Driven: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Is Better Than Ever

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 livens up the crossover SUV scene with its standout style and cutting-edge tech, proving electric doesn’t have to be boring. This year’s facelift builds on an already strong foundation, blending retro charm with modern style, and now it even plays nice with Tesla’s charging network. Whether you’re drawn to its quirky looks loaded with pixels or its performance, this EV has a lot to offer.

Since its 2022 debut, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been a leader in the segment with its unique style, great driving dynamics, and solid set of features. The 2025 refresh keeps it sharp with improvements that aren’t dramatic, but do make it a better EV overall. Here’s why we say that.

Exterior Looks: Retro Vibe Meets Future Tech

The Ioniq 5’s exterior still grabs your attention, mixing throwback hatchback charm with a futuristic edge. The Parametric Pixel LEDs are standard on every trim and give it a unique look. The refresh tweaks the front and rear bumpers, stretches the spoiler a bit, and adds a rear wiper that’s been sorely missed. The Limited’s optional 20-inch wheels give it serious presence, while the XRT trim tosses in some rugged cladding and skid plates – it’s not a hardcore off-roader, but it’s cheeky enough to go off the beaten path.

Exterior Dimensions

If you assumed the Ioniq 5 was a hatchback, you wouldn’t be the only one. It has that look about it, but in real life – and as seen in the metrics – it’s much bigger than you think, slotting into the small crossover segment.

• Length: 183.3 in
• Width: 74.4 in
• Height: 63.0 in
• Wheelbase: 118.1 in

Interior & On-Board Technology: Space Age Family Style

Inside, the 2025 Ioniq 5 feels somewhat sci-fi with an open, uncluttered design focused on comfort. The facelift shifts the wireless charger to a smarter spot up top and adds physical buttons for things like seat heaters, making them easier to adjust while driving. It’s spacious with materials that look and feel good, but are not opulent. The optional Vision Roof on the Limited floods the cabin with light, though some lower-trim plastics hint at its mainstream roots.

For families, this SUV shines with a 118.1-inch wheelbase that delivers plenty of rear legroom. It’s easy to get comfortable even for those on the taller side with good headroom, too. Cargo is a respectable 26 cubic feet behind the rear seats with 59 cubic feet once those seats are folded. It’s roomy, but doesn’t match up with the Tesla Model Y’s cargo room.

Infotainment: Tech That Keeps Up

The 2025 Ioniq 5 has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with crisp visuals and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s paired with a matching 12.3-inch instrument cluster for a slick, tech-forward feel. The Limited’s optional 8-speaker Bose audio system delivers rich sound that fills the cabin.

Performance: Electric Punch

Our test car was the 2025 Ioniq 5 Limited AWD with its dual-motor setup and 84.0-kWh battery delivering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It delivers strong acceleration that makes highway merges a breeze.

For those who want more than what the base 5 has to offer, there’s the Ioniq 5 N – with as much as 641 hp on tap with the N Grin Boost enabled. That performance car has been such a revelation that we named it the DrivingOnRoad EV of the year for 2025.

Back to the regular Ioniq 5, however, there are a variety of options in the lineup:

Performance Impressions

The Ioniq 5 has always had good performance and that doesn’t change. It’s a fun EV that is aggressive if you mash the pedal, but mild-mannered if you’re into a more leisurely or long-distance drive. The instant torque is perfect for darting through traffic or merging when space is limited. It’s an easy, everyday vehicle that’s not too sporty.

Ride and Handling

On flawless pavement, the Limited AWD rode smoothly. The standard suspension leans toward comfort. It’s responsive, but it is not especially sporty. There’s some lean in turns, though it’s nothing overly intrusive. The XRT with its higher ride height makes that lean slightly more noticeable, but it’s worth it for the added capability. At the first drive, we had the opportunity to take this out into the dirt and it managed uneven terrain and sloppy sand with ease.

Range and Battery Info

With the 84.0-kWh pack, the Limited AWD gets 290 miles of range, which is 30 more miles than last year. The Standard Range RWD gets 245 miles, and the Long Range RWD stretches to 318 miles. The 800-volt system charges from 10-80% in 18 minutes on a fast charger. This is also the first vehicle in North America other Tesla to have a native Tesla NACS charging port. This opens access to 17,000+ Tesla chargers, but there is still a CCS adapter included should that be what’s most convenient.

Verdict & Pricing: Worth The Money Spent

The 2025 Ioniq 5 sharpens its edge with fresh styling, longer range, and Supercharger access that make it a top pick. Its styling isn’t for everyone, and it lacks an upscale vibe in its top trim, but it has a lot to offer. Pricing starts at $42,500, not including $1,475 destination for the rear-wheel-drive SE and climbs to $58,100 for the top Limited with all-wheel drive. It’s affordably priced with a range of four trims to fit every budget.

• SE RWD Standard Range: $42,500
• SE RWD: $46,550
• SEL RWD: $49,500
• Limited RWD: $54,200
• SE AWD: $50,050
• SEL AWD: $53,000
• XRT AWD: $55,400
• Limited AWD: $58,100

The Ioniq 5 keeps its crown as a top EV that’s both bold and practical. It’s not the roomiest or the fastest, but its blend of design, technology, comfort, and performance make it a great option. Access to Tesla Superchargers with a native port is a huge upside and there’s the XRT for those who plan more rugged adventures. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is sure to bring in plenty of new fans.