2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review

Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 is a compact crossover SUV starting at around $44,000 with several exterior changes, such as:

MotoPickers Rating: 9.8/10

• A larger battery pack option (slightly more range)
• Adoption of the NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port
• New rugged XRT trim with all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance
• All trims have new front and rear bumper designs
• Slightly bigger rear spoiler
• Rear wiper

Interior changes include:

• Relocation of the wireless smartphone charging pad to the top panel
• New button layout for streamlined vehicle feature controls
• Updated infotainment system with new driver-assist features

Hyundai will offer four Ioniq 5 trims, one of which includes the high-performance N model.

We’ll explore the N more in-depth later in our review, but Hyundai has confirmed it will start at $66,100 and produce 641 horsepower. This compact crossover SUV’s main competitors are Tesla’s Model Y, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen’s ID.4, Kia’s EV6, Chevrolet’s Equinox EV (electric vehicle), and Nissan’s Ariya.

The 2025 Ioniq 5’s adoption of the NACS charging port essentially means it will use Tesla’s charge port design. This refreshed 2025 production year model is part of the Ioniq 5’s first generation, launched in 2022. Learn more about what it has to offer and how it compares to the competition below.

Exterior spotlight

Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 has an exterior reminiscent of the 1970s, with its boxy shape, clean sharp lines, and compact design. Aerodynamic features include a clamshell hood, flush door handles that only open when needed, and an updated active air flap on the front. This air flap contains more pixels next to the front license plate, helping increase aerodynamic efficiency. Directly above the license plate is a sporty meter tracking this EV’s charge status.

The base 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 named SE includes 19” wheels with a geometric design pattern and LED headlights. This SUV also contains interactive pixelated LED lights enhancing road visibility. A high-performance N variant has 21” alloy wheels and a sport body kit with airflow improvements, such as an added upper grille and thicker radiators for optimal battery and motor cooling. Exterior color choices like soultronic orange and performance matte blue are some of the N variant’s most striking exterior features.

Hyundai has equipped the 2025 Ioniq 5 exterior with an enhanced middle skid plate for increased durability while widening the entire vehicle. This compact crossover SUV also contains new digital side mirrors, which protrude less than their predecessors when folded. Each digital side mirror has five pixels, showcasing Hyundai’s attention to detail with this updated model. These five pixels also make turn signals more recognizable on the road.

The slightly larger spoiler mentioned in our review’s introduction is 50 millimeters longer, creating a more versatile exterior profile with increased aerodynamic capabilities.

Kia’s EV6 and Tesla’s Model Y have also undergone design changes. However, the 2025 Kia EV6’s facelift is more recognizable than its Tesla counterpart’s. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen’s ID.4, Chevrolet’s Bolt EUV, and Nissan’s Ariya have not received facelifts for their 2025 production year.

Interior analysis

Entering the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 reveals a steering wheel with four horizontal pixel lights. These pixel lights are dynamic in their ability to enhance cabin aesthetics while reflecting info such as vehicle charging status and voice command recognition. Both front seats feature a zero-gravity design that more evenly distributes body weight for better comfort alongside features like a driver’s footrest.

The driver’s seat contains four horizontal dots, which is Morse code for the letter H, representing Hyundai. One of the interior’s most practical features is its universal center island, which is adjustable with a front-back sliding configuration. Hyundai has added frequently used buttons to this island for easier accessibility.

A tiny frunk gives you additional space to store small items, like tools such as jumper cables, while the Ioniq 5 N lists its rear cargo space as measuring 26.1 cubic feet (cu. ft.). This Hyundai’s rear trunk space features a hidden compartment underneath the floor, and you can open up more cargo room by pressing power buttons in the trunk and folding the second-row seats down. These rear-row seats also contain manual adjustment controls if you’re not near the trunk.

The 2025 Ioniq N has sport seats, Alcantara with H-Tex-trimmed seating surfaces, and 6-way adjustable driver and passenger seats that are also heated and ventilated. Black headliner and upper trim panels diversify cabin design, while distinct N aluminum pedals and door entry plates solidify the N variant’s unique appearance. Rear head restraints in outbound positions are adjustable, and the steering wheel is perforated leather-wrapped with a heating feature. Ambient interior lighting comes in 64 colors.

Competitors like Tesla’s Model Y have plain interior designs that lack features like dynamic pixel lights and zero-gravity front seats. The Model Y also doesn’t include an adjustable universal center island and the power-adjustable rear-seat folding buttons found in the 2025 Ioniq 5’s trunk.

Power and performance

Let’s begin our power and performance section by focusing on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N variant. The 2025 Ioniq 5 N contains a lithium-ion battery, producing 641 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Standard level two charging takes seven hours and 20 minutes, but DC fast-charging will bring this SUV from 10% battery to 80% in 18 minutes. A five-minute fast-charging session can yield 68 miles of range.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, and an N e-Shift feature simulates the sensation of gear shifts you’d hear in a gas-powered vehicle. Hyundai further optimizes this Ioniq 5 grade’s performance with launch control, a drift optimizer, and left-foot braking. Front suspension is an independent MacPherson strut with coil springs, and the rear suspension contains an independent multi-link design. Paddle shifters help drivers get closer to the 2025 Ioniq 5 N’s performance, while brake regeneration control optimizes efficiency.

