2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

So, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is really stepping up in the electric vehicle scene. It’s not just riding the wave of its award-winning past; there are some solid upgrades and the fact that it’s made right here in America is a big deal. Since it hit the market in 2022, this car has been racking up accolades like it’s nothing—think 10Best, Editors’ Choice, and even EV of the Year. That just shows how it’s become a standard for electric SUVs.

When you look at the competition, the Ioniq 5 shines next to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. It’s got a roomier interior and, honestly, some of the quickest charging options you can find. And let’s not forget about its unique design—it’s got this retro-futuristic vibe that makes it look like something straight outta 2045, which, yeah, is pretty cool if you ask us.

For 2025, all production is moving to Hyundai’s new Meta Plant in Georgia. This could mean good news for buyers because it opens up eligibility for federal tax credits—like $3,750 if you buy and $7,500 if you lease. Plus, with everything happening domestically, cars could make it to dealerships in just 2.5 weeks after being built. That’s way quicker than waiting for a ship to come from overseas.

They’re also expanding the lineup, which is great since it gives buyers more options at different price points. The base model, the SE Standard Range, kicks off at $43,975. Then there’s the SE at $48,750, the SEL at $50,975, the new XRT at $56,875, and the top-of-the-line Limited. Each trim is designed with different needs in mind, whether you’re after something efficient or an adventurous ride like the XRT.

With the EV market heating up, Hyundai has really thought this through. The 2025 Ioniq 5 comes with bigger battery packs and better range. Plus, it’s got the first-ever native NACS charging port for non-Tesla cars. All these upgrades, on top of what it already offers, make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to make the switch to electric.

The Standard Range version comes with a single rear-mounted motor, cranking out 168 horsepower. It’s paired with a new 63.0 kWh battery pack, which is a nice bump from the earlier 58.0 kWh model, you know?

Then, if you step up to the Long Range rear-wheel-drive version, you get a boost in power—225 horsepower, to be exact. This model now sports a bigger 84.0 kWh battery pack (up from 77.4 kWh), and it can achieve an EPA-estimated range of 318 miles. That’s a solid upgrade compared to the previous 303-mile estimate.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants maintain their 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque output, providing exceptional performance with a verified 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. This configuration demonstrates remarkable acceleration, particularly in the 30-50 mph range, completing the sprint in just 2.0 seconds.

What’s great is that power delivery is smooth and consistent across all the variants, which is a hallmark of electric powertrains. The car’s smart power electronics handle everything really well, whether you’re in the Eco mode to save energy or the Sport mode for a more thrilling drive. Plus, there’s this new drive mode selector that gives you options like Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, and even Snow, each fine-tuned for different driving conditions.

And hey, the Ioniq 5’s E-GMP platform is a testament to Hyundai’s knack for electrical architecture. It supports ultra-fast charging, so if you’ve got the larger battery pack, you can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes with the right DC fast charger. How cool is that?

Also, there’s the new XRT trim. It keeps the same 320 horsepower as the other all-wheel-drive versions, but it’s been specially tuned for that extra ride height and all-terrain capability. Even with its more rugged design, it still manages a respectable 259-mile range—showing just how versatile this platform can be. Quite an interesting ride, don’t you think?

Up front, you’ve got 12.8-inch vented disc brakes, and the same size at the back, which means it can stop reliably in all sorts of conditions. Now, regenerative braking? That’s a big deal for how well the car performs and how it feels to drive. There are paddle shifters right behind the steering wheel that let you tweak the regenerative braking force on the go. You can choose from different levels of intensity, which is nice because it can be customized to fit your driving style or the traffic out there.

For 2025, they’ve worked on making the switch between regenerative and friction braking feel more natural. It’s like they listened to feedback from past models, and now it’s smoother and more predictable when you need to slow down.

In testing, the all-wheel-drive version showed some serious stopping power—like, it managed to go from 70 to 0 mph in just 179 feet. That’s impressive and puts it right up there with luxury SUVs, even though it carries a heavier battery pack.

There’s a little variation in how the braking system is tuned depending on the trim levels. For instance, the XRT model has its own special tuning to work well with its all-terrain tires and higher ride height. This means you can rely on consistent braking no matter what kind of surface you’re driving on.

Lastly, the smart regenerative braking system is pretty cool because it can automatically adjust its strength based on what’s happening in traffic and the navigation data. This makes for a smoother and more efficient driving experience—especially handy when you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic!

