[TRT]

When I first joined this forum many posters were comparing the HI5 to the Tesla Model 3. But the model 3 is a (poor) competitor for the Kona EV. The HI5 is a mid sized crossover, roughly comparable to the Tesla model Y, although the Model Y is more of a full sized SUV.

It is about same size as a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV I had, but with a bit less height. As with the Outlander, I adapted fairly quickly. I suspect you will get used to it. Between the PHEV and HI5 I had a Kona EV (which I can highly recommend as a much better small car than the Tesla M3), but after a couple of months with the Ioniq 5 I really appreciate its sophistication and style.

 

[henrik28]

Just opened this thread and noticed that I was smiling reading it ...
Coming from two Outlander PHEVs, my wife constantly asks me why I switched to such a small car !
It's all about what you're used to, and I'm sure you will learn to appreciate the space in the I5 with time.
( Must show this thread to the wife )

 

[williamwu1985]

I also purchase a SEL RWD. You should air your tire to 40 psi see how it goes. Just like Elon suggest to have model Y deair into 40 because it is too firm. I think ioniq 5 tuning have room to get more pressure and having about 3% better range.

 

[MrMjay]

Yes, the car is wider than most other private vehicles. In the UK, we have streets with width-restriction bollards, to prevent heavy vehicles from travelling through residential neighbourhoods, and I try to avoid these because I don't trust myself (the car can get through, but very narrowly). I have no issues in navigating the bollards with my other cars.

 

[MIkeS]

I came from a Kona and of course knew the I5 was a bigger car. However, after about 2 months ownership I can’t say I notice any more.

 

[rwerp]

I like the roominess of I5, but the car is a little difficult to park for me. I suppose I'll get used to it in time.

 

[KIONIQ5]

I'm across this question on a number of other forums. One of the markers that set the I5 apart from many of its competitors (and certainly from traditional designed ICE vehicles) is its extreme stance; a wide car of 4 wheels pushed right to the corners with next to no overhang, partnered with a long wheelbase of 3.0+ metres. When turning sharply or navigating in tight spaces (say while parking) this geometry produces a far greater sensation of "sweep" where the arc of the front wheels is far more pronounced then those of the rear. It's the reason why 4 wheel steering is of greatest benefit to long wheelbase vehicles.
Hyundai already marketed a small electric KONA SUV to wide acclaim.
The I5's dedicated ground up design Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP shared with KIA and GENISIS) has to work across a number of different brands, vehicle types, and markets, it's modularity providing significant cost benefit/economies of scale while reducing number of parts differentiation.
The IONIQ 5 success is crucial for Hyundai. I think they strove to bring to market a car that highlights the extraordinary benefits of a modular skateboard platform in efficiency of packaging and passenger space while making the car appear smaller than it actually is.
When more of the I5's sibling models are released the I5 will be seen very much as middle model, we are already aware of the I6, I7 and possibly an I9. The I7 looks to have the same proportions as the current Pallisade (a much larger vehicle) that will sit on exactly the same wheelbase as the I5.
I am a huge fan of the car. It's a completely different feeling driving sensation than any other car I've owned or driven. And I'm lucky enough to have scored a Project 45 with all the bells and whistles. That gives me an enormous amount of scope to set my profile up within the car's myriad settings to best reflect and enhance my driving experience.
What I would recommend for anyone feeling uncomfortable or daunted by the vehicle's size is give yourself some time ALONE with the car. Find an huge empty wharehouse car park and start playing with all the settings. It's such an important thing to feel comfortable in the car, and to know what and where the physical dimensional limits of the car are. But do it by yourself, because to really set the car up properly, to precisely best reflect how you wish to experience the car......well it takes some time, and some trial and error.
Do this and I can guarantee you'll feel more comfortable and at one with the vehicle.

 

[RoryB]

Yes, the car is wider than most other private vehicles. In the UK, we have streets with width-restriction bollards, to prevent heavy vehicles from travelling through residential neighbourhoods, and I try to avoid these because I don't trust myself (the car can get through, but very narrowly). I have no issues in navigating the bollards with my other cars.

Not sure I agree with this. Of course it’s bigger than your typical hatchback but in comparison to the likes of an X3 or Q5 it’s very similar.
I am coming from an F Pace so this is much smaller which is a great thing

 

[unladenswallow]

The Ioniq 5 is wider than I would like; but I knew that after I did the test drive. I also test drove a VW ID3 which was more the sort of width I was comfortable with; but I preferred the Ioniq.

