Hyundai adds a new performance-oriented battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to the Ioniq 5 lineup and substantially changes the Tucson compact crossover SUV and the Santa Cruz compact pickup for the 2025 model year. In addition to the new Ioniq 5 N, the Ioniq 5 lineup sports revamped styling, bigger battery capacity, and a new XRT variant. The Ioniq 9—an all-electric three-row SUV—will go on sale as a 2026 model later this year.
The Elantra and sporty Elantra N return for the 2025 model year with just a few minor trim changes.
The Ioniq 5 gets revamped exterior styling, bigger-capacity battery packs to boost range, and a new XRT off-road variant. The XRT features exclusive fascias, etched digital camouflage cladding, black 18-inch wheels, 235/60R18 all-terrain tires, a 23-mm suspension lift, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and an 84-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery.
Hyundai's 2025 Ioniq 5 N is an all-new model that combines the brand’s Electrified-Global Modular Platform with its motorsport technologies. The car’s exterior features low ground clearance, 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, a wing-type spoiler, air curtains, and active air flaps for extra cooling. The race cockpit-styled interior features heavily bolstered bucket seats. It has a 601-horsepower, dual-electric-motor AWD powertrain with a special 641-hp N Grin Boost mode.
The Ioniq 5 N’s tech offering includes e-Shift, active sound, launch control, electronic torque distribution, racetrack mode, battery preconditioning, drift optimizer, left-foot braking, track speed control, and regenerative brake maximization.
The Ioniq 6 sedan is essentially a carryover for 2025, but Hyundai adds a head-up display to the Limited trim level.
The Kona N Line S is new for 2025. At a suggested price of around $1,500 less than the N Line, it offers all the appearance and mechanical equipment of that sporty variant, but its infotainment system doesn't have integral navigation. It also eschews the eight-speaker Bose audio system found in the N Line. The Kona Electric offers a new N Line trim with 19-inch alloy wheels, an N Line rear spoiler, N Line black Alcantara sport seats, Bose premium audio, and a 150-kW electric motor.
The Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle carries over intact from the 2024 model year.
For 2025, the Palisade is essentially a carryover from the 2024 model year with very minor equipment revisions.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz undergoes significant exterior changes, including a new front fascia, grille, wheel designs, and daytime running lights. The XRT version features exclusive bumper fascia designs, Wrench-inspired XRT-specific 18-inch wheels, 245/60R18 all-terrain tires, a surround-view camera, and blind-spot warning.
The affordable pickup's interior now offers a panoramic curved display, an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster, and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen audio-video navigation system. The car also provides wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, USB Type-C ports, Bluelink+ connected services, the Hyundai Pay in-car payment system, and a new towing drive mode.
The SE trim returns to the Sonata lineup for 2025, while the former SEL with Convenience Package becomes a separate trim—the SEL Convenience. Additionally, the Sonata N Line gets a console-mounted rear-seat air vent.
The 2025 Tucson SUV receives substantial updates, including a new grille, revamped front and rear bumper fascias, and an updated daytime running light signature. The front fascia has more substantial vertical grille elements, while Hyundai reduces the number of daytime running lights from 10 to eight.
The Tucson’s interior is more open, with a more advanced yet easier-to-use infotainment system. The cabin has a panoramic curved display, a reworked center stack, and discrete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls for better ergonomics.
Tucson SUVs with shift-by-wire technology now have a column-mounted gear selector, providing greater space in the console area. The upscale Limited trim adds acoustic laminated front side windows to reduce interior noise, while the heated steering wheel and back seat heaters have more precise controls.
Hyundai adds a new exterior color to the 2025 Venue’s palette and drops one. Those are the only alterations to the small crossover for the 2025 model year.
Hyundai is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 11, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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