2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 recently made MotorWeek headlines, with the adrenaline-pumping IONIQ 5 N taking the trophy for ‘Best Performance Car’ in our 2025 Drivers’ Choice Awards. But in order for the N to win there, it needed a solid foundation. We thought the IONIQ 5 was already a competent EV, but Hyundai is giving this subcompact utility a mid-cycle refresh for 2025. And we were invited out to Palm Springs, California, for some First Drive seat time.
The IONIQ 5 was already a unique looking EV with its cubic LED headlights and retro-future vibes, and while much of that has remained, this update sees a slight redesign of the front bumper. The side profile is contoured by shaper lines that continue to the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a more confident SUV stance! Other styling shakeups focus on aerodynamics, namely a new rear spoiler to accentuate the rear and updated wheel styles, trim dependent. There’s even a few new colors to pick from, that being matte gray for all models and with the XRT model coming in with cosmic blue pear and ultimate red metallic.
But it’s not all style, there’s some functionality to this update, much of which is derived directly from customer feedback. For starters, a new rear wiper which in previous years it was not equipped with. But the biggest and arguably best changes involve the battery and charging interface. The Ioniq 5 now comes standard with a Tesla-style NACS charging port to allow drivers to be able to use Tesla super chargers for faster charging.
They have also increased the battery capacity on the standard pack from 58 kwh to 63 kwh, and on the long range battery it goes from 77 kWh to 84 kWh. By doing this, the updated IONIQ 5 has lowered range anxiety that much more by increasing the vehicle’s overall mileage range across the board depending on trim and drive layout.
And speaking of listening to their consumers, Hyundai has also taken these changes to the interior by adding a new redesigned HVAC control system for a more fluid experience. Adding to the Ioniq experience, they’ve changed the center console, adding physical heated front seat controls, a new steering wheel design, and, for the SEL models and above, heated rear seats. And the tech convenience doesn’t stop there.
They have also made wireless Carplay and Android Auto standard across the board, and made their digital key system much more seamless using NFC and low bluetooth energy, allowing you to unlock your car with your phone while it’s still in your pocket, making it easier when loading and unloading your vehicle. Additional USB-C charger ports in the front and rear mean you can always stay connected.
But sometimes you just want to disconnect–we get it, and so did thousands of others who joined the off-road and overlanding scene in recent times. When you think of off-road, your first thought would not be an EV– and if it is, you probably aren’t thinking IONIQ. But Hyundai aims to change that, taking a step in that direction of capability with this new XRT model. XRT is a familiar designation on other Hyundai models, but it’s making it’s all-electric debut on the IONIQ 5. It offers the capabilities of an SUV while also being able to take you off road and brave the wilderness with confidence.
It certainly looks more rugged, with unique front and rear bumpers that are covered in the all new digital pixel camo. Breaking the disguise are bright red recovery hooks in the front, contrasting black exterior details on the side sills, rear spoiler and mirrors. It’s tied together with the interesting 18-inch wheels; but they’re not just for show, wrapped by all-terrain tires that add to its rugged look. The XRT isn’t just looks though, as its made to handle more rugged conditions from the help of its 23mm suspension lift, providing an entire inch more of ground clearance over other models. This goes hand-in-hand with the improved approach angle of 19.8 degrees and departure angle of 30 degrees, two numbers that are crucial when it comes to traversing rough terrain.
The XRT is a capable offroader that handles the trails well with its standard AWD system, aided by various modes like Sand, snow, and mud, allowing for wheel slip to give you that excitement you’re looking for while keeping you in control.
With those updates to the 2025 Ioniq 5 is how it aims to provide a better user experience on and off the road. Where does the pricing fall for this EV? Well you can get in the RWD SE SR model under $43,000 and the RWD limited model just a bit over $54,000. While the AWD model SE model starts at $50,050 and the Limited AWD is just bit over $58,000 and the XRT model is $55,400.
We’ll have an official Road Test of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 soon enough, but until then, stay tuned to MotorWeek!