The 2025 Ioniq 5’s steering system provides precise directional control, though we note it could offer more feedback for truly engaging driving dynamics. The electric power steering system offers variable assistance depending on vehicle speed and selected drive mode.

When we talk about the suspension, it’s sticking with that tried-and-true MacPherson strut in the front and multi-link in the back. This setup strikes a nice balance between comfort and handling, which is great. It helps the car corner smoothly while soaking up those bumps in the road, giving it that upscale vibe.

For 2025, there’s this new XRT trim that’s got a tweaked suspension with a bit more lift – though it’s not really an inch higher than the regular models. This tweak makes the car better suited for tougher terrains, but still keeps it comfy on the highway.

With a wheelbase stretching out to 118.1 inches, which is actually longer than what you’d find in Hyundai’s three-row Palisade, this car is all about stability on the road. That length does wonders for ride quality, too, helping to smooth out those pesky road imperfections for passengers.

When it comes to handling, the Ioniq 5 knows how to keep it together. It scored a solid 0.85 g on the skidpad, which is impressive. This stability is largely due to its low center of gravity, thanks to where they’ve put the battery pack – right on the floor.

About the steering options! You’ve got three modes to choose from: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. This lets drivers pick how heavy they want the steering to feel, but no matter what, the steering system stays quick with a 2.67 turn lock-to-lock ratio.

When it comes to the 2025 Ioniq 5, the choice of tires depends on which trim level you go for. Each option has been picked with care to strike a good balance between range, comfort, and performance. For instance, the base SE trim comes with 19-inch wheels fitted with energy-efficient tires. These are designed to maximize range and minimize that pesky rolling resistance.

If you decide to step up to the higher trims, you’ll find 20-inch wheels paired with Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires (you know, the 255/45R-20 105V M+S GOE ones). These tires do a good job of balancing performance and comfort while also being suitable for all seasons. Plus, they manage to keep efficiency at a reasonable level.

Here’s something new: the XRT trim rolls out all-terrain tires, which is a first for the Ioniq 5 series. Sure, this choice does lower the range down to about 259 miles, but it really boosts the vehicle’s off-road capabilities and adds a tough vibe to it.

Also, you’ll be pleased to know that tire pressure monitoring is standard across all trims. The digital gauge cluster shows real-time pressure readings for all four tires. This nifty system ensures that your tire pressure stays optimal, which is great for both efficiency and safety.

Road noise from the tires has been well-managed across the lineup, with additional sound insulation added for 2025. The acoustic laminated glass, now standard on SEL and higher trims, further reduces tire and wind noise intrusion into the cabin.

The tire selection’s impact on the range is notable, with the 19-inch wheel setup offering the best efficiency and range figures. Buyers should consider this trade-off when selecting their preferred trim level and wheel/tire combination.

The interior of the 2025 Ioniq 5 shows how far the design has come, making some neat tweaks to improve functionality and comfort. The dashboard sticks to that clean, minimalist vibe we’ve seen before, but now it’s got this sleek panel that blends in two 12.3-inch displays—one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. 

One of the biggest changes for 2025 is how they’ve revamped the center console. Gone is the open-concept look; it’s been switched out for a more practical setup with specific storage compartments. Plus, they’ve moved the wireless charging pad up to the top panel, which makes grabbing your phone a whole lot easier. And hey, they even added a row of physical buttons so you can easily control heated or ventilated seats and steering wheel functions. This definitely addresses the earlier feedback about those touch-sensitive controls not being the best.

Now, depending on which trim level you choose, the material quality changes. If you go for the SEL or higher, you get this nice HTEX leatherette upholstery with cool pixel-themed patterns. The seats? They still have that unique design with solid support. And if you opt for the Limited trim, you’ll be treated to those awesome relaxation seats that recline all the way back—perfect for kicking back while you wait to charge up!

As for colors, the interior palette is well thought out, with options like black and gray. The headliner is a lighter gray, which helps keep the cabin feeling open and airy. You’ll also find some premium touches, like leatherette wrapping on the armrests and upper door panels in the front. Just a heads up, though—the rear door panels still use harder plastics, even in the fancier trims.

Now, about that center console in the Limited trim—it still slides, which is a nice touch for versatility. All models come with a new fold-flat passenger seat, which opens up the space for carrying longer items. The floating console design is smart too, with better storage solutions that make it more organized compared to the old open layout.

