Electric Cars

Hyundai's highly sought-after IONIQ 5 electric SUV is set to see a slight price increase for its 2027 iteration. Despite a modest $250 bump to its starting price, bringing it to $35,250, the vehicle continues to offer a compelling value proposition within the burgeoning electric vehicle market. This adjustment follows a strategic price reduction for the 2026 model, which was implemented to counterbalance the removal of federal EV tax credits, underscoring Hyundai's commitment to maintaining affordability and competitiveness.

Hyundai IONIQ 5: 2027 Model Year Pricing and Enhancements Unveiled

In a recent development on August 18, 2026, Hyundai officially confirmed the pricing structure for its 2027 IONIQ 5 lineup. The base model, the SE Standard Range, will now commence at $35,250, reflecting a minor $250 increase from the preceding model year. This variant is projected to deliver an EPA-estimated range of up to 245 miles, making it an attractive option for urban commuters and those with moderate travel needs.

For consumers seeking extended range, the SE RWD with a 318-mile range will be available starting at $37,750, also experiencing a $250 increment. The SEL trim, offering comparable range, will start at $40,200, a $400 increase. The more rugged XRT trim will see its price rise by $250 to $46,525, while the luxurious Limited trim will be priced from $49,125, an increase of $150.

These pricing adjustments position the IONIQ 5 favorably against key competitors. Notably, the IONIQ 5's extended-range SE RWD model remains approximately $2,000 less expensive than the Tesla Model Y RWD, which starts at $39,990 and offers a similar range of 321 miles. This competitive pricing strategy is crucial, especially considering the IONIQ 5's strong market performance, having ranked as the third best-selling EV in the US during the first half of 2026, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

Beyond pricing, Hyundai is introducing a few minor updates for the 2027 IONIQ 5, largely maintaining its acclaimed design and features as a carryover model. Roof rails will become a more accessible feature, standard on SEL trims and above, and optionally available across all variants, moving beyond their previous exclusivity to the XRT and Limited models. Hyundai HomeLink functionality will now be reserved for the Limited trims, while a cargo cover will transition to an optional accessory. Color choices will also see a minor revision, with Gravity Gold Matte and Sage Silver Matte being discontinued for the 2027 model year, allowing for a refreshed palette.

This strategic balance of modest price adjustments and targeted feature refinements ensures the Hyundai IONIQ 5 continues to offer a compelling blend of value, performance, and style in the fiercely competitive electric vehicle landscape.

The subtle price increase for the 2027 Hyundai IONIQ 5, coupled with its continued affordability compared to segment leaders, highlights Hyundai's strategic positioning in the EV market. It suggests a calculated move to incrementally adjust pricing while safeguarding its competitive advantage, especially after prior significant price reductions. For consumers, this implies that the IONIQ 5 remains a strong contender for those seeking an accessible yet feature-rich electric SUV. It also underscores the evolving dynamics of the EV industry, where manufacturers are constantly balancing pricing, features, and market demand to capture a larger share of the electric future.

Rivian has initiated an extended recall for more than 30,000 R1S and R1T electric vehicles due to issues with their turn signal lamps. This action follows an earlier recall and now encompasses both 2025 and 2026 model years. The manufacturer attributed the problem to its supplier, Myotek, which reportedly failed to isolate components that did not meet Rivian's quality control specifications, resulting in a broader range of vehicles being equipped with the faulty parts. The core issue involves front turn signals that may not light up or flash correctly, thereby failing to comply with federal regulations for vehicle safety. Drivers will receive a dashboard alert if a turn signal malfunctions.

To rectify this, Rivian will conduct inspections and replace any deficient front turn signal lamps in the affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. The company is urging affected customers to schedule appointments at their nearest service centers, where the repair procedure is expected to be completed in under an hour. This marks the tenth recall for the 2025 Rivian R1S and the second for the 2026 R1S, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by emerging automakers in ensuring consistent quality as production scales. Despite these setbacks, Rivian's ability to manage recalls effectively is crucial, particularly with the rollout of its more budget-friendly R2 SUV, which is vital for the company's long-term financial viability and market success.

Expanded Recall Details for Rivian EVs

Rivian has broadened its recall efforts for its R1S and R1T electric vehicles, now including a total of 31,711 units. This expansion builds upon an initial recall launched last year, incorporating an additional 3,829 vehicles to the list of those potentially affected. The defect pertains to front turn signal lamps that may not function as intended, specifically, they might fail to illuminate or flash. This malfunction poses a significant safety risk, as it means the vehicles may not meet current federal safety requirements. The affected models now include certain vehicles from both the 2025 and 2026 model years, with the majority being R1S SUVs, alongside a substantial number of R1T pickups.

The root cause of this widespread issue has been traced back to the turn signal lamp supplier, Myotek. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Myotek allegedly did not adequately isolate and prevent the use of non-compliant parts during the manufacturing process. Consequently, a greater number of Rivian vehicles were assembled with these substandard components. This oversight means that drivers might not be able to signal their intentions effectively, increasing the risk of accidents. Rivian has committed to addressing this problem by inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the faulty turn signal lamps. Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to contact their nearest service center to arrange for the necessary repairs, which are designed to be quick and efficient.

Addressing Safety Concerns and Company Impact

The latest recall underscores Rivian's commitment to vehicle safety, even as it navigates the complexities of scaling production for its electric vehicle lineup. The inability of turn signals to operate correctly could lead to dangerous situations on the road, making timely and comprehensive rectification paramount. Rivian has put in place a clear plan to resolve the issue, offering free inspections and replacements of the front turn signal lamps at authorized service centers. This proactive approach aims to restore confidence in the brand and ensure the safety of its customers, while also adhering to regulatory standards set by bodies like the NHTSA.

For Rivian, a relatively young company in the competitive EV market, managing such recalls efficiently is critical for its reputation and long-term success. The R1S, in particular, has faced several recalls, with this being its tenth for the 2025 model year and second for the 2026 model. Previous issues included improperly secured seat belt assemblies. As Rivian prepares for the broader market release of its more accessible R2 model, maintaining a strong track record of quality and safety is more important than ever. The successful and swift resolution of these issues will be key to demonstrating the company's reliability and building consumer trust, which is essential for its financial stability and future growth in the evolving electric vehicle industry.