There’s little doubt the Hyundai Ioniq 5, our 2024 Car of the Year, is one of the best cars Hyundai has put to market in recent times. Part of this is because it breaks new ground and seamlessly integrates modern EV tech into regular everyday motoring.

The real star of the show, however, is the all-new XRT trim, which is an off-road trim already available on the Santa Cruz, Tucson, and Palisade. The XRT label isn’t just about looks. Hyundai gives its XRT trims added capability for more adventurous drivers.

This version of the Ioniq 5 gets just about everything right, from built-in access to Tesla DC fast chargers to simpler controls customers asked for.

Mercifully, Hyundai has also added a rear windshield wiper to the Ioniq 5 this year, something we wish our long-term 2023 model had. Two different battery packs are still offered, but both are now slightly larger.

Barrelling through the fine sands of Coachella Valley, we discover just how well Hyundai's new XRT variant of the Ioniq 5 handles the "extreme rough terrain". Is it just another "soft-roader" for Patagonia-clad schoolteachers,

While the IONIQ 5 is not Hyundai’s first BEV, it will certainly go down as the flagship model of its bonafide transition into a fully electric brand. The IONIQ 5 was the first model from Hyundai Motor Group to arrive on its impressive E-GMP platform,

Electrification has been the key to Hyundai’s 33% retail growth over the past five years, according to Ricky Lao, director of product planning Hyundai Motor America. In fact, sales were up 31% in 2024 compared to the year before.

Looking for a long-range EV SUV? The Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are two great choices. But which is the better one?

While just a mid-cycle refresh, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets some great upgrades and, most impressively, an XRT model, which we take off-road.

The last few years have been progressive steps forward for Hyundai in the electric vehicle (EV) department. This positive trend stems from the Korean automaker’s popular, efficient, and unique IONIQ