And that pixel theme? It’s everywhere! From the seat patterns to the trim elements, it’s a nice way to keep that unique design identity going. Oh, and if you get the SEL trim or higher, you’ll notice they’ve added acoustic laminated rear side glass, which helps cut down on noise inside. The LED interior lighting is great for visibility, but just so you know, the fancy ambient lighting system is now saved for the higher trims.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 is keeping that cool, futuristic look we’ve come to love, but it’s also adding some nice tweaks and new variants. Up front, you’ll still find those signature pixel LED headlights and a light bar that makes the car stand out on the road. The clean lines and geometric shapes that give the Ioniq its unique vibe? Yeah, they’re pretty much the same, which is great because it already feels ahead of the curve.

For 2025, Hyundai introduces several new color options, including Atlas White Matte, Celadon Gray, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red, and Cosmic Blue Pearl. However, some of these choices are trim-specific, with Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl exclusively available on the new XRT trim. The matte color options are limited to SEL trim levels and above, offering a premium finish option for those seeking a more distinctive appearance.

Speaking of the XRT trim, it adds a tough, adventurous flair to the lineup. You’ll notice unique styling elements, like specialized cladding that has this cool 3D pixel camouflage texture—you can’t help but want to touch it! Plus, the front bumper has functional recovery hooks, and it sits a bit higher off the ground, catering to those who love off-roading.

Another practical upgrade for all 2025 models is the rear windshield wiper. Finally! The back still sports those pixel-themed LED taillights and the signature light bar, but now there’s a larger rear spoiler to help with aerodynamics. The geometric wheel arch details and lower body lines? They still set the Ioniq 5 apart from your average SUV.

Wheel designs have been updated across the range, with new options for each trim level. The base model features aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheels, while higher trims offer distinct 20-inch designs. The XRT trim gets its own unique wheel design complementing its more rugged appearance.

In terms of size, the Ioniq 5 hasn’t changed much—it’s still 182.5 inches long and 74.4 inches wide, with a long wheelbase of 118.1 inches that gives it that distinctive stance and roomy interior. Oh, and the pop-out door handles? They’re still there, automatically popping out when you get close with the smart key.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 steps up its game when it comes to comfort and convenience across all its trim levels. For instance, the base SE Standard Range has added a bunch of features that used to only be found in the higher trims. We’re talking about things like front and rear parking sensors, a rear window wiper, and a fold-flat passenger seat. These additions are all about making the car more user-friendly in everyday situations.

Now, if we look at the SEL trim, you’ll find some nice comfort upgrades. They’ve thrown in heated rear seats – a first for 2025 – along with dual-zone automatic climate control and rear AC vents. Plus, the HTEX leatherette seating surfaces are not just stylish, they’re also supportive and durable. And let’s not forget about those 8-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support. They really help you find that perfect driving position, no matter your body type.

As for climate controls, they still have that touch-sensitive interface up in the center stack. But, here’s the thing: they’ve added physical buttons for the features you use most often, like seat heating and steering wheel heating. This little tweak makes daily use a lot smoother. The dual-zone automatic climate control does a great job of keeping the cabin comfy, too.

When you step up to the Limited trim, it’s all about maximizing comfort. You get ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and that cool sliding center console. Oh, and let’s not forget the relaxation seats! These are perfect for taking a load off during charging stops, especially since the vehicle can charge quickly.

Speaking of the center console, the new design is a game changer for day-to-day usability. The wireless phone charging pad has been moved to the top panel, making it super easy to reach. Plus, the storage areas are designed to keep your stuff from sliding all over the place while you’re driving. They’ve even included several USB-C ports for charging and connecting your devices.

And here’s a biggie for 2025: the infotainment system has been upgraded with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This isn’t just a minor update; we now have wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a huge win since it fixes a limitation from before. The interface is snappier, and they’ve added a manual battery preconditioning feature that lets you get the best out of DC fast charging. 

So, the way this vehicle charges? It’s pretty groundbreaking now, thanks to the new native NACS (Tesla) charging port. Yep, it’s actually the very first non-Tesla ride to feature this! And get this: it comes with a full charging solution that includes CCS and J1772 adapters right out of the box. That means it’ll work with all the major charging networks without any fuss.

If you’re worried about cold weather affecting your battery, there’s good news. You can manually kickstart battery preconditioning through the infotainment system, which really helps with charging performance when it’s chilly outside. Plus, there’s this neat plug-and-charge function that takes care of authentication and payment automatically at compatible stations. Super convenient, right?

