2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Gets Massive Price Drop (Up to $9,800), But 2025 Models Offer Even Deeper Discounts
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set to become more affordable than ever, with price reductions of up to $9,800 across all trims, making its starting price as low as $35,000 for the SE Standard Range. This aggressive pricing strategy comes as Ioniq 5 sales surged 36% year-to-date in 2025. However, a closer look at current dealership inventories reveals that 2025 Ioniq 5 models are available with even deeper discounts, raising a compelling question for buyers: should you opt for the cheaper 2026 model or save potentially more on an outgoing 2025 unit?
2026 Ioniq 5 Price Adjustments: Making EVs More Accessible
Hyundai’s significant price cuts for the 2026 Ioniq 5 aim to continue its sales momentum and make the popular EV more competitive, especially without the federal EV tax credit.
- SE Standard Range: Starts at $35,000 (before destination), a $7,600 drop from 2025.
- Higher Trims (SEL RWD/AWD): See cuts approaching $9,800.
- Strategic Move: This repositioning makes the Ioniq 5 a more convincing option in the under-$40,000 EV segment.
2025 Models: The Hidden Gems with Unbeatable Discounts
Despite the official 2026 price reductions, current 2025 Ioniq 5 inventory on dealership lots is being offered with substantial discounts, often undercutting even the new 2026 MSRPs.
- SE Standard Range: Listed as low as $29,940 (down from $44,395 MSRP), making it approximately $6,600 cheaper than the 2026 version.
- SE Trim: Available from $33,490 (down from $48,490 MSRP).
- SEL Trim: Found for as low as $35,238 (versus $51,440 MSRP), making it even cheaper than the 2026 SE RWD ($37,500).
- Limited Trim: Prices around $40,100 (compared to $56,000 MSRP), undercutting the 2026 Limited RWD ($45,075).
- Ioniq 5 XRT: Listed at $42,093 (a massive $14,907 less than its $57,000 MSRP), remaining below the 2026 XRT ($46,275).
Conclusion: Many 2025 units, when factoring in current dealer discounts and incentives, present a superior value proposition compared to the updated 2026 models.
What Buyers Miss (or Don’t Miss) in the 2026 Update
The choice between a 2025 and 2026 Ioniq 5 is made easier by the nature of the updates.
- Minor Updates for 2026: The 2026 Ioniq 5 carries no major mechanical changes. Updates are limited to minor software refinements, faster charging calibration, and an improved user interface (UI).
- Minimal Feature Loss: Trim levels remain largely consistent, with some streamlining of option packages for better inventory management. Buyers choosing a 2025 model will largely miss out only on minor software tweaks or a new color option.
Recommendation for Buyers
For most buyers, the decision hinges on immediate savings versus incremental updates. Given the current market pricing, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 models on dealer lots represent an exceptionally compelling deal. Those ready to switch to an EV before the year’s end can lock in significant savings by exploring the remaining 2025 inventory. This strategy allows buyers to enjoy the acclaimed Ioniq 5 platform at an even more attractive price point, without sacrificing core features or performance.
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