Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT Cashes in on Off-Road Craze; Model Refresh Inbound

By now, you’ve no doubt heard of Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 utility. You may also be familiar with Hyundai’s “XRT” branding, denoting a more off-road-oriented package. Putting the two together wasn’t exactly on the 2025 bingo card, yet that’s exactly what has been announced.

The incoming model year marks a mid-cycle refresh for Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, and with this update includes a new XRT variant built for off-pavement excursions.

Looking specifically at the XRT, buyers can expect a standard dual-motor AWD setup, powered by the IONIQ 5’s long range battery pack– increased from 77.4 kWh to 84 kWh as part of this refresh. Power meets ground through all-terrain tires mounted onto unique 18-inch wheels, while the body rides 23mm higher thanks to lifted and tuned suspension. Most of the other changes are cosmetic, including special fascias, digital camo cladding, and a myriad of black accents. Exclusive to the XRT is the Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl paint jobs.

The rest of the IONIQ 5 lineup also sees new bumpers forward and aft, along with updated wheels and an updated rear spoiler, and three new exterior color options. The cabin sees a redesigned HVAC control interface and center console; a new steering wheel is mounted upfront and heated rear seats are available on the SEL grade and above. A more powerful infotainment system is mounted in Hyundai’s dual-screen configuration, with wireless smartphone integration standard on all trims.

Along with the adaptation of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which allows buyers to “fill up” at Tesla Superchargers, the IONIQ 5 has seen battery capacity increases; along with the aforementioned long range climb to 84 kWh, the standard pack climbs from 58 to 63 kWh. Confirmed range figures are yet to be announced, but Hyundai is targeting as low as 250 miles and more than 280 miles on AWD variants, depending on trim and wheel setup. A rear-wheel-drive model will target more than 310 miles on a full charge, while standard range RWD models will aim for more than 240 miles, up from the current 220.

The 2025 IONIQ 5 is slated to be the first vehicle produced at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, with pricing and availability yet to be confirmed.