Now, if you snag an SEL trim or higher, you’ll get Digital Key 2.0 Premium as a standard feature. This adds some handy perks, like passive entry for both Android and iOS users. Basically, you can use your smartphone as the car key, and even share digital keys with friends or family. How cool is that?

Moving on to the Limited trim, it’s packed with top-notch tech. It boasts a head-up display that uses augmented reality for navigation—yeah, it projects those turn-by-turn directions right onto your windshield! Plus, it’s got Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.0, letting you maneuver in and out of tight spaces using just your key fob.

The dual 12.3-inch displays feature enhanced graphics and improved user interface design. The digital instrument cluster offers multiple theme options and can display various vehicle information including range estimation, energy flow, and driver assistance system status.

The 2025 Ioniq 5 is packed with Hyundai’s latest advanced safety features, and guess what? They’re all standard across every trim level. Starting with the basic safety package, it includes forward collision avoidance that can detect pedestrians. They’ve really upped their game for 2025, offering better detection abilities and quicker response times.

Now, every model comes with what they call Highway Driving Assist 2.0. It’s quite a fancy driver assistance system that merges adaptive cruise control with lane-centering tech. They’ve tweaked it for 2025 to make steering feel more natural and to keep you in your lane better, especially when you’re navigating curves.

Hyundai made some changes to the blind-spot monitoring system this year. Interestingly, the base SE Standard Range trim doesn’t have the blind-spot collision avoidance assist anymore – that’s now a standard feature on the SEL trims and higher. This system also offers active steering assistance to help dodge collisions while changing lanes.

What’s really cool is how the car’s structure benefits from being built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. The way they’ve positioned the battery pack gives it a low center of gravity, which boosts crash protection. Plus, for the higher trims, they’ve added acoustic laminated rear side glass that not only cuts down on noise but also adds an extra layer of protection against break-ins.

Here’s something that’s changed: front and rear parking sensors are now standard on all trims, fixing what used to be a limitation on the base model. If you go for the Limited trim, you get even more safety features like a surround-view monitor system and a blind-spot view monitor. This shows you a camera feed of your blind spot right in the digital instrument cluster when you signal to turn.

Lastly, there’s a new Steering Hands-On Detection system that keeps a closer eye on driver attention. It works alongside the Highway Driving Assist to make sure everything’s running smoothly and safely. So, yeah, it looks like Hyundai is committed to stepping up their game with these advanced driver assistance technologies!

Driving the 2025 Ioniq 5 is quite an experience, really. It’s all about that responsive performance combined with a good dose of comfort. You know how electric vehicles are known for their instant torque? Well, in the dual-motor AWD versions, it’s especially noticeable—talk about impressive acceleration! It feels great no matter how fast you’re going.

One cool thing that stands out is the low center of gravity. The battery pack is mounted right in the floor, which helps with stable handling. You hardly notice any body-roll when you’re taking those corners. And that long wheelbase? It’s a game changer for straight-line stability and smoothing out those pesky road imperfections. Just a heads up, though—if you opt for the larger wheels, the ride might feel a bit firm for some folks.

The new drive mode selector – It’s got Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, and Snow modes. Each one tweaks the power delivery, steering feel, and how regenerative braking works. And My Drive mode? That’s where you can make it your own, customizing everything to suit your driving style.

Then there’s the XRT trim. This one really amps up the adventure vibe! With higher ground clearance and all-terrain tires, it’s ready for some light off-roading. Sure, you might give up a bit on range and efficiency, but hey, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visibility? Oh, it’s definitely been improved for 2025. The addition of the rear window wiper addresses a big complaint from the last model. Plus, the large greenhouse and reduced blind spots make maneuvering feel confident, and if you’re in a tight parking spot, the surround-view monitor system is a lifesaver.

One of the most impressive aspects of the driving experience is the vehicle’s charging capability. When connected to appropriate DC fast-charging infrastructure, the ability to add significant range in short charging sessions makes the Ioniq 5 particularly well-suited for long-distance travel.

You know, the 2025 Ioniq 5 makes a mark with its rear seating area, and that’s largely because of its long wheelbase—118.1 inches, to be exact. It’s actually longer than what you get with Hyundai’s bigger Palisade SUV! So, what does that mean for passengers? Well, there’s loads of space, with plenty of legroom and headroom, even if you’re on the taller side.

Now, if you’re sitting in the back, you’ll be pleased to know that the rear seats come with two-stage heating as standard on the SEL trims and above. This is a nice new touch for 2025, making those longer rides a bit cozier. Plus, the seats can recline, so you can find that perfect angle to kick back and relax.

