2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

As the world continues merging into the Electric Vehicle lane, South Korean Automaker Hyundai has quietly emerged as one of the leading builders of lower priced (relatively speaking), dependable Electric Vehicles (also known as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs). While American EV giant Tesla garners and grabs more headlines and overall sales, albeit with an aging lineup of electric vehicles, Hyundai and its subsidiaries remain in hot, quiet pursuit.  

Hyundai's Ioniq sub brand debuted in 2016 offering a trio of compact-sized alternative-power sources to battle the traditional internal combustion Engine (ICE). The three propulsion choices included: an all-electric EV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and conventional hybrid electric gas version (HEV), a non-plug-in, self-charging variant. 

In the 2022 model year, the second-generation Ioniq evolved into an all-electric offering with completely different exterior styling. The 2022 next-generation redesign utilized Hyundai's Electric Global Modular Platform unibody platform dedicated specifically to EV technology rather than changing out differing propulsion options as was the case with Generation One.  

In 2025 four models make up the all-electric Ioniq sub brand: our tester this week, the Ioniq 5 crossover/wagon, its pumped up, high-performance kissing cousin the Ioniq 5 N, the Ioniq 6 sedan and all-new, three-row Ioniq 9 crossover.  

The two-row compact Ioniq 5 arrives in five trims: SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, new-for 2025 and adventure-ready XRT and top-shelf Limited. As one drives up the trim ladder, the greater number of standard items. Few packages or a-la-carte items are offered helping speed along the purchasing process.  

The 2025 Ioniq 5 struck a chord within the automotive press nationwide, garnering numerous accolades as well as from Windy City motor scribes including a major nod from the Chicago-based Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). During a presentation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show on February 6, Ioniq 5 earned 'Favorite Vehicle of 2025,' the non-profit organization's top overall honor and for good reason.  

Ioniq 5 offers several different price points depending upon the chosen build and high-voltage DC battery pack size. Our tester arrived with an electric/traction motor powering the front axle and a second motivating the rear axle, providing an all-wheel drive format which Hyundai markets as 'HTRAC.' Specific Ioniq 5 trims also arrive with exclusive rear-wheel drive (one electric/traction motor) for a bit less bread. The girthy DC lithium-ion battery pack offers two voltage capacity choices: 'Standard' and 'Extended' ranges, each boasting differing pure electric mileage levels thanks to differing voltage capacities.  

The rear-drive SE Standard range trim arrives exclusively with the smaller 63-kilowatt-hour battery pack punching out 523 volts with a decent estimated driving range of 245 miles. All other trims include the larger 84-kwh battery pack delivering 697 volts with an estimated 318 miles of EV travel when paired with rear-wheel drive. This marks a huge leap forward from the first-generation Ioniq EV averaging 124 estimated miles of travel when fully saturated with ions.  

For 2025, the extended range DC battery pack increases power capacity, jumping from 77.4 kilowatt hours available in some 2024 models to 84.0 kwh in 2025. What does this mean? This translates into a higher estimated electric range of 318 miles for rear-drive formats, a jump of 15 EV miles. The standard DC battery pack increases from 58 kwh to 63 kwh extending range by 25 miles. Our all-wheel-drive XRT tester comes standard with the larger pack and a range estimate of 259 electric miles, although during testing, that estimate over delivered to about 300 after fully charging due to technology-friendly ambient July weather.  

All-wheel drive versions include a 74kw motor up front and 165kw motor in the rear upping total horsepower to 320. Rear-drive versions include a single 168kw motor delivering 225 horses. Ioniq 5 boasts a quiet ride on the highway with notable quick launches from a standing start.  

Another huge notable upgrade for 2025 revolves around the adaption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug port built into the passenger side rear fender. Prior Ioniq 5s utilized the SAE J1772 plug port (or Jplug) for at-home charging, traditionally the design utilized in non-Telsa EVs. The Ioniq 5 rates as one of the first Non-Tesla EVs available at dealers now with this NACS plug perk, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, greatly expanding the number of off-board charging possibilities when away from home. This increases the convenience factor while reducing 'range anxiety,' (the uneasy feeling of having little to no access to competent away-from-home recharging). More about this pleasant turn of events down the road in this review. 

After deciding between rear/all-wheel drive and battery size, about the only other decision left is exterior color. Our all-wheel drive XRT tester listed for $55,400 with zero factory options and $210 worth of dealer carpeting. The bottom line reached $57,085 after a $1,475 destination charge. The lowest priced model, a SE Standard Range, lists at $42,600.  

The new XRT includes a one-inch higher ground clearance (reaching seven inches) than sibling trims and off-road tires along with black side cladding featuring a camouflage pattern, black mirror caps and two unique exterior colors (Ultimate Red, Cosmic Blue Pearl). Under the front bumper, red recovery hooks kick out and it's the sole trim offering 'terrain mode' accessible from a 6 o'clock steering wheel push button offering off-road modes (Snow, Sand, Mud) in addition to conventional drive mode selections (Eco, Sport, etc.) summoned via a push of a circular push button also on the steering wheel but towards the left. The new XRT arrives with all-wheel drive standard.  

