The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has become the first battery-electric vehicle to win the overall Auto Express Used Car of the Year title. Hyundai Motor UK confirmed the result in a statement published on 26 October 2026 following the British publication’s annual awards. The IONIQ 5 also won the Best Used Electric Car category.
IONIQ 5 receives the overall 2026 Used Car of the Year title
Auto Express selected the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as its overall winner from the publication’s 2026 Used Car Awards. According to the organiser, the judging process takes account of how a model performed when new, feedback from owners through its Driver Power survey and the way vehicles have held their value on the second-hand market.
The IONIQ 5 was also chosen as the Best Used Electric Car. Hyundai stated that its TUCSON won the Best Used Mid-Size SUV category, making Hyundai the most successful manufacturer in the 2026 awards. The TUCSON result relates to a separate vehicle category and is not an additional electric-car award.
Used Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices in the United Kingdom
Hyundai and Auto Express said early IONIQ 5 examples were available on the UK second-hand market for a little more than £13,000 at the time of the announcement. This is an indicative advertised used-vehicle starting price, not a manufacturer’s recommended price for a new IONIQ 5.
Actual second-hand pricing depends on the vehicle’s age, mileage, battery configuration, equipment and condition. The award does not establish a single selling price for all used examples.
Electric range and charging characteristics
In its 26 October announcement, Hyundai said every IONIQ 5 version offers more than 200 miles of driving range, while later versions can exceed 300 miles under their respective official rating conditions. Range varies according to battery size, model year and specification; the announcement does not provide a single rating applicable to every used vehicle.
The IONIQ 5’s electric architecture supports both 400-volt and 800-volt charging. Hyundai said compatible versions can charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes when connected to a suitable high-power DC charging station. Charging performance depends on battery condition, temperature and equipment availability.
How the award was determined
Auto Express evaluated models across 13 used-car categories and ranked shortlisted category winners to determine the overall award. The publication cited the IONIQ 5’s exterior design, cabin space, technology and practical qualities among the reasons for its selection.
The model was originally introduced in 2021 and won the publication’s new-car Car of the Year title that year. The 2026 award recognises the IONIQ 5 as a used vehicle rather than announcing a newly launched model.
Warranty and approved used-car programmes
Hyundai referred to its five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer’s warranty and Hyundai Promise approved-used scheme in its awards statement. Warranty coverage on an individual used car depends on its original registration date, maintenance history, terms and remaining eligibility.
The awards are an editorial assessment by Auto Express, not an official vehicle safety rating, independent battery-health certificate or guarantee of resale value. For a separate new-car development from Hyundai, see our report on the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6’s UK specifications and prices.
Source: Hyundai Motor UK, press release dated 26 October 2026; Auto Express Used Car of the Year 2026 award coverage. Featured photograph: Hyundai IONIQ 5, archive image by TTTNIS, Wikimedia Commons, CC0. This is a real vehicle photograph and does not depict the awards event.
