The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has secured the top spot in Auto Express's 2026 used car awards, marking the first time an electric model has ever received this honor. This historic win highlights a growing trend of electric vehicles becoming mainstream, practical options in the second-hand market.
The £13,000 entry point for electric motoring
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has transitioned from a premium new release to a highly accessible second-hand option. While new models were originally priced from £40,000, the report from Auto Express notes that second-hand examples can now be found for as little as £13,000.
This significant price drop makes the compact electric SUV a viable contender for budget-conscious drivers. the vehicle, which saw a refresh in 2024 following its 2021 debut, offers a range that tops 350 miles on a single charge. As Auto Express editor-at-large Phil McNamara noted, the car is "a brilliant all-rounder" that combines head-turning aesthetics with a pragmatic, well-equipped interior.
Renault Clios and Volvo XC90s signal a diverse top five
The 2026 awards list demonstrates that the used car market is no longer the exclusive domain of combustion engines. Alongside the Ioniq 5, the top five includes the Renault Clio, which earned the title of Best Used Small Car due to its efficient engines and hybrid availability.
The list also faetures the Volvo XC90, a seven-saeter that provides a luxury alternative for families. While new XC90 models often start well above £50,000, the second-hand market allows buyers to access diesel and plug-in hybrid variants at much more manageable price points.. This diversity shows that whether a buyer wants a small city car or a large family SUV, the second-hand market is increasingly catering to varied energy needs.
Polestar 4's mirrorless tech and 391-mile range
In the premium segment, the Polestar 4 has emerged as a standout, winning the Best Used Premium Electric Car award. This electric coupe represents a significant technological leap, featuring a groundbreaking rear-view camera system that replaces traditional side mirrors.
The Polestar 4 is designed for high performance, boasting a 391-mile range and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds in its top-tier models. With power outputs reaching up to 536 horsepower, it serves as a formidable competitor to traditional executive vehicles, further cementing the presence of high-tech EVs in the pre-owned sector.
Will the Ioniq 5's 350-mile range hold up in the used market?
While the awards celebrate the current value and desirability of these vehicles, several critical questions remain unaddressed by the current reporting. Specifically, there is little information regarding how long-term battery degradation will impact the resale value of these early-generation EVs. For a buyer looking at a £13,000 Ioniq 5, the actual health of the battery cells is a more vital metric than the original manufacturer's range claims.
Furthermore,the report does not detail the availability of specialized repair services for the Polestar 4's unique camera-based mirror system once the vehicle is out of its initial warranty period. As more consumers move toward these advanced electric models, the industry will need to provide more transparency regarding long-term maintenance and battery longevity to maintain this newfound buyer confidence.
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