The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has added another prestigious accolade to its repertoire after being named Auto Express’ Used Car of the Year 2026.
It marks the first time an electric car (BEV) has topped the annual competition, which sees the leading motoring publication highlight its top used car buys across 13 categories.
The IONIQ 5 – which first hit the market in 2021 – had already scooped the ‘Best Used Electric Car’ title before going on to claim the overall prize, Auto Express praising it as ‘thoroughly deserving’ the win.
Rich Ingram, Deputy Editor, Auto Express, said: “The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a brilliant all-rounder that shows just how good a used electric car can be.
“It combines head-turning looks with a spacious, practical interior, plenty of technology and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. With prices starting at little over £13,000, it makes a compelling case for going electric – and is a thoroughly deserving Used Car of the Year.”
Considered a huge leap forward for electric cars upon its launch in 2021, the IONIQ 5 scooped multiple awards as a new model, with praise focusing on its impressive range, high-tech features, practical interior and refined driving experience.
Now, the IONIQ 5 is winning approval as an excellent used car purchase at a time when an increasing number of pre-owned BEVs are hitting the market.
The award marks a significant vindication for electric cars as viable used car purchases, particularly as time has shown they are often more reliable and simpler to maintain than their ICE-equipped counterparts.
Many used electric cars will still have a portion of their battery health warranties in place, while Vertu Motors has introduced a Battery Health indicator to each model page for added customer reassurance.
Rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’, each EV is thoroughly assessed by trained Vertu specialists before going on sale with only models demonstrating at least 80% battery health or higher being made available.
Indeed, there has never been a better time to buy a used electric car from Vertu.
Between 6 – 16 November, Vertu’s Used Car & Van Event assures £500 off every Vertu used car and van, and £500 more for your part-exchange on top of the vehicle valuation you receive from us.
Better yet, if the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has piqued your interest, find out how we fared with a used model on our sunny summer road trip this year…
- Used Cars
- Electric
- Hyundai