Hyundai has fully embraced the idea of electrification with a full range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles (EVs), and the versatile Ioniq 5 compact crossover SUV leads the brand's battery-electric lineup. Introduced for the 2022 model year, the Ioniq 5 gets significant updates for 2025 with enhanced technology, new features, and an improved driving range. But the biggest news is the addition of the new XRT trim level, expanding the Ioniq 5 portfolio to off-road adventurers.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s exterior doesn't change much for the 2025 model year, new feature upgrades bring welcome improvements. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets:
Hyundai offers the 2025 Ioniq 5 in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and high-performance N. The SE comes with a standard-range battery, while the long-range battery is available on the SE and standard on the rest of the lineup. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard on the XRT and N and available in all other variants. Prices range from around $44,000 to around $68,000.
JD Power previously published a review of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5. This review focuses on the Ioniq 5's updates for 2025 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
For this review of the 2025 Ioniq 5, Hyundai provided a test vehicle in Palm Springs, California, equipped with XRT trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $57,085, including the $1,475 destination charge to ship the compact crossover SUV to your local dealership from the new Hyundai Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia.
For this review, Hyundai provided the vehicle and paid for airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.
Photo: Perry Stern
It's only been a few years since the Ioniq 5 joined Hyundai’s U.S. lineup, so for 2025, the changes focus more on feature upgrades than design changes. There are minor styling updates, but most consumers are unlikely to notice. However, one exterior change should be popular: the addition of a rear window wiper. This was a noticeable omission during my last experience with the Ioniq 5. The new wiper significantly improves rear visibility, especially when venturing off the pavement in the new XRT.
Inside, there's a new center console with a convenient wireless charging pad as well as new controls for seat heat/ventilation and steering wheel heat. Updated climate control functions are easier to use, and there's now a tuning knob to go with the volume knob. Hyundai also updated the steering wheel; it now features four pixel lights in the center that change color when you switch drive modes. This design is an unusual way of representing Hyundai (four dots are Morse code for the letter “H”).
The large screen housing the dual 12.3-inch displays for the gauge cluster and infotainment remains unchanged. However, the infotainment system features a faster processor and offers improved customization and over-the-air updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now have a wireless connection for all trims, and there's a new Bose audio system with Active Sound Design technology.
Hyundai also added new safety tech to the Ioniq 5 for the 2025 model year. In addition to the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that were already standard, the updated EV gets haptic feedback and hands-on detection for the steering wheel, a forward attention warning system, and park distance warning for forward and reverse.
One of the major pain points of owning an EV is finding a public charger. That pain lessens for owners of the Ioniq 5. The 2025 Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai model produced with the new NACS port. It allows owners to charge their SUV at one of 17,000 Tesla Superchargers available in America. Customers also receive a complimentary CCS adapter, adding the flexibility to plug in at Electrify America, ChargePoint, or other popular public charging stations.
Drivers of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 shouldn't have to charge as often with an increased capacity for both the standard- and long-range batteries. The single-motor SE, SEL, and Limited get an estimated 318 miles of range on a full charge—15 miles more than the previous version.
According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 with the long-range battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes when plugged into a 350-kilowatt (kW) DC fast charger. The automaker says customers can add 178 miles in just 15 minutes at that rate. For those with a Level 2 home charger, the Ioniq 5 will charge in less than eight hours, which you can easily do overnight.
While there are only slight design changes to the standard Ioniq 5 for 2025, the new XRT gets a rugged look that stands out from the rest of the lineup. Front and rear bumpers, as do the fenders and side sills, feature heavy-duty black cladding with a stylish pixel design. Not only does the cladding give the XRT an adventurous style, but it also adds a layer of protection from gravel or dirt. The red tow hooks integrated into the front bumper are standard and add a nice functional touch.
The XRT gets seven inches of ground clearance—an extra inch compared to the standard Ioniq 5—giving it a more aggressive stance while adding to its off-road capability. All-terrain tires on 18-inch black wheels are exclusive to the XRT, completing the look.
Inside, the XRT enjoys all the updates for the 2025 model year and features seats with H-Tex synthetic leather and an embossed XRT logo on the front seat backs. The XRT logo also appears on the doors and the all-weather floor mats.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT comes standard with a dual-motor electric powertrain. Output is the same as the non-XRT variants, rated at 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the XRT has an estimated range of 259 miles and achieves a combined rating of 94 MPGe. The trip computer in my test vehicle showed 2.5 miles/kWh, which translates to 85 MPGe.
While the powertrain remains unchanged from the standard Ioniq 5, the XRT gets a tuned suspension for a smoother, more stable ride when venturing off the pavement. Also unique to the XRT are new Terrain modes, selectable via a button on the steering wheel.
Selecting Snow, Sand, or Mud alters the throttle response and configures the stability and traction control to offer the best performance for the terrain. Choosing any of these modes sets the AWD system to distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels.
Hyundai arranged an off-road course at the Metate Ranch in Indio, California, to showcase the XRT's capability properly. With a surface of loose rock and sand, I set the drive mode to Sand and headed out on the trail. The tuned suspension in the Ioniq 5 XRT provided a smooth, confident ride, even while traversing a gravel trail at high speeds, and the all-terrain tires provided excellent grip.
It turns out an EV is an excellent choice for light off-roading. Power delivery is smooth and easy to manage, making it easy to negotiate tight turns and steep climbs on the loose surface. Sand mode allowed for more wheel spin, but the Hyundai never felt out of control, even when sliding around corners.
I launched the XRT from a stop on a long section of the trail, and the EV moved quickly off the line. Even with the wheels spinning, it remained stable and in control. The Ioniq 5 XRT is thoroughly enjoyable to drive off the beaten path, and the silent drivetrain further enhances the experience.
I also had the opportunity to cruise around Palm Springs in the XRT. The attributes that make it an excellent option for off-pavement excursions detract from the on-road drivability. Compared to the Ioniq 5 Limited I’ve previously driven, the XRT didn't feel as crisp. The suspension allowed more body lean in the corners, and the steering wasn't as responsive. However, the XRT delivered a comfortable, smooth ride with plenty of power on tap. It may not be as sporty as the standard version, but it would still be a good choice as a daily driver.
Photo: Perry Stern
After introducing the high-performance Ioniq 5 N in late 2024, Hyundai brings the new XRT with rugged styling and off-road goodies to appeal to customers who enjoy adventures off the beaten path. The XRT is great fun when the pavement ends, and it benefits from the significant technology and feature updates that all Ioniq 5 variants get for the 2025 model year. While the Ioniq 5 competes directly with EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Volkswagen ID.4, Ford, the Mach-E Rally is the only rival that offers an off-road variant.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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