A prototype of what appears to be the next-generation Hyundai Ioniq 5 was spotted in South Korea with a completely redesigned interior, according to exclusive spy shots taken on Wednesday by the website Korean Car Blog.
Although the crossover SUV’s exterior remains identical to the current 2026 model, its interior underwent “a radical, high-tech makeover that looks production-ready,” according to the report.
“This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a complete reimagining of Hyundai‘s EV cabin philosophy,” the outlet emphasized.
The biggest change is to the dashboard setup, which went from the South Korean automaker’s signature dual-screen horizontal layout to a single 17- to 18-inch vertical central touchscreen, a format also found on the Tesla Model S sedan and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
With the driver display removed, vehicle information will likely be handled by the central screen or an advanced Head-Up Display (HUD).
Additionally, the prototype did not have any physical A/C controls, and the current model’s door handles were substituted by electronic push-buttons, similar to the Genesis G90 luxury sedan.
Button Controversy
The interior overhaul stands in contrast to Hyundai‘s previous public stance on physical controls.
The South Korean automaker was among several automakers that publicly walked back the all-screen approach, emphasizing the “importance of keeping physical switches for critical functions, especially climate controls, citing usability and safety concerns,” as reported by Autoblog.
The prototype’s steering wheel features a rotary scroll wheel at the center and two tactile buttons, one on each side, changes which suggest “a heavy reliance on ‘blind-touch’ navigation or voice commands,” Korean Car Blog wrote.
According to the report, Hyundai could either be planning a facelift for the Ioniq 5 with an updated interior or using the current body as a test bed for next-generation interior architecture targeting the 2027 or 2028 model year.
If it is a facelift, the updated Ioniq 5 would compete directly with the Tesla Model Y.
Current Version
The Ioniq 5 was unveiled and launched in February 2021, during a virtual world premiere event in Seoul, South Korea.
It became the first model in the automaker’s Ioniq battery electric (BEV) lineup.
“[…] Ioniq 5 sets the benchmark to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features,” Hyundai stated in a press release at the time.
In South Korea, the model is currently priced around 47.4 million won (after tax benefits) — equivalent to $32,700.
The crossover SUV measures 4,635 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,605 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.
It offers two different battery packs — 58kWh or 73kWh — with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options. The maximum combined range the EV can achieve is 300 miles, with the 73kWh RWD trim.
Featuring 800V charging and a 350kW ultra-rapid charger, the model can charge from 0% to 80% in 18 minutes, delivering 62 miles of driving range in only five minutes.
In July 2023, Hyundai debuted the separate high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 — named Ioniq 5 N — during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in the UK.
The model is priced from 77.7 million won ($53,600) in its domestic market.
In 2022, the Ioniq 5 received multiple honors, including ‘2022 World Car of the Year’, ‘UK Car of the Year 2022’, the Texas CUV award and others by the state’s Auto Writers Association, and the ‘Top Safety Pick Plus’ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
On Wednesday, the crossover SUV was named 2026’s ‘Top Electric SUV’ by Edmunds.
EV Pipeline
Hyundai Motor set a global delivery target of 4.16 million vehicles for 2026, a marginal increase from the 4.14 million units registered last year.
At the Brussels Motor Show in January, the Seoul-based company unveiled the Staria Electric, which will be launched in South Korea and Europe in the first half of this year.
The fully electric Ioniq 3 hatchback is set to debut globally in April, while new iterations of the Ioniq series and the Palisade SUV are also expected this year.