The squarish, clean, emboss-free hood frames by a crease line starting at the A pillar and traveling towards the front and connecting with narrow, headlight housing. The lighting structures at each end include a pair of block-like, stretched U-shaped daytime running white LEDs and doubling as amber turn signal blinkers when summoned. Inside the U, larger bulbs acting the part of conventional lights.  

The liftback door, hinged at the top, opens up with generous head clearance even those with longer pant inseams. Included is a brim-like extension (or rear spoiler) creating a flat-ish roof appeal and a rear wiper swiping up from the window's bottom. Side doors include flush-mounted like rectangular bars that teeter totters out to one side when unlocked via the key fob so doors may open with a pull of the extended-out portion.  

An EV-specific single-speed transmission shifts from reverse to neutral to drive via a second lower stalk on the steering column below the windshield wiper stalk controlling both the front and rear wipers. A twist of the transmission stalk's end selects the three choices with Park summoned by pushing in the end of the stalk.  

Relocating the transmission shifter opens up multiple possibilities between front bucket seats. Hyundai chose to add a flat, wireless Smartphone charging pad, a pair of inline beverage holders and an arm rest with built-in narrow storage possibilities that lifts up and back when not desired, opening up an even larger area down to the flat floor; ideal for stowing conventional or Man purses. A pair of newer Type-C plug ports reside near the floor. Row-two passengers also have access to their own pair of Type-C portable electronic plug ports.  

The elimination of the internal combustion engine and traditional torque converter reduces the need for a sizeable engine compartment, welcoming a cab-forward design increasing interior dimensions and eliminating the central vertical floor hump running down the middle. Expect gobs of front and rear leg room from this compact-sized vehicle as a result. The dashboard's lower height increases front windshield area and better sight lines for drivers.  

The sizeable, relatively flat lithium-ion DC battery pack, consisting of several modules each containing a number of individual cells, stores under the floor between the front and rear axles creating a 'skateboard' design. This layout creates a lower center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution benefitting steering and handling.  

Both DC battery packs team with a high-performance 10.9-kilowatt onboard charging module (OBC) rated at 800-volts, one of the most generous ratings available in the mainstream EV domain. Onboard Charging Modules act as a gatekeeper, monitoring the voltage output to minimize miscues and converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for storage in the DC battery pack during at-home charging with alternating current. Ioniq 5's high 800-volt rating speeds along the recharging process when compared to a 6.9-kilowatt OBC design utilized within a recently tested Subaru Solterra EV which delivered less than 200 miles of range. Hyundai's lithium-ion packs employ nickel, manganese and cobalt cells improving range potential thanks in part to their high-density level.  

As with most EVs from Hyundai and its upscale Genesis division, a wide, narrow rectangular screen stretches from the driver's side A-pillar straight across towards the glove box area. This flat screen design extends beyond the top of the dash, and fades to black when not in use. This stretch of real estate combines the digital instrument panel to the left (12.3-inches) with the touch-sensitive multi-function sound-system graphics and maps to the right (also 12.3 inches).  

Black twist knobs reside below the big screen and a pair of in-dash air vents monitoring volume and station selection. Between the knobs, a row of eight push buttons (home, map, seek, etc.) also interact with the screen. Directly below, the newly redesigned HVAC system housed within its own smaller, rectangular press-sensitive domain including icons for front/rear defrosters. It's pretty, but if the sun shines at just the right angle, the backlite icons fade quickly, providing a difficult task when upping the fan speed.  

The steering wheel's face includes two thumb-operated scroll rolls, one monitoring secondary sound volume and one multiple IP screen options. A pair of thumb-operated up/down monitors change audio options and IP screen panels. Adjacent Paddle shifters adjust levels (up and down) of regenerative braking resistance, acting like hand brakes aboard traditional bicycles. Regenerative braking, an important aspect of all EVs, captures friction created during the mechanical braking process and recycles this energy back into the DC battery pack for later use, helping extend mileage estimates.  

To the left of the manual tilt-and-telescope steering columns, remote push buttons operating the power lift back and battery charge port swing door with an icon originally through to represent a traditional gas pump until further observation determined it actually aped a svelte, NACS station.  

Considering its compact dimensions, rear seat leg and head room abound. My six-foot plus frame comfortably ensconced in row two with several inches of headroom to spare. Three adults could travel if needed in a pinch, two remains optimal. With rear seats prone, a very usable 26.3 cubic feet of space remains available. Manually fold down the 70/30 split fold second-row seatbacks and that figure more than doubles, swelling to 58.5 cubic feet.  

