With a revised design providing more ground clearance and all-terrain tyres, the upgraded Ioniq 5 showcases its adaptability.
Across vast areas of the United States, you can pick up a rock and throw it in any direction, and there's a good likelihood it will land on a Subaru Crosstrek.
You sell it to people living in areas that get a lot of snow, often use dirt roads, or enjoy outdoor activities. Step three is simply counting your earnings.
After driving on some dirt roads outside of Palm Desert, CA, I'm also convinced that this idea has potential.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Gallery
Hyundai provided me with travel and accommodation in California for this test.
What Is It?
The Ioniq 5 has had crossovers and the Santa Cruz truck, but this is the first electric one. The XRT is a U.S.-specific trim, placed below the top Limited spec.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT Interior
This upgrade provides an additional 0.9 inches (23 mm) of ground clearance for a total of seven inches, along with specially adjusted suspension settings. The increased ground clearance enables steeper maximum approach (19.8° vs. 17.5°) and departure (30° vs. 25.4°) angles, allowing for better handling of large ruts and obstacles. The most noticeable visual change is the new front and rear fascia, featuring a "Digital Camo" all-black patterned cladding and two bright red tow hooks at the front.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq XRT
The most notable feature is the rubber: You get 235/60R-18 Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires. In addition, the XRT offers extra drive modes, all controlled by a "TERRAIN MODE" button on the steering wheel: Snow, Mud, and Sand. A standard Ioniq 5 only gets the first mode, and it lacks these camouflage pattern designs in the interior.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
That is about to tread the same path.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Images
We also play in the same sandbox, and I'd add the Rivian R3 to that list too (although it's a ways off.) Yet as much as Americans love venturing off-road, this is still such a blank space in the EV world. I'm surprised no one's done this sooner. At least one Hyundai product planner told me they expect it to be reasonably popular, but specialized; about 10% to 15% of new Ioniq 5s sold are anticipated to be XRT models.
.
Let's just say the Rivian R1S won't lose any sleep over this vehicle. Again, think Crosstrek, not 4Runner.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Pictures
Despite these improvements, Hyundai had to make some compromises to enhance its off-road capability. The tires and increased ride height result in a reduced range. The XRT model is only available with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and the more substantial 84-kWh battery, which is rated for 259 miles of range by the EPA. This is a decrease of over 30 miles from the Ioniq 5 SEL and 10 miles from the fully loaded AWD Limited model. If you require two motors and prioritize range, the SE and SEL trims of the Ioniq 5 are the better options.
In my experience, most Hyundai electric vehicles (EVs) actually go further than their advertised ranges in real-world driving conditions. However, this is relatively modest compared to what many other EVs can achieve. When the temperature was 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), my Hyundai EV showed an estimated range of 190 miles on an 85% charge, which is comparable to my Kia EV6's performance on a very cold day.
On the plus side, like all non-N Ioniq 5s, it's manufactured in America and comes equipped with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, allowing for native Supercharger compatibility right from the factory.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
How Does It Drive?
I must confess that initially, I was doubtful about the Ioniq 5 XRT. I thought it was a pseudo-SUV, a calculated marketing move designed to make it appear more American, much like European wagons often seem to gain extra ground clearance and body trim when they are introduced in the US.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Images
It's ironic that I initially thought otherwise! The truth is, the Ioniq 5 XRT is a joy to drive. With only a brief test on a makeshift dirt course featuring moderate hills to conquer, and no time spent on paved roads, I still found this trim to be quite enjoyable.
It's a few things, including a lower center of gravity, more even weight distribution, and traction control that can react much faster than a gasoline-powered car.
On the dirt, the same principles apply. The XRT proved itself to be very stable and predictable when the asphalt ended, and it was a lot of fun. I put it into Sand Mode and drove around the course for a bit, impressed by how well the instant power delivery of a dual-motor electric vehicle and smooth traction control allowed me to reach higher speeds—with greater control—than I had anticipated. I drove the XRT aggressively, but it never lost my trust or slipped.
You'll still get the same 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque as any all-wheel drive Ioniq 5 model, and when the asphalt ends, there's still plenty of power to have some fun with.
It's definitely possible to get the rear end to slide somewhat controllably on dirt, but it requires a lot of effort or recklessness to achieve this. The steering responds quickly and has a decent level of feedback, and the ride quality doesn't seem to be significantly affected by the tires.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Photos
One area where I wish the Ioniq 5 XRT had more off-road capability is its camera system. These cars have a good setup for parking, but when navigating steeper inclines, it would've been useful to keep the cameras on at all times to get a clear view of the surroundings or gauge the distance to brush on either side. Instead, the cameras cut off at a certain speed, similar to the ones on the regular Ioniq 5. Hey, Hyundai: If you're serious about your over-the-air software updates, there's a free suggestion that everyone will appreciate.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Images
I'll add that there's something utterly captivating about seeing all these Ioniq 5s racing across a dirt course, resembling a nostalgic futurist parade. Since the Ioniq 5 is inspired by Giorgetto Giugiaro's designs, the sight recalls the classic Audi Quattros or Lancia Deltas, but on a larger scale and with an electric twist.
After it was all said and done, I was a bit disappointed to return it and switch back to the standard Ioniq 5. I wish I had more time in the XRT.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Impressions
Pricing And Verdict
The Ioniq 5 XRT trim costs $55,400 before destination fees, a $6,000 increase from the SEL AWD model I tested, which is likely the most popular trim level. The XRT is a bit pricey, but it's $3,500 cheaper than the Mach-E Rally. However, the Mach-E offers 160 more horsepower and is positioned as a high-performance vehicle, similar to the WRX STI compared to the Crosstrek. Hyundai made the comparison, not me.
If your weekend hobby is rock crawling, the Rivian R1S is still your best bet in the electric vehicle category - and a stripped-out old Jeep or Toyota 4Runner is an arguably better option. But that's not the ideal use case for the Ioniq 5 XRT.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT: First Drive Images
If you reside along a long dirt road or often encounter severe weather and rough terrain, or you frequently get stuck in heavy snow, this electric vehicle is an excellent choice. I personally fall into the latter category, residing in upstate New York, where we experienced the most snow in several years this winter. In such conditions, I believe extra ground clearance and specialized all-terrain tires would greatly enhance my driving experience.
For instance: A week after returning home from Palm Springs, I took my Kia EV6 along a winding, mixed asphalt-and-gravel road near my house that happened to be covered in a decent layer of snow. Between the car's inherent advantages in snowy conditions and the fact that I'm familiar with driving skills, the EV6 performed well.
The Ioniq 5 XRT would have performed much better. Even if it can't match Crosstrek sales figures, it will still be attractive to many people.
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| Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT 2025 | |
| Base Price | $55,400 (excl. destination) |
| As-Tested Price | $57,095 (incl. destination) |
| Battery | 84 kWh |
| EV Range | Estimated 418 kilometers (259 miles) (EPA est. for the XRT trim) |
| Drive Type | Dual-Motor AWD |
| Output | 320 hp |
| Charge Time | 10%-80% charge in 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger; 25%-80% charge in 20 minutes on a Tesla V3 charger. |