Tried the Ioniq5 but hated the seats... anyone else?

I’ve had my eye on the Ioniq5 as my first EV, so I rented a 2024 Ioniq5 SEL AWD during a recent trip to give it a shot. I loved almost everything about it, but the seats were a huge letdown. They felt overly worn and unsupportive, which surprised me since the car only had 14K miles on it. Even the passenger seat was the same. Does anyone know if all Ioniq5 models have these seats, or is this just a trim thing?

Can you go into a bit more detail about what exactly you didn’t like about the seats?

Azriel said:
Can you go into a bit more detail about what exactly you didn’t like about the seats?

They just felt too soft and lacked support, almost like an old spring mattress. I’m around 5’10" and 165 lbs for reference. Really liked everything else about the car, so I’m considering getting one and just replacing the driver’s seat if it’s the same.

@Vine
That’s surprising—my seats are very firm. I actually find myself wishing for a bit more cushioning on longer drives.

Azriel said:
@Vine
That’s surprising—my seats are very firm. I actually find myself wishing for a bit more cushioning on longer drives.

Same here! Honestly a bit puzzled by your experience.

@Vine
I’m also 5’10" but weigh a good 60 lbs more than you, and I’ve put over 20k miles on mine in six months—absolutely love the seats. Maybe try an Ioniq 6 as a comparison?

Alex said:
@Vine
I’m also 5’10" but weigh a good 60 lbs more than you, and I’ve put over 20k miles on mine in six months—absolutely love the seats. Maybe try an Ioniq 6 as a comparison?

Similar here! I’m 6 ft and 230+ lbs, driving a '22 SEL. This is the comfiest car I’ve ever driven, with over 30k miles since March. We’ve done road trips to Ohio, VA Beach, etc., and I never get sore like in my previous cars. Some issues people report just don’t seem to match the majority’s experience.

@Vine
I’m 6’2" and 310 lbs, and these are the best seats I’ve had in 25 years of driving. Guess it really depends on the person!

@Vine
Maybe check out the EV6 GT-Line? Same platform but a slightly different interior, and in my opinion, better styling. Did you test a 2024 or a 2025? The 2025 Ioniq5 is getting a refresh with a larger battery and upgraded infotainment system, so it might be worth waiting.

@Vine
I think people are downvoting because they don’t share the same experience, which is typical. I don’t doubt your experience, especially since it’s a rental. 14K miles might not seem like a lot, but if that car’s been heavily used, it’s possible some springs or support were worn down. Definitely try a new one from a dealership if you can.

@Jay
Thanks for the support. I’ll definitely check out a new one from the dealer and see if it feels any different.

Vine said:
@Jay
Thanks for the support. I’ll definitely check out a new one from the dealer and see if it feels any different.

Good plan! Just for reference, I found the seats in both the SEL and Limited trims comfortable, though the leatherette can get hot in summer. The Limited has memory settings, which can be nice if you’re sharing the car.

@Vine
You might want to check out the Ioniq 5 N if it’s in your price range. The seats are definitely firmer and offer more support.

Chalamet said:
@Vine
You might want to check out the Ioniq 5 N if it’s in your price range. The seats are definitely firmer and offer more support.

Thanks for the suggestion! It might be out of my budget, but it’s worth checking out as a comparison.

Sounds like that rental might have had an issue. If you’re still interested in the Ioniq5, maybe try another one just to compare.

Val said:
Sounds like that rental might have had an issue. If you’re still interested in the Ioniq5, maybe try another one just to compare.

Didn’t enjoy the Ioniq 5? Try it again! :laughing: Jokes aside, it’s probably worth giving it another shot.

Maybe a heavier person wore down the seat support in that rental. Try one at a dealer to see if you feel the same way—it might make a difference.

Ollie said:
Maybe a heavier person wore down the seat support in that rental. Try one at a dealer to see if you feel the same way—it might make a difference.

That’s possible. But with only 14K miles, I wouldn’t expect it to wear down that quickly… unless it had some really heavy use. I’ll try another one just to be sure.

I find the seats super comfortable and supportive. I’m around 196 cm, and people who ride with me always comment on the comfort. I guess experiences really vary.

Honestly sounds like you just got a rough rental.