I test drove an AWD SEL Ionic 5 today in Colorado Springs and was very impressed with it. Compared to the Model Y, the ride is much smoother and the cabin was very quiet. The steering didn't have as much of a road feel, though, and the Model Y requires fewer turns of the wheel. The sales guy said it has double glass throughout, but I only confirmed it on the front windows. The interior seemed higher quality and the displays were nice. The rear seat seemed at least as roomy so far as knee room goes, but I'm not sure about the elbow room (plenty for two). I liked that the rear seat not only had plenty of adjustment for the seatback, but the whole rear seat can slide back and forth a lot which would help storage space in the rear. Front seats were very comfortable and the passenger seat also had lumbar. However, the frunk is much smaller than the MY and there is only a tiny space under the rear floor. Visibility was better, especially for the rear window view. It didn't have much regen braking (no one pedal driving so far as I know), but has regen paddles which I forgot to test.
I'm seriously considering one, but not with the $10K "market adjustment" that particular dealer had (plus a $699 dealer handling fee). I haven't checked around a whole lot yet (just sent some emails through cars.com and autotrader), but I already found three dealers in the Denver area who charge much less over MSRP; one at $5K, one at $1500 (and no dealer handling fee), and one with no markup other than you have to finance through them (though you only have to make four payments and then can cancel). Of course the problem is I can get one very soon from the $10K markup guy while the others already have all their cars allocated and it might take three months to get one from them. At least the $10K markup guy seems willing to negotiate. We'll see. The Ionic 5 gets the $7500 federal tax credit (plus $2500 in Colorado) which makes the Ionic 5 SEL cost much less than a MY, and the Limited version comes out costing less as well so long as the markup isn't too much (even considering the MY also qualifies for the $2500 Colorado refundable tax credit).
By the way, the Hyundai warranty is amazing (I think Kia offers the same) which helps a lot for getting a first year model. 5 yr/60K miles overall, 10 yr/100K powertrain, 10 yr/100K electric system (I think that covers the battery), 7 yr unlimited miles anti-perforation (whatever that is), 3 yr/36K complimentary maintenance, 5 yr unlimited roadside assistance.