Regarding non-performance variants, standard versions of this SUV produce 168-320 horsepower. Non-AWD versions come in rear-wheel drive (RWD), and a low center of gravity enhances the model’s athleticism across all grades. However, the steering could use some more feedback, and the suspension feels a bit soft. Hyundai reports that their single-motor Ioniq 5, making 225 horsepower, logs a 4.5-second 0-60 MPH time. An N grade reduces this 0-60 MPH time down to 3.3 seconds.

Drivers can expect a standard 2025 Ioniq 5 battery pack to provide over 240 miles of range. The larger battery pack Hyundai has developed for this crossover SUV delivers over 310 miles per charge. Off-road-inspired XRT models are confirmed to contain this new, larger battery pack. Expectably, dual-motor models provide the quickest acceleration, and rides feel comfortable and quiet.

Tech overview

The 2025 Ioniq 5 N has the most impressive technology offerings, so let’s start there. Drivers of this high-performance trim receive a 12.3” high-definition touchscreen with convenient EV tech displays that streamline their knowledge of their vehicle’s current health status. The 2025 Ioniq 5 N also contains a 12.3” digital instrument cluster with N performance data metrics.

Onboard navigation is a valuable standard asset, especially because it can produce traffic flow and incident data reports to optimize routes. A Bose premium audio system complements wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and smartphone charging. Dynamic voice recognition allows you to input vocal commands using natural language, while a WiFi hotspot and rain-sensing windshield wipers add additional layers of convenience.

Smartphone compatibility allows you to use your phone as a key and share your digital key with other drivers. The standard audio system contains six speakers, and navigation remains standard on lower grades along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models are able to complete wireless over-the-air software updates.

When evaluating the competition, it’s vital to remember that Tesla’s Model Y doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the Model Y exceeds the 2025 Ioniq 5 in autonomous driving with capabilities extending beyond safety features. Tesla is a leader in self-driving technology, with Autopilot and a more advanced full self-driving (FSD) beta consistently receiving updates. Despite its name, FSD isn’t actually fully self-driving and requires consistent driver supervision due to its Level 2 autonomy. Full autonomy is Level 5.

However, if you’re not prioritizing self-driving tech outside the safety category, the 2025 Ioniq 5 delivers a competitive amount of equipment across each grade. The display sizes are some of the market’s most significant, as many automakers implement standard 10.25” displays instead of this Hyundai’s 12.3” version, and features like its digital side view mirrors feel futuristic while remaining practical.

Safety capabilities

Neither the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) nor the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) have released passenger crash protection ratings for the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5. Still, the 2024 Ioniq 5 received the IIHS’ highest score of Top Safety Pick+.

The base 2025 Ioniq 5 SE trim contains blind-spot collision warning, but SEL and higher grades also provide automatic steering inputs to help you avoid blind-spot crashes in addition to driver notifications. While you’ll need an SEL or higher variant for blind-spot collision automatic steering inputs, you’ll receive standard automatic steering within the lane keep assist feature.

Standard forward attention warning helps you keep your eyes on the road, while parking distance warnings alert you of obstacles ahead and behind. Drivers seeking side parking distance warning notifications will need to opt for an XRT or Limited trim.

This crossover SUV’s standard rear windshield wiper and washer are new, and advanced rear occupant alert on SEL and above trims uses radar technology to ensure nothing is left behind. XRT and Limited grade drivers can use the remote smart parking assist 2 feature to wirelessly enter or exit parking spaces using a smartphone or the key fob. Remote smart parking assist 2 also provides automatic steering, deceleration, and braking to get the 2025 Ioniq 5 into a parallel or perpendicular spot.

Additional safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear cross-traffic collision warning
• Rearview camera
• Traffic sign recognition

Overall, the 2025 Ioniq 5 can stand toe-to-toe with any of its competitors in the safety category and boasts exceptional standard value.

Trim guide and owner considerations

Below are estimated starting prices for all four 2025 Ioniq 5 trims:

• SE ($44,000)
• SEL ($49,000)
• N Line ($52,000)
• Limited ($55,000)

The rear-wheel drive SEL trim is a great buy with its 310-plus miles per charge that will help eliminate range anxiety. It also contains attractive amenities like a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai offers 2025 Ioniq 5 buyers solid warranty coverage, including a limited warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, a powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and battery protection for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Routine maintenance is complimentary for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership.

Final verdict

The Ioniq 5 is one of the market’s best electric SUVs, and a formidable opponent of Tesla’s Model Y. Hyundai has gone above and beyond with this year’s edition by adding all-new fine interior and exterior details such as a flusher front air flap with more pixels for greater aerodynamic performance, and the front’s charge meter.

Whether you’re looking for quality looks, tech, practical features, or safety, the 2025 checks all of these boxes with exceptional value and a streamlined trim selection that satisfies thrill seekers and efficiency enthusiasts alike. Convenient features like rear seat fold controls in the trunk make daily driving easier, along with zero gravity front seats, ergonomic button placements, and the adjustable center island.

While base horsepower levels aren’t heart-racing, the N performance variant offers a solution that’s increasingly attractive with its bold exterior colors. You’ll have to sacrifice range to get behind the wheel of an N grade, but the 2025 Ioniq 5’s DC charging times are class-leading, and a new larger battery pack produces slightly more range than last year.

Hyundai’s 2025 Ioniq 5 is well-deserving of a 9.7/10 overall rating.