Hyundai Motor America announced major pricing reductions across its 2026 IONIQ 5 lineup, with cuts ranging from $7,600 to $9,800. The average decrease across all models is $9,155, lowering the entry price of the well-equipped 2026 IONIQ 5 SE to $35,000 MSRP before freight charges.
The move comes at a pivotal moment: **federal EV tax incentives for consumers ended in 2025**, removing a financial cushion that had helped offset the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles. To keep the IONIQ 5 competitive and accessible, Hyundai is positioning the 2026 lineup to better reflect current market dynamics, while also supporting expanded U.S. production volumes.
“Hyundai is taking bold steps to ensure our award-winning IONIQ 5 remains a top choice for EV buyers,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “This pricing realignment reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional technology and innovation without compromise.”
**Pricing and Lineup Updates**
The 2026 IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range now starts at $35,000, down from $42,600 in 2025. Even the top-trim Limited AWD has been cut to $48,975, a reduction of more than $9,200. Freight charges for the 2026 model year remain $1,600. Updates include a dual-amperage Level 1/Level 2 charger now standard, plus new colors: Sage Silver Matte, Ultimate Red, and Cosmic Blue Pearl.
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2025 IONIQ 5 Pricing Compared with 2026 IONIQ 5 Pricing |
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Model |
Motor |
2025 MSRP |
2026 MSRPi |
Price |
|
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard |
125 kW (168 hp) Electric |
$42,600 |
$35,000 |
($7,600) |
|
IONIQ 5 SE RWD |
168 kW (225 hp) Electric |
$46,650 |
$37,500 |
($9,150) |
|
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD |
168 kW (225 hp) Electric |
$49,600 |
$39,800 |
($9,800) |
|
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD |
168 kW (225 hp) Electric |
$54,300 |
$45,075 |
($9,225) |
|
IONIQ 5 SE AWD |
74 kW + 165 kW (320 |
$50,150 |
$41,000 |
($9,150) |
|
IONIQ 5 SEL AWD |
74 kW + 165 kW (320 |
$53,100 |
$43,300 |
($9,800) |
|
IONIQ 5 XRT AWD |
74 kW + 165 kW (320 |
$55,500 |
$46,275 |
($9,225) |
|
IONIQ 5 XRT AWD with |
74 kW + 165 kW (320 |
$55,950 |
$46,725 |
($9,225) |
|
IONIQ 5 Limited AWD |
74 kW + 165 kW (320 |
$58,200 |
$48,975 |
($9,225) |
Freight Charges for the 2026 model year IONIQ 5 are $1,600. Prices in the chart above do not include freight charges.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 has earned top accolades inclu
Remaining 2025 model year IONIQ 5 vehicles will continue to qualify for the outgoing $7,500 purchase and lease incentives, but starting with the 2026 lineup, Hyundai’s price cuts are effectively replacing that federal support.
The price cut however does not beat the 2026 Nissan LEAF.
2026 Nissan LEAF — Key Specs & Pricing (so far)
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Nissan’s new 2026 LEAF enters its third generation with a fresh design (moving more toward a crossover style) and upgraded EV architecture.
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It is confirmed to use a 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery (for the higher trims) coupled with a ~214 hp front-wheel drive motor.
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Charging: the LEAF will support DC fast charging (up to ~150 kW)
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Range: up to 303 miles (for the S+ trim) is advertised for the 75 kWh variant.
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Pricing (MSRP, including destination) for some trims:
• S+ trim: ~$31,485
• SV+ trim: ~$35,725
• Platinum+ trim: ~$40,485 -
There is also talk of a lower-cost base “S” trim with a smaller battery (likely 52 kWh) arriving later, to offer a lower price point.