2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lite Review

In recent years, Malaysia’s D-segment electric vehicle market has been heating up. Consumers are no longer solely focused on range numbers but are paying more attention to design distinctiveness, practicality of space, and configuration balance. As a core model in Hyundai's electrification transformation, the 2022 Ioniq 5 Lite stands out with its retro-futuristic design and long wheelbase. The primary purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can balance a sense of technology, practicality, and driving experience in daily use, and whether it justifies its RM 199,888 price tag.

At first glance, the Ioniq 5 Lite easily grabs attention with its retro design. Its boxy shape combined with short front and rear overhangs resembles the outline of hatchbacks from the 1980s while contemporary details enhance its modern appeal—the pixel-style LED daytime running lights at the front are the most striking feature, with exceptional recognition when illuminated. The closed front grille merges with the minimalistic front bumper, maintaining the clean aesthetics typical of electric vehicles. The side profile features straight lines, with the waistline running from the front fender through to the rear, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels (tire size 235/55 R19), giving the car a composed yet powerful appearance. The rear continues the pixel design theme, with taillights echoing the front daytime running lights, while the diffuser shape at the lower rear bumper adds a sporty flavor. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlamps, automatic headlights, and rear fog lights, blending functionality with design aesthetics.

Opening the car door, the interior offers a harmonious blend of technology and practicality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster integrated with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The screen resolution is high, and the operation is smooth. Regarding materials, the top of the dashboard and the inside of the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver-gray trim, making the overall texture above average for its price range. In terms of configuration, the Keyless Operation system for keyless entry/start is standard. The front seats support 8-way electric adjustment with lumbar support, while the rear seats feature 60:40 split-folding, electric sliding, and manual reclining functions, offering great flexibility. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes with rear air vents, and the front row is also equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, making it convenient for outdoor electricity needs. The 360-degree parking camera system has sufficient clarity, combined with front and rear sensors, which alleviates parking anxiety for new drivers.

Space is one of the strengths of the Ioniq 5 Lite. The vehicle's dimensions are 4635mm/1890mm/1605mm (L/W/H), with a wheelbase of 3000mm, which even exceeds some mid-to-large SUVs. The front-row seating space is spacious, and a passenger 180cm tall still has a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear space is even more impressive, offering over two fists of legroom, and with electrically sliding seats, it ensures comfort even during long rides. The trunk provides a regular volume of 527 liters, and folding down the rear seats expands the space further, making it convenient to store strollers and suitcases with ease. In terms of storage space, the front and rear door panels’ storage compartments can accommodate large water bottles, and the center console compartment also has considerable capacity.

Powertrain: The Ioniq 5 Lite is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 350N·m, with an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is quick in the initial stages, and a light press on the accelerator provides noticeable thrust, making it completely sufficient for daily urban commuting. Although mid-to-high-speed acceleration is not as aggressive as high-performance electric vehicles, pressing the accelerator deeply for overtaking still provides ample reserve power. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is more subdued, suitable for daily driving; in Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is enhanced, making it more suitable for occasional spirited driving.

Handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a family car. The front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension filters out most small vibrations, ensuring passengers inside won't feel obvious jolts. During high-speed cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, offering good stability. The steering wheel has a moderate amount of weight to it, with minimal slack, making daily driving very manageable. In terms of braking, the brake pedal feels linear, with evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture.

Range and energy consumption are key concerns for electric vehicle users. The Ioniq 5 Lite is equipped with a 58kWh lithium battery and has an official pure electric range of 384km. In our tests under mixed road conditions (50% city and 50% highway) with the air-conditioning set to 24°C automatic mode, the range achievement rate was about 85%, allowing an actual range of around 326km, which can basically meet the needs of a week's commuting. Regarding energy consumption, the vehicle achieves approximately 16kWh/100km in urban driving and around 18kWh/100km on highways, with performance being average. As for charging time, it takes about 5 hours to fully charge using a slow charger (home charging station), and in fast charging mode (specific power not indicated but based on similar platform models), it can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes.

Driving and riding comfort details are well-executed. Noise control inside the car is excellent, with hardly any external noise detectable below 60 km/h. At highway speeds of 120 km/h, wind and tire noise slightly increase but do not affect normal conversation. The seat cushioning is moderately soft, providing sufficient support, ensuring that the lower back does not feel too strained even during long drives. Regenerative braking is adjustable across three levels, with the highest level providing noticeable regen force without a strong dragging sensation. Once accustomed to it, near one-pedal operation is possible.

In conclusion, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lite has distinct core advantages: the ultra-spacious cabin thanks to its 3000mm long wheelbase, the high-recognition retro-futuristic design, abundant safety features (7 airbags, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, etc.), and practical tech configurations. Compared to similar competitors like the Kia EV6 Light (which is similarly priced but has a shorter wheelbase), the Ioniq 5 Lite offers superior space and features. While it may fall short of the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range in acceleration performance, it offers more space and a richer feature set, representing higher value for money.

This car is well-suited for specific groups: families prioritizing space and practicality, or young consumers seeking design and technological features. It is capable of meeting the needs of daily commuting and family outings, and its actual range of about 300km is sufficient for most users' weekly requirements. If you're considering an electric vehicle with ample space, complete features, and a unique design, the Ioniq 5 Lite is worth adding to your shortlist.