One of America’s Best EVs Is Even More Appealing Now

Some don’t like that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks like a cross between Doc Brown’s Delorean and a VW Bug, yet there’s no denying the vehicle’s status as one of the best EVs on the market.

The 2024 version earned an Editor’s Choice Award from Car and Driver. It also ranked as the number one EV on The Car Connection. And the list of awards for earlier generations since the vehicle’s initial launch in 2021 would take up this entire page.

The newly unveiled 2025 Ioniq 5 won’t look noticeably different beyond a few new paint color options, restyled bumpers, a new spoiler and more aerodynamic wheels.

But it’s now an even better all-around electric vehicle in all the areas that matter most. There’s even a new off-road trim option.

Here are the important changes and improvements coming to the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 that you need to know about.

It’s the first Hyundai EV to include a new NACS-style charging port once found only onTeslas

Hyundai

The port swap means the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge on Tesla’s Supercharger network, which currently includes 17,000 stations. Hyundai will also provide all buyers with a CCS adapter to charge at all other EV stations.

Both battery size options are bigger, which should improve driving range

Hyundai

Buyers of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can choose between a standard range 63-kilowatt-hour pack (up from 58) or a larger 84 kWh pack(up from 77.4). Hyundai isn’t sharing exact details on how these larger batteries will impact range. Part of that concerns how other variables like AWD vs. rear wheel drive impact range. But for now, the company’s early matrix of range estimates suggests specific versions of the 2025 Ioniq 5 could gain 20+ miles of driving distance or more. That would mean a top range for AWD models of 280+ miles depending on tires and wheels. Rear wheel drive models could offer 310+ miles of range.

Seemingly small interior changes will make daily driving easier

Hyundai

The 2025 Ioniq 5 will finally support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing one of the most obvious internal downsides of the previous models.

The car’s center console has been redesigned to include physical buttons (huzzah!) for heating and ventilation. There are also dedicated buttons for triggering the steering wheel, seat heating, and parking assistance functions. Heat seating is also available for rear seats in the SEL trim or higher. The wireless charging pad has also moved to a more natural position.

Hyundai

New USB-C ports for modern devices, including the latest iPhone, have also been added to the front and rear passenger areas.

It’ll qualify for the newer federal tax credits

Hyundai

The 2025 Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai to be built in the company’s new Georgia-based Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). This means the vehicle will qualify for the $3,750 federal tax credit when it goes on sale.

There’s even a new off road oriented version

Hyundai

Roll your eyes if you’d like, but the new-for-2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is a special version of the EV designed for dirt driving and other light off-road activities.

To that end, Hyundai has given the special version a 0.9-inch suspension lift and custom suspension tuning. The vehicle’s approach and departure angles are also slightly better than the standard model by ~3 degrees, and a pair of red-painted tow hooks can pull up to 5,834 pounds.

Aesthetically, the package will feature two exclusive color options in addition to bumpers and side skirts with a digi camo pattern and unique 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Internally, special H-Tex seating equipped with a unique pattern, badging, and logos will draw attention to the package, in addition to a black headliner. All-weather floor mats are also included.

Pricing is still TBD, but we’ll be sure to update that information as it’s revealed.

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