote smart parking assist, and advanced parking sensors.
Good news for used buyers
2023 IONIQ 5 vs Tesla Model Y and other rivals
If you’re considering a 2023 IONIQ 5, you’re almost certainly cross‑shopping a Tesla Model Y and maybe a Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach‑E, or Volkswagen ID.4. Each takes a slightly different approach, but the IONIQ 5 carves out a clear niche.
How the 2023 IONIQ 5 stacks up
High‑level comparison of the 2023 IONIQ 5 against key rivals for a typical long‑range RWD configuration.
| Model | Max EPA range (approx.) | Charging strength | Interior & controls | Used pricing (relative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2023) | Up to ~303 mi | Excellent DC speed, 800‑V | Spacious, intuitive mix of screens + buttons | Generally lower than Model Y, similar to Mach‑E/EV6 |
| Tesla Model Y (similar years) | Often 50+ mi more than AWD IONIQ 5 | Fast, but lower peak than IONIQ 5 | Minimalist, touchscreen‑centric | Higher prices but strong resale |
| Kia EV6 | Up to ~310 mi | Shares 800‑V tech; very fast | Sportier cockpit, slightly less rear space | Similar or slightly higher than IONIQ 5 |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E | Up to low‑300‑mi trims | Solid, but slower peak charging | Familiar Ford interior with big center screen | Comparable on the used market |
| VW ID.4 | Up to mid‑200‑mi | Slower DC charging | Conservative, some touch‑sensitive controls | Often among the more affordable used options |
Actual specs vary by trim and options; think of this as a directional guide rather than a full spec sheet.
Why choose the IONIQ 5 over a Model Y?
Buying a used 2023 IONIQ 5: What to look for
By early 2026, many 2023 IONIQ 5s are on their second owner. That’s an opportunity: early depreciation on EVs often outpaces battery wear, so a healthy used example can deliver a lot of EV for the money. But, as always, the details matter, especially around battery condition and charging history.
Pre‑purchase checklist for a used 2023 IONIQ 5
1. Verify battery health and fast‑charge history
Ask for a recent battery health report if available. Frequent ultra‑fast DC charging isn’t necessarily a deal‑breaker, but a professional diagnostic, like the Recharged Score battery evaluation, gives you a data‑driven view of remaining capacity and pack consistency.
2. Confirm which battery and drivetrain you’re getting
Double‑check whether the car has the 58‑kWh or 77.4‑kWh pack, and RWD or AWD. A quick VIN‑based build sheet or window sticker lookup will clarify this, and it directly affects range, performance, and towing capability.
3. Inspect tires and wheels carefully
Heavy EVs eat tires faster than many gas cars, and the IONIQ 5 is no exception. Check tread depth and even wear. On Limited AWD cars with 20‑inch wheels, budget for pricier replacement tires and slightly shorter tread life.
4. Test all driver‑assist features on a real drive
On your test drive, engage adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, and blind‑spot monitoring. Make sure steering‑assist behaves predictably and the car tracks straight on a well‑marked highway.
5. Look for software and infotainment issues
Cycle through navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Confirm that over‑the‑air updates have been applied where relevant, and that the digital cluster and infotainment screens are free of dead pixels or glitches.
6. Check for uneven panel gaps and prior repairs
Early production EVs from every brand can have fit‑and‑finish quirks. Look for overspray, mismatched paint, or inconsistent gaps that may suggest prior damage or rushed bodywork.
Avoid buying blind on the battery
Recharged addresses this by including a Recharged Score Report with every vehicle we sell. That score pulls in verified battery health diagnostics, charging behavior, and market pricing data, so you’re not guessing about pack condition or overpaying relative to similar IONIQ 5s nationwide.
Is the 2023 IONIQ 5 right for you?
Great fit if…
- You want a stylish, comfortable electric SUV that still feels special inside and out.
- Your daily driving fits within ~180–220 miles even in bad weather, so you’re not dependent on every last mile of range.
- You value ultra‑fast road‑trip charging more than maximum battery size.
- You prefer intuitive physical controls over an all‑touchscreen interface.
Think twice if…
- You regularly drive 250–300+ miles in one shot with limited charging options.
- You absolutely need the biggest cargo hold in the class.
- You’re in a very cold climate and can’t install reliable Level 2 home charging.
- You’re chasing Tesla’s Supercharger‑network‑first ecosystem above all else.
How Recharged fits in
- Browse used 2023 IONIQ 5 listings with transparent pricing and condition reports.
- See a Recharged Score on every vehicle, including objective battery health data.
- Get help with financing, trade‑ins, and nationwide delivery without setting foot in a traditional dealership.
- Talk to EV specialists, not generic salespeople, about how the IONIQ 5 fits your actual driving pattern and budget.
As a package, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most well‑rounded electric crossovers you can buy, new or used. It may not chase headline range figures like a Tesla, but it counters with outstanding charging performance, a comfortable and cleverly packaged interior, strong safety scores, and distinctive design. On the used market, that combination can translate into a lot of value, especially if you have clear insight into battery health and pricing. If those are the boxes you want to tick, a well‑vetted 2023 IONIQ 5 deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
