Hyundai’s electric SUV continues winning over buyers after setting another sales record in May. The IONIQ 5 isn’t the only Hyundai EV that saw higher demand last month, with IONIQ 9 sales jumping nearly 300%.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 EV sales rise in May
The IONIQ 5 remains one of America’s most popular EVs for a reason. It offers more than enough driving range with up to 312 miles, ultra-fast charging from 10% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes, modern tech and features, and it’s also among the most affordable with prices starting at under $35,000.
After the Trump Administration eliminated the federal $7,500 tax credit at the end of September, Hyundai, like nearly every other brand, reported a considerable drop in EV sales in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Despite the policy changes, Hyundai’s EV sales have bounced back quicker than expected. In the first quarter, the IONIQ 5 ranked as the fourth-best-selling EV behind only the new 2026 Toyota bZ, the Tesla Model 3, and Model Y.
After reporting May sales rose 3% in the US on Tuesday, Randy Parker, Hyundai Motor North America’s president and CEO, said the company “achieved growth across nearly every part of our lineup in May, from sedans to SUVs, including both hybrid and electric models.”
“Our hybrid portfolio is seeing strong traction, while EV demand continues to improve, leading to a new May sales record for IONIQ 5,” Parker added.
Hyundai sold 5,002 IONIQ 5’s last month, up 28% from May 2025. Through the first five months of 2026, IONIQ 5 sales totaled 18,395, up 16% from the same period last year.
The three-row IONIQ 9 is also seeing higher demand, with sales surging 279% to 1,145 in May. Hyundai has now sold 4,001 IONIQ 9’s in the US through May.
Hyundai also sold more hybrids in May than it ever has in a single month with the Tuscon HEV, Santa Fe HEV, Elentra HEV, and Sonata HEV, all setting new May sales records.
Parker said Hyundai’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will boost brand awareness throughout the summer, driving traffic to showrooms.
The IONIQ 5’s success “reflects the benefits of Hyundai’s continued commitment to the EV market,” Parker explained, as most of the competition has drastically scaled back electrification plans.
Hyundai’s electric SUV was recently named Best EV Experience in CarGurus’ 2026 Confidence Awards, earning “one of the most decisive victories across all categories,” securing three out of four first-place votes.
“The best EV experience isn’t about the biggest battery or the fastest 0-60 — it’s about a car that removes friction from your daily life,” David Undercoffler, head of consumer insights at CarGurus, explained.
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | Driving Range (miles) | 2026 Starting Price |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 245 miles | $35,000 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 318 miles | $37,500 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 318 miles | $39,800 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 318 miles | $45,075 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 290 miles | $41,000 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 290 miles | $43,300 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 259 miles | $46,275 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 269 miles | $48,975 |
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at just $35,000. That’s for the base SE Standard Range model, with an EPA-estimated driving range of 245 miles. You can upgrade to the SE RWD trim for $37,500, which delivers a driving range of up to 318 miles.
Although it’s about the same size as the Tucson, the IONIQ 5 has a longer wheelbase than the three-row Palisade, opening up a surprisingly spacious interior.
The interior features a modern setup with dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For those looking for something a little bigger, the three-row IONIQ 9 starts at $58,995 and offers an EPA-estimated range of 335 miles.
Hyundai builds both the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 in the US at the Hyundai Metaplant America facility outside of Savannah, Georgia.
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