The adaption of the NACS port/plug allows Ioniq 5 access to Tesla's 31,990 high speed Supercharge Ports in the U.S., double the number of DC Fast Charging ports working with the rival J1772/Combined Charging System (CCS) design. As of this writing, about two-thirds of these NACS Superchargers work with non-Tesla Vehicles (software updates need completion before both designs work nice with each other), but that percentage promises to increase quickly. The best way to determine if a specific Tesla Supercharger adapts to a non-Tesla vehicle is to download the informative Tesla App, providing network details and locations. Currently, NACS Superchargers require use of a Smartphone to download apps and supply credit card information to make real-time payments. Cash is not accepted unless one can convince or bribe the stoic Supercharger otherwise.  

All 2025 Ioniq 5s may also recharge at DC Fast Charging CCS networks marketed as 'Electrify America,' Charge Point,' 'EVgo,' and 'Blink' by utilizing a company-approved CCS adaptor. 

All 2025 Ioniq 5s include a 20-foot long mobile charger for home refills connecting up with a conventional 120-volt outlet (also known as Level One charging). Expect three-to four miles per hour with this method, the least speedy available but the least expensive since no additional equipment or wall connecter is required. During at-home testing, we consistently averaged four miles of range per hour utilizing a 120-volt wall socket.  

For quicker at-home/overnight charging, most shoppers purchase a wall connecter and cord utilizing a home's higher 240-volt output traditionally powering washers, dryers, heating and air conditioners units. Utilizing a 240-volt outlet cuts charging time to under eight hours from a 10 to 100 percent state of charge. Wall unit instillation runs between $700 and $1,500 depending upon a home's electrical design.  

Charging away from home utilizing a Tesla Supercharger generally costs between 25 to 50 cents per kilowatt hour, depending upon the time of day and demand. It's far more expensive (sometimes two-to-three times more) than at home charging where Chicago-area rates hover around 14 cents per kilowatt hour.  

Most Tesla Superchargers available commercially away from home provide up to 250 kilowatts (identified as 'V3') capable of adding 180 miles of travel range in 15 minutes under ideal circumstances. Keep in mind ideal circumstances rarely come into play. The greater the number of vehicles charging at the same time at the Supercharger bank, the slower the delivery of charged ions per vehicle. Supercharger locations sometime boast a dozen or more ports. Outside temperatures play a big part too as EVs work and recharge best when ambient temperatures fall between 55-85-degrees Fahrenheit. 

During our July 2025 testing, our Ioniq 5 recharged away from home at a bank of ports in a Culver's parking lot in Lake Delton, Wisconsin just off the Interstate. The Ioniq 5 easily made the trek from Glen Ellyn to the Dells on a single charge. More than half the 12 available ports were in use slowing the delivery of charged ions. During the real-world refuel, the onboard DC battery pack went from a 70 percent charge to an 82 percent charge in 17 minutes at a cost of $10.95 while delivering 77 miles of electric travel range. The Tesla Supercharger's (NACS) black cable includes a notably lighter weight with an easier entry into the vehicle's plug port compared with the rival CCS design, whose thicker, heavier cable sometimes mimics an angered anaconda.  

As of this writing, the popular Federal program where purchasers may qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits when buying a new electric vehicle (up to $4,000 for qualifying pre-driven EVs) is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Originally, these incentives were to sunset in 2032. While in the long term this may dissuade some price sensitive shoppers from an EV decision, in the short term, Hyundai dealers should ready themselves for an uptick in EV queries before this perk's demise. With assembly now taking place in Ellabell, Georgia and on U.S. soil, the 2025 Ioniq 5 qualifies for up to $7,500 in the Federal tax credits. It's one of a select few non-Telsa EVs available in 2025 to qualify for a portion of the $7,500 pie.  

The State of Illinois offers an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, but it too includes perplexing restrictions. Unlike the Federal program, Illinois' $4,000 rebate is open to new EVs no matter where in the world they're assembled as long as purchasing takes place at a dealer licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State. Leased vehicles don't qualify for the Illinois rebate nor do Plug-In Electric Vehicles.  

The Illinois program operates within 'Limited Application Cycles' the most recent as of this writing falling between January 21 and April 30, 2025 when applications were accepted. This narrow window jibs with the program's funding and may open up again if/when additional dollars get allocated to the program. Applications and current information is found at www.epa.illinois.gov 

Hyundai's long-standing 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty extends to its EV lineup covering the high-voltage DC battery pack and electric motors, just one more reason this compact EV is worth its weight in coulombs.  

At a Glance - 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT AWD 

Price as Tested: $57,085 

Direct Current Battery Type: Lithium-ion 

Total System Horsepower: 320 

All Electric Range Estimate: 259 

Wheelbase: 118.1 inches 

Overall Length: 183.3 inches  

Overall Height: 63 inches 

Overall Width: 74.4 inches  

Curb weight: 4,707 pounds 

Hybrid component Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles 

Assembly: Ellabell, Georgia