I have got used to the extra width now. On narrow country roads, the extra width coupled with the matt paint means I have to be careful not to scratch it against the hedge when passing other vehicles. When a see a vehicle approaching on a narrow road, I always try to stop somewhere that I think is wide enough, and let the other vehicle pass me - so that I have clearance from the hedge and it's the other driver's problem if he has to scrape the hedge on his side.

 

[dky]

When I first joined this forum many posters were comparing the HI5 to the Tesla Model 3. But the model 3 is a (poor) competitor for the Kona EV. The HI5 is a mid sized crossover, roughly comparable to the Tesla model Y, although the Model Y is more of a full sized SUV.

It is about same size as a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV I had, but with a bit less height. As with the Outlander, I adapted fairly quickly. I suspect you will get used to it. Between the PHEV and HI5 I had a Kona EV (which I can highly recommend as a much better small car than the Tesla M3), but after a couple of months with the Ioniq 5 I really appreciate its sophistication and style.

The Model Y is definitely not a full sized SUV or closed to it. Tesla says it's a mid sized SUV, but from what I've seen I don't even agree with that. It's more of a suv crossover with it's hunchback model 3 look and size.

 

[HandyAndy]

Yup, it's larger than UK roads were designed for! Ioniq 38 is about the "right" size imho, unless you have a large family & lots of luggage. Interestingly the "standard" battery Ioniq 5 has pretty similar range to the Ioniq 38! Being bigger isn't always better ...

 

[gorwell]

The car is exactly the right size... Unless you don't want a crossover SUV.

People really like to compare it against the OG ioniq or maybe an egolf...

This is a crossover SUV, the car category and dimensions cannot be any clearer.

Despite this people are surprised of it's size... And also surprised it's not as efficient as the smaller OG ioniq.

 

[Ethan]

I parked my Qashqai next to it, it was fairly similar so I’m happy with that.

 

[karma mechanic]

Mine hasn't arrived yet, but my pre-order research has it as 190mm shorter than my 335d and with a 0.6m smaller turning circle. Very slightly wider.

On the two test drives it seemed like a perfectly satisfactory size.

 

[MrMjay]

I've driven large MPVs and vans, no problem. You know you have a big car and make the required adaptation.

However, I still get caught-out when driving the IONIQ 5 though, because being in the car it feels just like my other sedan/saloon cars, and I keep forgetting how wide it actually is.

 

[zamafir]

If you don’t like it you should sell it. TBH almost every review said the car is much bigger than it looks and compared it to crossovers and SUVS.

This. I'm actually coming to it specifically because of how big it is, coming from a niro and previously having gotten ready to buy a sorento phev, so this fits perfectly.

I have plenty of friends waiting for the 6 and 4 before they jump because they either truly want a hatch in this style or a sedan.

Sell it for a profit and maybe get an ev Kona for way less to hold you over.

 

[danhen]

The Model Y is definitely not a full sized SUV or closed to it. Tesla says it's a mid sized SUV, but from what I've seen I don't even agree with that. It's more of a suv crossover with it's hunchback model 3 look and size.

Correct. A full sized SUV would be something like a Tahoe or Sequoia.

 

[MIkeS]

Correct. A full sized SUV would be something like a Tahoe or Sequoia.

I think what ‘full size’ is country specific!

 

[BillinChico]

You are correct...it is big, and I have noticed tha,t but like it. I attempted to transfer the cargo cover from my old Prius into my new SE. It fell almost a foot short indicating just how much wider the interior of the vehicle is that a Prius. (Did you notice your vehicle did not come with a cargo cover?) This makes it a lot easier to transport the large folding table I take down to the Farmers market to register voters every Saturday...the life of a retired person!

 

[Omnia]

You are correct...it is big, and I have noticed tha,t but like it. I attempted to transfer the cargo cover from my old Prius into my new SE. It fell almost a foot short indicating just how much wider the interior of the vehicle is that a Prius. (Did you notice your vehicle did not come with a cargo cover?) This makes it a lot easier to transport the large folding table I take down to the Farmers market to register voters every Saturday...the life of a retired person!

Oh to be retired! In Canada at least the ioniq5 didn't come with the cargo cover unless you got the top trim level. I'm assuming the same thing happened in the US.