Updated on 4/2/25: This review now includes findings from the instrumented tests conducted on the Ioniq 5 XRT version.
Since its launch for the 2022 model year, the
Hyundai Ioniq 5
has become a
Car and Driver
dear. During this period, it has accumulated
EV of the Year
,
10Best
, and
Editors’ Choice
victories, all enhanced by stylishly edgy design, commendable performance, rapid charging capabilities, a roomy and practical interior, and strong range estimations. After four years, Hyundai continues to
Updated the Ioniq 5 for the 2025 model year.
, maintaining one of our beloved electric vehicles at the pinnacle of performance.
The mid-year update introduces subtle changes to the front and rear styling, new wheel designs, a redesigned central console, enhanced infotainment systems supporting wireless connections for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an improved steering wheel featuring indicator lights showing the battery’s charge level. Thankfully, Hyundai has included a rear window wiper on the Ioniq 5 this year—a feature we’ve long hoped would be added.
our long-term 2023 model
had.
Two distinct battery options remain available, albeit they have been marginally increased in size. The Standard Range package has expanded from 58.0 kWh to 63.0 kWh, while the Long Range option now boasts an 84.0-kWh battery compared to last year’s 77.4 kWh. Additionally, the overall driving range has improved throughout the series, particularly noticeable in the dual-motor all-wheel-drive SE and SEL variants, which can now achieve approximately 290 miles per charge—a significant gain of 30 miles over their predecessors from 2024. However, the highest-range configuration continues to be the rear-wheel-drive single-motor setup equipped with the Long Range battery, offering an anticipated maximum reach of around 318 miles per full recharge.
Now, juicing up the battery necessitates an NACS connection. This type of connector has been widely adopted.
Tesla
, the updated charging protocol is currently underway.
adopted industry-wide
, and the Ioniq 5 was the initial electric Hyundai model to include this port as standard equipment. To facilitate the shift to NACS, every 2025 Ioniq 5 will be supplied with a CCS adapter, which remains necessary for charging at most non-Tesla charging stations. (This is the connector typically found at regular DC fast chargers.)
We initially drove a loaded Limited model across a variety of Southern California microclimates, starting in the sunny desert town of Palm Springs, stopping for a coffee in Idyllwild, and eventually landing at a mile-high mountain village in the San Bernardino National Forest. The cliffside roads leading up to Idyllwild are twisty, but the Ioniq 5’s stable handling and torquey electric motors made quick, fun work of the ascent. The Ioniq 5’s suspension has been reworked and is slightly firmer than before, but steering feel remains duller than we prefer.
But mild year-over-year tweaks weren’t the only reasons we trekked to California. In fact, there’s a whole new trim ready to put this
electric SUV
into an equally fresh setting: the soil.
Off-Road Driving with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
Following our coffee break, we made our way downhill to an off-road park situated along the San Andreas Fault where we got to try out some of theterrain.
rugged-looking XRT trim
For the year 2025, the Ioniq 5 XRT comes with a 0.9-inch suspension lift, rugged all-terrain tires mounted on uniquely styled 18-inch steel wheels, along with distinctive front and rear bumpers adorned with a understated pixelated camo design.
The XRT model with exclusive all-wheel drive has enhanced approach and departure angles relative to other Ioniq 5 variants: it offers 19.8 degrees for approach and 30.0 degrees for departure, as opposed to 17.5 and 25.4 degrees, respectively, for the rest of the lineup. Additionally, functional red-colored rescue hooks contribute to the robust look at the front of the vehicle. The driver can choose from one of three specific off-road settings—Snow, Mud, and Sand—by pressing a button located on the bottom part of the steering wheel.
The sandy paths within the off-road park were interspersed with boulder-like stones, sagebrush scrublands, and small ravines, none of which posed an issue for the Ioniq 5 XRT. Driving it in Sport mode was quite enjoyable as we maneuvered through them, stirring up plenty of dust allowing us to try out the updated rear wiper. (Exactly what we anticipated!)
Certainly, sturdier bumpers and taller heels aren’t sufficient for becoming a skilled rock crawler. For such endeavors, you’ll need to take additional factors into account.
Rivian R1S
or perhaps a
Jeep Wrangler 4xe plugin hybrid
. We attempted to test the Ioniq 5 XRT’s suspension articulation, but the SUV doesn’t sit quite high enough to make it onto our
Ramp Travel Index conducting ramp tests
This Hyundai lacks both an adjustable air suspension and a locking differential system—however, the XRT isn’t priced at $80,000. At its $56,975 asking price, it directly competes with the
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
Or maybe an electric vehicle option for something such as a
Subaru Outback
.
On the highway, the XRT’s enhanced suspension travel, refined damping settings, and higher-profile tires provided a smoother journey compared to the Limited version we tested earlier. However, like the rest of the Ioniq 5 series, this vehicle excelled similarly on paved roads. Although the rugged variant seemed slightly less responsive than its counterparts, this could be attributed to jet lag affecting our perception. At our testing facility back in Michigan, the XRT accelerated from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.5 seconds—just 0.1 second slower than our long-term AWD Ioniq 5 SEL model—despite being heavier at 4,673 pounds, which is an additional 126 pounds over the SEL.
Braking performance and cornering grip are unsurprisingly lower for the XRT than the SEL, with the former’s Continental CrossContact ATR tires the likely culprit. On our skidpad, we recorded a 0.80-g result in the XRT versus 0.84 for our long-termer, which rolls on Michelin Primacy All Seasons. The XRT’s 188-foot stop from 70 mph, however, is only a minor drop from the SEL AWD’s 185 feet. Fortunately, the XRT’s chunkier tires don’t impact the serenity inside the Ioniq 5’s cabin, as both models registered the same 68 decibels of noise at 70 mph.
The driving range for the XRT is approximately 259 miles per charge, which is slightly less than the 266 miles offered by the SEL AWD. During testing on our 75-mph highway fuel efficiency course, the XRT achieved a range of about 200 miles. Fortunately, the Ioniq 5’s battery demonstrates good capabilities.
quick charging times
In our tests, it only required 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 90% using a 350-kW Electrify America charging station. Given that the Hyundai now includes a NACS connector as standard equipment, we conducted another rapid-charging test at a Tesla Supercharger station. However, due to its lower voltage and maximum charging rate, this process took an additional 10 minutes.
What we’re observing is Hyundai catering to various market segments. They have the budget-friendly SE model for those looking at pricing, the luxurious Limited version for premium preferences, along with the tough-looking XRT for an adventurous appeal and the sporty variant for enthusiasts who like some excitement.
Ioniq 5 N
, this particular lineup of electric crossovers works so well because its foundation is strong. The updates endowed on the 2025 model are minor, but they’re still impactful, and they should keep this EV plenty relevant going forward.
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