The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was one of the first battery-electric vehicles you could actually buy in the Philippines. It arrived in 2023 with a radical design, a 3,000 mm wheelbase, and the kind of range that made EDSA commutes feel trivial. Three years later, Hyundai has refreshed it — and this time, there’s a new entry-level variant that brings the price closer to the mass market.
The 2026 Ioniq 5 isn’t a ground-up redesign. It’s the same E-GMP platform, the same retro-futuristic silhouette, and the same 800V architecture that made the original one of the fastest-charging EVs on the planet. But Hyundai has added a new GL trim that starts at P2,840,000 — P228,000 cheaper than the previous entry point. That’s a meaningful cut in a market where every peso counts.
What’s New for 2026
The refreshed Ioniq 5 gets restyled bumpers, a reconfigured roof spoiler, new wheel designs, and the signature parametric pixel LEDs that have become Hyundai’s electric calling card. Inside, the twin 12.3-inch screens remain, now housed behind a single panel of glass. The “universal island” console still slides back to create a walk-through space — a feature I’ve always appreciated in a car this size.
The bigger news is the lineup. Hyundai has replaced the old GLS-only entry with three variants:
- GL 2WD Standard Range — P2,840,000
- GLS 2WD Standard Range — P3,068,000
- GLS 2WD Long Range — P3,698,000
All three are made-to-order, with nine exterior and four interior colors — up to 36 combinations. That’s a level of personalization you don’t usually get at this price point.
Specifications
| Specification | GL 2WD SR | GLS 2WD SR | GLS 2WD LR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1 front electric motor | 1 front electric motor | 1 front electric motor |
| Power | 170 PS (125 kW) | 170 PS (125 kW) | 229 PS (168 kW) |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Battery | 63 kWh lithium-ion | 63 kWh lithium-ion | 84 kWh lithium-ion |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 440 km | Up to 440 km | Up to 530 km |
| Drive | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| 0-100 km/h | ~8.5 seconds | ~8.5 seconds | ~7.4 seconds |
| DC charging | 800V, up to 250 kW peak | 800V, up to 250 kW peak | 800V, up to 250 kW peak |
| AC charging | 11 kW (3-phase) | 11 kW (3-phase) | 11 kW (3-phase) |
| V2L | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 4,655 mm | 4,655 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,890 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,605 mm | 1,605 mm | 1,605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm | 160 mm | 160 mm |
| Cargo volume | 520 L / 1,580 L | 520 L / 1,580 L | 520 L / 1,580 L |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Note: Range figures are WLTP estimates. The 0-100 km/h times are manufacturer estimates. DC charging peak is the maximum the car can accept — actual charging speed depends on the charger.
Pricing: Three Currencies
| Variant | PHP | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL 2WD Standard Range | P2,840,000 | ~$45,200 | ~Rs 43.4 lakh |
| GLS 2WD Standard Range | P3,068,000 | ~$48,800 | ~Rs 46.9 lakh |
| GLS 2WD Long Range | P3,698,000 | ~$58,900 | ~Rs 56.5 lakh |
Exchange rates: 62.81 PHP/USD, 1.527 INR/PHP (open.er-api.com, October 13, 2026). USD and INR figures are approximate.
What Others Are Saying
Top Gear Philippines got their hands on the 2026 Ioniq 5 GLS 2WD Long Range and came away impressed — scoring it 8 out of 10. They praised the “premium experience” and the 3,000 mm wheelbase that makes the cabin feel airy. The twin 12.3-inch screens behind a single glass panel still look futuristic, and the panoramic sunroof on the top spec adds to the sense of space.
Their main criticism? Price. “Because of the high price, especially now that there are more affordable and equally compelling options available, I do feel the need to take a point off the total,” they wrote. That’s a fair take — the Ioniq 5 has always been a premium product, and the new GL variant is Hyundai’s answer to that feedback.
It’s worth noting that the original Ioniq 5 scored 19 out of 20 in Top Gear’s 2023 review. The 2026 model holds up well, even as the EV market has gotten more competitive.
The Philippine Question: Does It Make Sense Here?
City Driving
With 440 km of range on the Standard Range variants, the Ioniq 5 will easily cover a week of EDSA commutes on a single charge. The instant torque from the electric motor makes merging into traffic feel effortless, and the 3,000 mm wheelbase gives you a cabin that feels larger than the exterior dimensions suggest. The “universal island” console that slides back is a nice touch for tight parking — you can create a walk-through space to exit from either side.
The 160 mm ground clearance is on the low side for Philippine roads, but the battery is sealed and there’s no risk of hydrolock like you’d have with an internal combustion engine. Just watch out for steep driveways and deep potholes.
Long-Distance Travel
The Long Range variant’s 530 km of range makes Manila-to-Baguio (roughly 250 km) a single-charge affair. You could even do the round trip without stopping, though I’d recommend a quick top-up on the way back. The 800V architecture means DC fast charging is quick — expect 10-80% in about 25 minutes with a compatible 350 kW charger. That’s enough time for a coffee break and a restroom stop.
For longer trips, the charging network is still growing. Meralco’s Movem partnership with Filinvest Malls is expanding EV charging to more locations, but you’ll still want to plan your stops ahead of time. Apps like PlugShare or the DOE’s EV charging station map can help.
Flooding
At 160 mm, the Ioniq 5’s ground clearance is lower than most SUVs. For context, the GAC E8 HEV sits at 180 mm, and the Lexus RX 450+ PHEV is at 185 mm. In a serious flood, the Ioniq 5 would be more vulnerable.
But here’s the thing about EVs: there’s no engine to hydrolock. The battery is sealed to IP67 standards, meaning it can withstand temporary submersion. You won’t get the sudden stall that a gas car experiences when water gets into the intake. That’s a real advantage during the rainy season, even if the ground clearance is modest.
High Temperature
The Ioniq 5 uses a liquid-cooled battery thermal management system, which is essential for Philippine heat. The E-GMP platform was designed with thermal efficiency in mind, and the heat pump (standard on the Long Range) helps reduce AC load in stop-and-go traffic. The NMC battery chemistry is less thermally stable than LFP, but the liquid cooling system keeps temperatures in check even in 36-38°C heat.
One thing to note: the Ioniq 5’s range will drop in heavy AC use. Expect 10-15% less range in the hottest months if you’re running the climate control constantly. That’s normal for any EV, but it’s worth factoring into your charging planning.
How Does It Stack Up?
The Ioniq 5 sits in an interesting position. It’s more affordable than the Porsche Cayenne Electric (P6.8M) and the Lexus RX 450+ PHEV (P4.4M), but it’s pricier than the Kia EV5 (P2.298M) and the BYD Atto 3 (P1.598M). The new GL variant at P2.84M undercuts the Kia EV5 GLS by about P130,000, though the EV5 offers more range (550 km vs 440 km).
The BYD Ti 7 is another rival to watch — it’s a PHEV with 483 hp and a 29.8 kWh battery, but it’s not yet on sale. For now, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the most complete electric SUVs you can buy in the Philippines.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Ioniq 5 is a refresh, not a revolution. But the new GL variant makes it more accessible than ever, and the E-GMP platform still delivers on the promise that made the original a standout: fast charging, a spacious cabin, and a design that turns heads. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to go electric, this might be it.