This week I'm back behind the wheel of a former World Car Of The Year winner; the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5. It's impressed from its introduction, and this week I'm driving the XRT trim. The XRT is about rugged looks and light off-roading capability (no rock climbing). It sits higher off the ground than the rest of the IONIQ 5 family, rides on all-terrain tires, and gets an exclusive Terrain Mode.
The XRT isn't afraid to put itself out there. I mean what a front end! An etched digital camouflage motif has a pixelated look and the massive amount of it makes quite a statement. Integrated red tow hooks also stand out.
The camo motif continues onto the wheel arches and rear bumper. My test model's Cosmic Blue Pearl hue looks great with 18" XRT-exclusive alloy black wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. Up front automatic LED Headlights and daytime running lights light the way - with LED tail lights and rear spoiler in the back.
Roof tails sit on top. All models are treated to flush door handles, active grille shutters and rear window wipers
Performance
The dual-motor IONIQ 5 XRT AWD wows with its performance - delivering 320 horsepower and a fantastic 446 pound-feet of torque. In short, it moves! It's equipped with a shift-by-wire transmission, and regenerative braking paddle shifters with Auto, Normal or Faster modes. XRT is the only IONIQ 5 model with Terrain Mode Select (w/Snow, Mud, Sand).
The cabin features an XRT-exclusive black interior with high quality materials and switchgear. You find XRT-badging on the door panels and front seats. The XRT's comfortable H-Tex leatherette, heated, front seats are both 8-way power. Assist grips help with ease of entry.
A three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel features glossy black trim and haptic controls, along with push-button start and an XRT-exclusive button for the Terrain Drive Mode. A camera on the steering wheel keeps track of driver attention. The shift-by-wire gear shifter is also located on the steering wheel stalk.
Digita haptic touch climate controls are on the center stack. Hyundai keeps the floating center console area very simple, with a large wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Note, it's not the sliding center console you find in the Limited. There's a storage area underneath.
Technology is terrific in here. There are two 12.3-inch displays - which make up a dual screen display stretching from the driver's side across the dash. The digital driver display is bright and easy to read with great graphics. Text is large and the EV charging info is easy to read and understand.
The 12.3-inch responsive multimedia touchscreen display has great EV graphics, too, and can display the weather forecast. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, a panoramic view camera, and Dynamic Voice Recognition are all excellent. The XRT is equipped with a great-sounding 14-speaker Bose premium sound system.
A roomy second row features a 60/40 split fold-down manual sliding bench seat that reclines. Passengers get a stubby center armrest with cupholders, soft-touch seat backs with mesh inserts, and 2 USB ports but no A/C vents.
There is a ton of cargo space in back, along with a cargo cover and cargo light.
Standard features include dual-zone climate, hands-fee power liftgate, a total of 5 USB-C ports, 2 12-Volts, a wireless charger, and a Vehicle to Load (V2L) Two-way on-board charger in the second row.
Range and Charging
The AWD XRT delivers a range of 259 miles. (For comparison, SE/SEL/Limited RWD models get up to 318 miles.)
I love that as of the 2025 model year, the Ioniq 5 has integrated NACS port so you can charge at a Tesla Supercharger. My charging session stats: roughly 16%-82% in 22 minutes for $26.04. That translates to 38 to 277 miles. And yes, you can run the A/C while charging to stay comfortably cool in the heat.
Safety
Hyundai's advanced driving technology is fantastic. Highway Driving Assist 2 which utilizes navigation based smart cruise control w/stop and go and curve control, is one of my favorite semi-autonomous systems.
Other standard XRT features include Parking Assist & Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist, Junction Turning/Crossing, Lane Change Oncoming, Lane Change Side Detection and Evasive Steering Assist, Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist.
Ride and Drive
The acceleration in the IONIQ 5 never disappoints -both off-the-line and on the highway. It's terrific! The XRT's ride is smooth and quiet as well. This is an easy-going, easy-to-get-around in crossover. Note: the XRT has 7-inches of ground clearance compared to the rest of the lineup's 6.1-inches.
In driving I did observe quite a bit of range difference between using the A/C and not. In one case it was 65 miles range minimum and 91 tops. In another 227 vs 247 miles. Hyundai's EV graphics are great and easy to read, so there are no surprises.
With only one option, carpeted floor mats for $240, the XRT rings up at just over $48,000. For comparison the 2025 Limited model I reviewed had a much higher MSRP of $59,785.
If you like a crossover with a rugged vibe, all-wheel drive, and a little more ground clearance for light, not hardcore, off-roading - the Ioniq 5 XRT won't disappoint. You do miss it out on some goodies of the top-trim Limited model, but at quite a bit of savings.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5