A Great EV Gets Even Better

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 builds on the success of last year, offering more range, better tech, and a rugged new XRT trim to broaden its appeal. This two-row crossover is a versatile alternative to the sleek Ioniq 6 with plenty of room for five people and great cargo capacity. The latest iteration brings practical updates to an already award-winning electric vehicle.

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2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Base MSRP

$42,500

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Horsepower

168 HP

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft.

Pros & Cons

• New XRT trim is pretty cool
• Improved range and improved charging speeds
• Updated infotainment system

• Not everyone loves the pixel styling
• Range is reduced in XRT trim

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Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was already a standout, and the 2025 refresh enhances its strengths in terms of range, charging speeds, some new interior bits and pieces, and easier charging. We spent some time behind the wheel of the new Ioniq 5 recently; here’s our first impressions.

What’s Changed For This Model Year

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 introduces significant improvements, making it even more competitive in the EV market. Range is better, with Standard Range models now achieving 245 miles per charge and Long Range variants getting up to 318 miles on a full charge. There’s also the new XRT trim, which enhances off-road capability with a near-one-inch suspension lift, improved ground clearance, and rugged styling.

The Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai to offer native support for Tesla Superchargers with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. In fact, it’s the first vehicle in North America outside of a Tesla to include a native NACS charging port. The result is that charging is more convenient with Tesla’s NACS port, giving Ioniq 5 owners access to 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers, alongside a CCS adapter for broader compatibility. Inside, the cabin sees refinements such as a redesigned center console with physical controls for the front-seat heating, a fresh steering wheel design, and an updated infotainment system that enhances the driving experience.

Exterior Design: Futuristic Meets Rugged

The Ioniq 5’s distinctive retro-futuristic styling gets subtle refinements for 2025, including redesigned bumpers, a new rear spoiler, and more aerodynamic wheels. Hyundai also added a rear wiper, something that was missing before and proved an issue in snow and rain. The Ioniq 5’s futuristic design won’t appeal to everyone, but it does make the car stand out in the crowded SUV segment. The XRT trim cranks up the attitude with blacked-out trim, etched digital camouflage body cladding, and exclusive Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl exterior paint options.

Interior: Tech Forward And Spacious

Hyundai refined the Ioniq 5’s interior ergonomics, creating a welcoming cabin with supportive seats and a roomy back seat. The spacious interior provides enough room for five adults to sit comfortably, making it ideal for families or long road trips. A new center console adds physical buttons for heating, ventilation, and the heated steering wheel, and the wireless charging pad has been repositioned for better accessibility.

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Infotainment: Smarter And More Connected

The 2025 Ioniq 5 has an updated infotainment system that features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system now supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring long-term software improvements. The touchscreen is responsive, with crisp graphics and well-organized menus, making navigating the menus smooth and intuitive. Whether accessing media, vehicle settings, or real-time navigation, the interface remains user-friendly and enhances the overall driving experience.

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Powertrain And Driving: Efficiency Meets Excitement

The Ioniq 5 has the aggressive acceleration that is a hallmark of electric vehicles. It’ll press you back in your seat and put a smile on your face while still keeping you fully in control. On winding roads, it handles beautifully with four levels of regenerative braking and true one-pedal driving that is exceptionally easy to modulate. It takes almost no time to become accustomed to the braking, so it’s second nature. Cycle through the drive modes to either focus on efficiency or performance, all depending on your mood. This is a remarkably comfortable and enjoyable ride whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.

The New XRT Trim

The biggest change for the 2025 model year is the addition of the new off-road XRT trim. While not for heavy-duty off-road adventures, this trim is perfect for those who venture off the beaten path. Whether it’s getting to a cabin retreat or heading out for a weekend of camping, the XRT will get you there with ease. It has a higher ride height, improved approach and departure angles, and all-weather floormats along with unique exterior design elements. We had the chance to drive off-road in the XRT and it lived up to its billing. It managed deep sand with ease and had no trouble with uneven off-road surfaces with good control and a smooth ride that maintained its composure across uneven surfaces.

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Charging: Fast and Convenient

Hyundai has made charging more accessible and efficient with the 2025 Ioniq 5. It’s the brand’s first model to feature native NACS compatibility, giving owners access to Tesla’s network of Superchargers. There’s also a CCS adapter, so owners can still access non-Tesla chargers. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes just 20 minutes at a 250 kW DC fast charger making this a great choice for road trips. Between its long range and fast charging, the Ioniq 5 removes much of the anxiety and uncertainty associated with owning an electric vehicle.

Verdict & Pricing: A Stronger EV Contender

One of the strengths of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is its pricing. The base SE with rear-wheel drive starts at just $42,500, not including $1,475 destination. That is great value for the range, fast charging, and features. The price of the top Limited is $58,100, which may stretch modest budgets, but there’s plenty in between the two to allow for finding the features you want at a price you can afford.

• SE RWD Standard Range: $42,500
• SE RWD: $46,550
• SEL RWD: $49,500
• Limited RWD: $54,200
• SE AWD: $50,050
• SEL AWD: $53,000
• XRT AWD: $55,400
• Limited AWD: $58,100

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 builds on an already impressive foundation with meaningful upgrades, from increased range to Tesla Supercharger access. The XRT trim adds a new dimension of versatility, making the Ioniq 5 a more well-rounded choice for a variety of EV buyers. For those seeking a blend of tech, comfort, and performance, the Ioniq 5 remains one of the best electric SUVs on the market.