Hyundai Ioniq 5 Wins Auto Express Best Used Car of the Year, First EV to Do So The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has become the first electric vehicle to be named Auto Express's Best Used Car of the Year, winning over rivals such as the Renault Clio, Volvo XC90 and Polestar 4 in a lineup that spotlights value, performance and eco‑friendly driving. The award's emphasis on second‑hand EVs signals growing demand for affordable green motoring on UK roads. Hyundai has taken a bold step into the future of used motoring by claiming the title of Auto Express's Best Used Car of the Year, a recognition that marks the first time an electric vehicle has been honoured with this accolade. The award, which evaluates second‑hand models on a balanced mix of value, practicality, performance and desirability, was awarded to the Ioniq 5. This compact electric SUV, which first rolled off the production line in 2021 and received a refresh last year, now presents a surprisingly affordable entry point for those looking to trade into the electric realm. A used Ioniq 5 can be acquired for just over £13,000, a fraction of the £40,695 price tag for a fresh new one.According to Phil McNamara, editor‑at‑large for Auto Express, the best used cars are not those that boast the biggest badges or command the highest price points. Instead, the most attractive options are those that deliver what drivers truly need-leg‑room, low running costs, a premium feel or a reliable family car-without breaking the bank. The Ioniq 5 ticks all of those boxes, shining with a distinctive design, a room‑for‑everyone interior, cutting‑edge technology and an engaging drive.Top Used Car Range and CompetitorsWith a maximum range of 354 miles on a single charge, it can comfortably cover the distance from London to Berwick‑upon‑Tweed, making it an appealing choice for commuters and weekend adventurers alike. The accolade is part of a broader list of top used car purchases that the magazine compiled for this year's awards. The second‑place honouree for overall use was the Renault Clio, which also won the Best Used Small Car category.The Clio, a super‑mini that has reached its sixth generation, continues to impress with a blend of low operating costs, practicality and advanced features. It is available in a range of efficient engine options-including a hybrid that cuts petrol usage dramatically. For those with a tight budget, a used model aged three years can often be found between £11,000 and £14,000. Running close behind the top two was Volvo's XC90, securing third place overall and Best Used Large SUV.The XC90 is celebrated for its quiet luxury, spaciousness and the flexibility it offers a seven‑seater family. Though brand‑new, the vehicle costs over £57,000, the used market has started to take a substantial discount.XC90 Luxury and Polestar 4 AwardIn particular, plug‑in hybrid variants allow short journeys to be made entirely on electric power, making the car an attractive option for eco‑conscious families looking for cost efficiencies. The Polestar 4, a premium electric coupe, carved out a niche by winning the Best Used Premium Electric Car award and securing fourth place overall.A striking achievement for the Polestar line, the car now boasts an impressive 391‑mile electric range and a rapid 0‑60 time of just 3.8 seconds for the higher‑end models, which deliver up to 536 horsepower. Specifications like the advanced rear‑view camera-an early adopter of a camera‑instead‑of‑mirror system in the UK-demonstrate the Polestar 4's forward‑thinking tech integration. Hyundai's expressive and well‑equipped Ioniq 5 shows that a used electric car can provide not only exceptional value but also an engaging driving experience.Used EV Market Electrification TrendThe award underscores the growing movement toward electrification in the used vehicle market and highlights a clear trend towards eco‑friendly options that do not require a new‑car price tag. As the industry shifts, this accolade may prove to be a harbinger of a broader acceptance and rise of second‑hand electric vehicles on British roads. With this recognition, the Ioniq 5 opens doors for budget‑conscious buyers wishing to transition into EV ownership without sacrificing performance or nows‑day amenities.More importantly, it sets an industry benchmark that encourages other car manufacturers to focus on the real‑world appeal of their used electric models-thereby promoting sustainable mobility for a broader audience. The election of a fully electric vehicle as the flagship for the best used car of the year signals an increasing demand for accessible electric mobility.For consumers and manufacturers alike, it provides clear evidence that electric cars can be strong contenders in the pre‑owned sphere while still maintaining their distinct benefit of lower running costs. Summary: The Ioniq 5 was crowned Auto Express's Best Used Car of the Year, making history as the first electric vehicle to win the honour.The accolades also highlighted the Renault Clio as Best Used Small Car, Volvo XC90 as Best Used Large SUV, and Polestar 4 as Best Used Premium Electric Car. The awards celebrate affordability, performance, practicality and environmental friendliness in second‑hand vehicles, signalling a shift toward electric mobility on UK roads.