Speaking of comfort, the rear seat amenities have stepped up for 2025. SEL and higher trims now have dedicated AC vents on the B-pillars—pretty cool, right? This change helps with air circulation, fixing some of the issues folks pointed out in past models. So, you can expect better climate control all around.

Now, let’s talk about the rear door panels. They do have decent storage pockets and are spacious enough, but there’s room for improvement in terms of material quality. The front doors feel luxurious with their soft-touch materials and padded armrests, but the back? Well, they stick with harder plastics, even on the higher trims. It’s a bit of a letdown in an otherwise upscale vehicle.

But don’t worry; the rear seat versatility is a big win. There’s a sliding seat function that gives you about 4 to 5 inches of travel! This means you can adjust the seats to either extend legroom or make a bit more room for cargo, depending on what you need. And when you need to haul stuff, the seats split in a 60/40 configuration and fold almost flat—maximizing cargo space, for sure.

Also, if you’re a parent, installing child seats is a breeze. The LATCH anchors are easy to reach, and the rear door openings are generous, making it simple to get everything in. Plus, the flat floor design, thanks to the electric vehicle platform, gives a bit more foot space for those in the middle seat.

The cargo area in the Ioniq 5 has got that practicality we all love but with some cool new features thrown into the mix! The rear space? Well, you’re looking at about 28 cubic feet behind the back seats, which opens up to almost 60 cubic feet—59.3 cubic feet, to be precise—when you fold those seats down. 

The cargo floor is nice and flat, which is super handy. You won’t have to deal with annoying wheel well intrusions that take up space. Plus, there’s a new front passenger seat that folds flat, making it much easier to haul longer items—something we didn’t see in earlier models.

Now, about storage options: there’s a hidden compartment under the floor that’s great for stashing stuff. Just a heads up, though, if you opt for the Bose premium audio system, you might lose some of that space to fit in the subwoofer. And, if you’re looking for convenience, the power liftgate is standard on SEL trims and up and can be programmed to open to a height that works for you.

The front trunk (frunk) provides additional storage space, though it’s relatively modest in size. It’s particularly useful for storing charging cables and adapters, which now include both the CCS and J1772 to NACS adapters provided as standard equipment.

One of the best things is those rear seats can slide back and forth, so you can choose between more legroom for passengers or extra cargo space when you need it. And when those 60/40 split-folding rear seats are down, you get almost a flat loading floor, which is super useful for bigger items.

Loading and unloading? A breeze! Thanks to the low load floor height, which is a nice perk of the electric vehicle design. And with the wide-opening hatch and that squared-off rear, getting bulky stuff in and out is a total cinch. Overall, it’s designed to make life easier when you’re hauling gear around.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presents a compelling value proposition despite price increases across the lineup. The base SE Standard Range, starting at $43,975, offers an impressive array of standard features and now includes improvements like front parking sensors and the rear window wiper.

If you step up to the SEL trim, which starts at $50,975 for an all-wheel drive, you get some significant extras. We’re talking HTEX leatherette seats, heated seats in the back, and the new digital key 2.0 system. Sure, there’s a $2,100 bump in price from the 2024 version, but honestly, with all these added features and a bigger battery, it kinda feels worth it.

Now, there’s also the new XRT trim priced at $56,875. This one’s carving out a cool niche for folks who want something a bit more rugged. It does sacrifice some range for that all-terrain capability, but if you’re looking for a more adventurous electric ride, this could be it. Plus, those exclusive color options and tough styling make it pretty appealing.

Then there’s the Limited trim, which is the priciest of the bunch, offering a top-tier experience. Think features like Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, ventilated seats, and an augmented reality head-up display. If luxury and tech are your thing, it’s a good contender against high-end European models.

Don’t forget about the potential tax credits for 2025! Since these cars are being made at the Georgia Meta Plant, buyers might snag a $3,750 federal tax credit. And if you’re leasing, you could be looking at the full $7,500 credit. That changes the game for the overall value.

Also, the improved battery capacity and range across all models help to justify the higher price tags. Plus, both NACS and CCS charging capabilities are included, which is a big plus. You even get access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, even if the charging speeds are a bit slower.

When you stack the Ioniq 5 up against rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen ID.4, it really shines with its mix of style, tech, and practicality. The upgrades to the charging system, the enhanced range, and all those extra features keep it right at the forefront of the segment. Pretty impressive, huh?