Since its debut in 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT has become a key piece in Hyundai’s EV master plan. It may look like a hatchback to casual observers but the CUV has proven to be a strong seller for Hyundai and it has also managed to wear multiple hats with the 5 gaining an N model which was recently updated.
However, Hyundai always had eyes on another environment seldom explored by EVs in its segment, the backwoods, and decided to take a bold risk with its latest Ioniq 5 variant, the 2025 XRT. The XRT moniker was usually associated with gas-powered Hyundai models but the Ioniq 5 is aiming to bring it to the EV ranks. But is the Ioniq 5 XRT all show and no bark, or is it a hidden gem that can become a great long-term investment for thrill seekers?
Rugged personality adds character to Ioniq 5 XRT
Ioniq 5 XRTs like our tester help spearhead a broader refresh for the Ioniq 5 lineup as a whole with models like our tester getting an updated front and rear end, tweaked wheels, and more. Move into the new XRT and the exterior changes get taken up a notch with this model getting a reworked front bumper that features two red colored tow hooks 18-inch steelie inspired wheels, and pixelated plastic cladding that wraps its way around the bottom of the EV.
The look can appear garish to some, but it also allows this XRT model to have a unique flavor something that’s often missing from its gas-powered siblings with those models preferring to focus on style and putting soft-road capability on the proverbial backburner. The reworked bumpers also help improve the Ioniq 5’s approach and departure angles but you may need a magnifying glass to spot the difference versus a traditional Ioniq 5.
Another update is the addition of a NACS charging port to the Ioniq 5. This port allows the EV to be charged at Tesla Supercharging stations with the company promising the EV can go from 10 to 90 percent charge in 30 minutes when hooked up to a fast-charging station. However, if you’re a buyer who has to use a traditional 110-volt outlet to charge be prepared for a longer wait with our tester requiring a whopping 51 hours to go from 50 to 100 percent charge. That’s a noticeable jump from older Ioniq 5s but look for some buyers to solve this problem by mapping out nearby fast chargers to reduce the wait.
Updated XRT Interior Is Functional and Tech Filled
Slip inside the XRT and you’ll find that the interior has been lightly updated. The steering wheel has been tweaked with the tiller now having lighted pixels in the center that help show the state of charge for the battery with the pixels also showing how far along you are in the charging process. A rear windshield wiper has also been mercifully added to improve rear visibility in wet weather and the infotainment system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A revised center console is also part of the updates but we’re glad to see the Ioniq 5 is still very roomy with the flat floor providing healthy amounts of leg and foot room especially in the second row. The seats themselves are still comfortable with XRT models like our tester getting XRT logos on the seat backs.
The infotainment system itself is better than ever and unlike other wireless Android equipped systems on the market, this one did a good job connecting to our phone and we noticed very little instances of the signal going in and out. There’s also adequate room for cargo in the rear but you’ll still need to fold the seats down to fit bulkier items.
A split personality
All Ioniq 5 XRTs are powered by two electric motors which gives them standard all-wheel drive and a combined system output of 320 hp. This is a healthy amount of power but the XRTs off-road add-ons do make it heavier than othe rmodels and cause its driving range to dip slightly to 259 miles before it needs to plug-in for some juice. Two different battery packs are still offered but both of them have been updated for 2025 and are bigger than before which helps improve range with a front-wheel drive Ioniq 5 getting 318 miles of range when equipped with the Long-Range battery pack.
In the case of the XRT the dual-motors are paired with all-terrain tires and a 0.9-inch suspension lift. The slight improvement in ground clearance is useful in certain soft road situations but the bulk of our complaints actually center on the Continental CrossContact ATR tires themselves. They provide ample amounts of grip in wet weather and muddy trails but fall flat on their face when tasked with driving on pavement with the rubber having low cornering limits which causes them to squeal loudly if the XRT is pushed too hard through corners. Thankfully they don’t add any extra noise into the cabin which was welcome in freeway driving. The XRT has two sets of drive modes and in addition to the default ones, a second button in the lower spoke of the steering wheel has three XRT exclusive ones: Snow, Sand, and Mud.
While the new modes and the suspension clearance are nice improvements, The Ioniq 5 is no Jeep and that’s evident when you look at some of the things it doesn’t have with the model not getting a formal locking differential or an adjustable air suspension.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2025 Ioniq 5 has also been tweaked for 2025 with a base SE Long Range starting at $42,600 before taxes and fees are applied. The bulk of the lineup also stays firmly in the $40,000 range with the only two exceptions being the XRT and the range-topping Limited model. In an interesting twist, the $55,500 XRT is actually more expensive than the $54,300 Limited model which technically makes XRT models like our tester the flagship in the family.
This pricing puts the XRT firmly against rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally and even some gas=powered models like the Subaru Outback. It’s also clear that Hyundai is attempting to cover all angles with the Ioniq 5 and is attempting to make the EV appeal to a wide range of niches. The updates are minor, but look for them to provide the EV with plenty of momentum to help it stay fresh for the next few years before more comprehensive updates make their appearance.
Leave a Reply