Hyundai Australia has streamlined its electric medium SUV Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N lineup for 2026. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 now has only three variants, while the performance-centric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is only offered in one trim.
Every 2026 Ioniq 5 comes with the 84kWh battery pack as standard, with the elevated entry price of $76,200, up $6,400 from the outgoing base model. A major addition to the feature list is the smartphone-based Digital Key 2.0 across the lineup.
Pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 lineup
| Variant | Price (before on roads) |
|---|---|
| Ioniq 5 (base, RWD) | $76,200 |
| Ioniq 5 Elite (RWD, formerly Dynamiq) | $81,200 |
| Ioniq 5 N Line Premium (AWD, formerly Epiq) | $91,700 |
| Ioniq 5 N (AWD, Vision Roof) | $115,000 |
Hyundai has eliminated 11 (from 14) variants from the Ioniq 5 range and has axed the entire 63kWh battery option with its 125kW electric motor (entry point Ioniq 5).
As a result, prices for the entry-level Ioniq 5 electric crossover SUV have gone up by $6,400, but it only costs $400 more than the cheapest 84kWh-equipped variant from the outgoing range.
The flagship Hyundai Ioniq 5 N electric performance SUV has been consolidated to a single grade at $115,000, up $2,000 from the previous N with panoramic roof option. The former Dynamiq and Epiq grades, with RWD or AWD options and the N Line package as an add-on, have been replaced by clearly defined Elite and N Line Premium grades.
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Digital Key 2.0 for all grades
Every 2026 Ioniq 5 now comes standard with a smartphone-based lock, unlock, and start system, called Hyundai Digital Key 2.0.
Digital Key 2.0 operates through 2 distinct technologies, depending on your device:
- NFC (Near Field Communication): Owners can tap their NFC-enabled smartphone against the door handle to unlock and against the NFC wireless reader to start the vehicle.
- UWB (Ultra-Wideband): Simply approach your IONIQ 5 with your compatible smartphone, and it unlocks automatically in a touchless manner.
The car owner can start using the Digital Key after linking the IONIQ 5 to an active Hyundai Bluelink account. 1 device can share access with up to 15 compatible devices. NFC cards are available as optional accessories for those who prefer a physical backup.
Battery, range and performance of the 2026 Ioniq 5 lineup
| Spec | 2026 Ioniq 5 | 2026 Ioniq 5 N Line Premium | 2026 Ioniq 5 N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 84kWh | 84kWh | 84kWh |
| Drivetrain | Single Motor, RWD | Dual Motor, AWD | Dual Motor, AWD |
| Power | 168kW | 74kW + 165kW | 166kW + 282kW |
| Torque | 350Nm | 255Nm + 350Nm | 370Nm + 400Nm |
| WLTP Range | 570km (19” wheel) 530km (20” wheel) | 495km | 448km |
For the 2026 Ioniq 5 N, the N Drift Optimiser Pro system has been updated with expanded customisation options and greater functionality, which allows enthusiasts to fine-tune their vehicle’s behaviour at the limit. The N Active Sound system logic has also been refined. Additional improvements include auto up/down functionality for all windows and a haptic feedback steering wheel.
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Comprehensive safety kit in 2026 Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintains its 5-star ANCAP safety rating from 2021. The assessment revealed robust performance across all categories:
| Category | Hyundai IONIQ 5 Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 88% |
| Child occupant protection | 87% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 63% |
| Safety assist systems | 89% |
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N remains unrated by ANCAP, but it shares the same fundamental safety architecture.
Standard safety equipment across the range is:
- Smart Sense with ADAS features
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection
- Junction turning and crossing assist
- Blind-spot assist with Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Lane change oncoming and side assist
- Evasive steering assist
- Leading vehicle departure alert
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Lane-keep assist with Lane Following Assist (lane centring)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- 7 airbagsDriver attention warning
- Rear occupant alert
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe exit assist
Design elements of the 2026 Ioniq 5
Exterior design
The updated Ioniq 5 electric SUV retains the distinctive parametric pixel design language. The base model now features a new 19-inch alloy wheel design that complements the vehicle’s angular and futuristic aesthetic. The colour palette has expanded to 10 options, with the addition of Celadon Grey Matte.
The Ioniq 5 N is offered in 9 colours and is headlined by the hero Performance Blue offered in both gloss and matte finishes. The N Line Premium and Ioniq 5 N feature distinctive high-performance styling elements like unique front and rear fascias, aerodynamic enhancements, and the N-specific design cues.
Interior Design
Hyundai Australia has standardised a black interior across the 2026 Ioniq 5 lineup. The Elite grade offers flexibility with 2 light-colored interior options available at no cost. The N Line Premium features suede and leather-appointed seats that balance sportiness with premium comfort.
Key specifications of the 2026 Ioniq 5 lineup
Ioniq 5 (Base)
- 84kWh battery
- New 19-inch alloy wheel design
- Hyundai Digital Key 2.0
- Heated ORVMs
- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Adjustable ambient lighting
- Black interior
- Comprehensive active safety suite
- Wireless phone charger
- Dual-zone climate control
- V2L function
- 4x USB-C ports, 2x 12V sockets
Ioniq 5 Elite (Base features, plus)
- 20-inch alloy wheels and sportier tyres
- Powered tailgate
- Sliding centre console
- 10-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Choice of 2 light-colored interior options (no cost)
- BOSE 8-speaker audio
- Head-up display
- Alloy pedals
- Privacy glass rear doors and tailgate
Ioniq 5 N Line Premium (Elite features, plus)
- AWD, dual motor configuration
- Vision roof (fixed panel glass with powered sunshade)
- Memory function for front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- 2-way power-adjustable and heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Suede and leather-appointed seats
- N Line styling elements inside out
- Enhanced performance capability
- LED headlights with Intelligent Front Lighting System (IFS)
Ioniq 5 N (N Line features, plus)
- Haptic feedback steering wheel
- N Drift Optimiser Pro with expanded customisation
- Updated N Active Sound system
- Alcantara and leather-appointed performance seats
- Exclusive N styling and aerodynamic elements
- Available in 9 colours
- Rear air vents (in B-pillar)
- Paddle-shifters (N e-shift control)
- 21-inch Forged wheels with aero inserts, Michelin tyres
- Larger, ventilated brake discs
In the interest of lightness, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N loses the power-adjustable seats. It gets the same safety package, but cuts back to six airbags from seven.
Paint options for the Ioniq 5 carry the following charges:
Premium Paint: $750 (MLP)
Matte Paint: $1,000 (MLP)
Warranty and service benefits
All 2026 Ioniq 5 vehicles come with Hyundai’s 5-year standard new car warranty. However, Hyundai provides an extended warranty for up to an additional 2 years when all servicing is completed with authorised Hyundai dealers.
Hyundai Australia also warrants hybrid and EV drive batteries for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres from the date of first registration. Exclusions apply for vehicles used for “commercial application” as detailed in the warranty policy.
MORE: Hyundai Australia plans new dealer strategy after poor EV sales
Key takeaways for the buyers
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5’s $76,200 starting price is a significant upward shift from where this model family began. However, every Ioniq 5 now includes the big 84 kWh battery that previously commanded a premium, along with the Digital Key 2.0.
Despite this, the Ioniq 5 still faces tough competition in the Aussie EV market. The Tesla Model Y continues to dominate sales charts with aggressive pricing and Supercharger infrastructure. The Chinese carmaker BYD also aims to erode premium positioning with its sub-$55k entries in the mid-size electric SUV segment.
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