Hyundai IONIQ 5 Named MotorTrend 2023 SUV of the Year

MotorTrend has named the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as the winner of its “Golden Calipers” for SUV of the Year, the publication announced.

IONIQ 5 topped the field of 45 all-new or significantly redesigned SUVs, 25 of which were electrified.

“IONIQ 5 winning MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year speaks to Hyundai’s impressive ability to execute in design, engineering, manufacturing and product development,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “This is one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry and we are honored that IONIQ 5 is recognized for its leading range, power, charging speed, design, interior space and advanced technology.”

“For the first time in MotorTrend‘s 74-year history, the majority of contenders vying for MotorTrend SUV of the Year were electrified, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full battery-electric power,” said Ed Loh, head of editorial, MotorTrend Group. “The sheer volume and capability of all contenders made it one of the most competitive SUV of the Year programs ever, which is great news for consumers looking for efficient, future-forward SUVs and crossovers.”

“After a grueling competition in record-setting heat, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 came out on top, scoring high marks in our award’s six key criteria. In the IONIQ 5, Hyundai delivers an affordable, capable, tech-forward crossover with great range and quick charging capability, standing out in an increasingly crowded field. The IONIQ 5 doesn’t look or drive like any other EV on the road; it leads with interesting and futuristic styling and seals the deal with intuitive, human-centered technology, all in a smartly packaged crossover that fits a wide range of garages, budgets, and lifestyles,” continued Loh.

The IONIQ 5 won SUV of the Year by excelling against the MotorTrend SUV of the Year award’s six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, and performance of intended function, the publication said.

“The IONIQ 5 is super fun to drive, combining sharp handling and expert chassis tuning with luxury-level comfort and ride quality in an affordable mainstream EV,” said Erik Johnson, digital director, MotorTrend. “It’s also fun to look at, with a design evocative of the totally rad ’80s and ’90s but still thoroughly modern and distinctive among a sea of bland crossovers and SUVs. From the overall shape to clever details, you’ll continue to discover long after you drive the IONIQ 5 for the first time that Hyundai’s design team knocked this one out of the park. I couldn’t help but look back over my shoulder after every stint behind the wheel. Add it up, and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a deeply deserving winner of the coveted Golden Calipers.”

MotorTrend’s IONIQ 5 Highlights

• Progressive design
• Ultra-fast 800-volt multi-charging (10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes)
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power small appliances and devices, and even charge other EVs
• Driving range of more than 300 miles
• E-GMP platform improves performance, enhances driving dynamics and optimizes interior volume (spaciousness of a large car in a compact CUV)
• Eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colors at many touchpoints
• IONIQ 5 customers will receive unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for two years on Electrify America’s network of chargers
• IONIQ 5 is the first model in Hyundai’s new family of IONIQ electric vehicles