Key Highlights
- Hyundai has launched the updated IONIQ 5 in India at Rs 55,70,000 (ex-showroom).
- The car now gets an 84.0 kWh battery pack with an ARAI-certified range of 690 km, up from the previous 72.6 kWh unit.
- The IONIQ 5 is available in four colours, all with an Obsidian Black interior theme.
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been launched in India. Priced at Rs 55.70 lakh, ex-showroom, the EV boasts a design that still turns heads despite being a few years old now.
The big change
The most significant upgrade here is under the floor. The 2026 IONIQ 5 gets a new 84.0 kWh battery pack, up from the 72.6 kWh unit in the outgoing car. Hyundai claims an ARAI-certified range of 690 km on the new battery. That is a meaningful jump, and it puts the IONIQ 5 in a much stronger position relative to newer rivals like the Kia EV6, which we recently spent a week with and found delivered a consistent 500-plus km in real-world conditions.
 
Exterior updates
New front and rear bumpers bring a bolder, more assertive stance. Front and rear skid plates have been added, giving the car a slightly more planted, rugged appearance. The alloy wheel design is new, as is the rear spoiler. At the back, a new Hi-tech V-garnish lighting design ties the rear end together more cohesively than before. It is a light touch update, but applied to a car that still looks contemporary in 2026.
Interior
Inside, the cabin layout is broadly familiar, but two specific changes stand out. The new 3-spoke leather steering wheel with 4-dot illuminated pixel design is new. It looks sharper, feels more premium in hand, and the heating function is a welcome addition for colder climates. The interactive pixel light detail on the steering wheel ties into the IONIQ 5’s broader design language cleanly.
The wireless smartphone charging pad has been redesigned with integrated physical controls for heated and ventilated seats. This is a practical improvement. Having physical buttons for seat temperature rather than requiring a touchscreen dive is a small quality-of-life detail that owners will appreciate on a daily basis.
The dual 12.3-inch display setup carries over, continuing to be one of the better screen arrangements in the segment.
Technology
The 2026 IONIQ 5 gets a connected car navigation cockpit (ccNC) with a new 12.3-inch navigation system. C-OTA, or Controller Over-the-Air updates, means the car can now receive deeper software updates remotely, covering vehicle control modules rather than just infotainment. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are new additions, eliminating the cable requirement that the previous version had. Active Sound Design is also new, allowing the car to generate an artificial interior sound signature for a more engaging driving experience.
The most practically useful new tech feature, however, is remote immobilization via Hyundai Bluelink. If the car is reported stolen, Hyundai can remotely prevent it from being restarted once it comes to a stop.
Safety Updates
Two new ADAS features have been added. Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R) detects obstacles behind the car while reversing and can apply the brakes automatically to avoid a collision. Side Parking Distance Warning (PDW-Side) alerts the driver to objects on the sides of the car while manoeuvring in tight spaces. Both are genuinely useful for daily urban driving.
Our thoughts
The IONIQ 5 was already a good car. This update makes it a more complete one. Whether it is the right choice at this price depends on how much the design and the Hyundai ownership experience matter to you versus the outright spec of something like the EV6. Both are worth a close look before you decide.
Also read: Honda City facelift and ZR-V Hybrid SUV India launch on May 22
