2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT review: More powerful capability
Hyundai is expanding its Ioniq 5 lineup with the new 2025 Ioniq 5 The XRT doesn't turn the Ioniq 5 into a rock crawler, but it pushes the electric crossover closer into adventure-ready territory while maintaining the core strengths that made the standard models so attractive.
Big upgrades start with the hardware. The XRT uses the familiar dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, which means acceleration is as quick as other all-wheel-drive versions. It launches with the same strong power and smooth power delivery, and on tarmac, it rides almost as comfortably as the rest of the range. Hyundai has also recalibrated the suspension to suit rough terrain, and the ride is compliant even on uneven surfaces. The additional capabilities are useful, but do not affect daily driveability.
To make the XRT even more road-friendly, Hyundai gives it all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch wheels, and an off-road-tuned suspension. The tires add useful traction on gravel and loose surfaces, and the extra inch of ground clearance — now 7.0 inches — helps with the occasional uneven road. Approach and departure angles are also improved, and the XRT gains specific driving modes on ice, mud and sand to adapt power delivery to changing surfaces. The only downside is that the off-road tires add more road noise, and their longer sidewalls reduce handling compared to other Ioniq 5 models. It's still a smooth and composed EV on asphalt, but it's not quite as sharp in the corners.
The biggest compromise comes in efficiency. Because of the tires and extra ride height, the XRT's range drops to 259 miles, compared to 290 miles for other dual-motor models. It's not a huge penalty, but it's worth noting for drivers planning longer road trips. Charging remains a solid option: Hyundai says the battery can go from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes with a DC fast charger, or 30 minutes with a NACS charger, and the XRT includes a built-in NACS port for seamless access to Tesla's more than 17,000 Superchargers.
Visually, the XRT gets the aggressive treatment with black bumpers, body cladding, and a more aggressive wheel and tire package. It's not over the top, but subtle additions give the Ioniq 5 a tougher look to match its improved capability.
Inside, the XRT keeps things familiar. The cabin is nearly identical to the rest of the range, with the biggest differences being the XRT-specific rubber mats and badges. This means you still enjoy the Ioniq 5's spacious and airy interior, along with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The design, materials, and technology feel modern and clean, and the cabin remains one of the Ioniq 5's strongest aspects overall.
Pricing is where XRT may give shoppers pause. "It starts at $57,100, which is at the high end of the range — only about $2,000 less than a fully loaded Limited SUV. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much value you place on added capability and styling. For drivers who want the more powerful Ioniq 5 without ditching the everyday comfort and quick performance that defines the model, the XRT hits the sweet spot."
At the end of the day, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5