Ioniq 5 Better for 2025

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Already arguably one of the best battery-electric vehicles sold in the American market, Hyundai made small, subtle improvements to the Ioniq 5 range to solidify this position in the refreshed 2025 iteration.

A rugged-looking XRT version with raised suspension and aggressive tires joined the range while a redesigned center console and new rear-window wiper improves everyday driving in all trims. Larger battery packs increase range and change to the NACS EV-plug receptacle, along with access to the more than 20,000 Tesla charging stands, makes living with the Ioniq 5 an easier daily proposition.

I spent a very enjoyable week behind the wheel of a top-of-the-range 2025 Ioniq 5 Limited twin-motor all-wheel-drive version with all the range’s improvements. The Ioniq 5 remains a very quick, quiet and comfortable small sport-utility with room for five and their stuff.

After a few days of driving around the Mid and Outer Cape (Cod), I was getting 4.2 miles per kWh which translates into almost 370 miles of range. This was a number I would never achieve (actual useful power and operating efficiency not an exact science), but it indicated the Ioniq 5 is a very efficient EV (Hyundai estimates the range of the 88 kW larger battery version at 318 miles).

And, as usual, I did not sacrifice using the accelerator pedal aggressively for the sake of eking out better efficiency. The Ioniq 5, like the most well-engineered EVs, loves to run quickly, without any noise or drama. Just a woosh and off you go.

Powertrain gains range

Permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) front and rear remain the motive power for the AWD Ioniq 5 Limited. They are rated at 74 kW front, 165 kW rear with a total output equaling 320 horsepower. The combined torque output is 605 Nm or 446 pounds-feet.

The transmission is a single-speed reduction gear with a final gear ratio of 4.706. There is a front dog clutch (disconnector) and no clutch in the rear. The vehicle’s sensors and computers determine how much power should be generated and in what ratio front-to-rear based on road/driving conditions and driver input/drive-mode selected (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow).

Energizing the 2025 Ioniq 5 is a new 84 kWh 697-Volt Lithium-ion battery (increased from 78 kWh in previous models with the extended-range battery). This battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes at a Tesla Supercharger and 20 minutes at a 250 W DC fast charger (of at least 400 volts).

I never needed any of the public chargers on Cape Cod, either Tesla or another provider, thanks to the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home Level 2 unit installed in my garage. Each night I plugged in the EV and by morning, I had a 100-percent reading on the charge meter. I never came close to hitting the Ioniq’s maximum range throughout my week.

Platform transmits the power to driving pleasure

Like many of the EVs from the Hyundai family (which also includes Kia and Genesis models), the Ioniq 5’s architecture begins with the E-GMP or Electric-Global Modular Platform. In addition to the described major electrical components of the E-GMP of the Ioniq, the suspension components include MacPherson-type struts up front and an independent multi-link setup in the rear. High-performance shock absorbers are fitted front and rear.

The friction-braking system features power-assisted brake booster, anti-lock (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist. The front rotors are vented and 12.8×1.2-inches, while the ones in the rear are solid12.8×0.5-inches.

Regenerative braking is part of the overall EV package with the Ioniq 5 having paddle shifters to set the regen-braking level as well activating the i-Pedal, one-pedal-driving capability. I am a one-pedal lover, liking both the regeneration of energy provided as well as the way the vehicle slows and stops with the use of just the accelerator pedal. Hyundai is one of the best systems I have driven with one caveat – it must be reset each time the vehicle is started and after it has been driven in reverse. It would be much more convenient and useful with an on-off button to keep i-Pedal always engaged (the out-of-production Chevrolet Bolt featured such a button on its center console).

Extensive list of ADAS final piece of satisfying driving pie

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD comes with a comprehensive array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including blind-spot collision-avoidance assist; surround view monitor; blind-spot view monitor; rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; reverse parking distance warning; forward side parking collision-avoidance assist – reverse/forward/side; forward collision-avoidance assist with car/ped/cyclist, junction turning/crossing; lane change oncoming, lane change side detection and evasive steering assist; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; high-beam assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2.

Interior improvements gild the lily

The interior changes for the 2025 Ioniq 5 make an already welcoming environment even more driver friendly. A redesigned center console, which slides fore-and-aft, includes easy-to-find buttons for frequent actions like seat heating/ventilation. Climate controls are simpler to maneuver. The infotainment system has been redesigned and now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The Limited trim remains a premium-level vehicle in everything but name. Power assists work the seats. A new digital mirror provides a rear view even if the back seat is filled with giants.

There is room galore, lots of natural light from large windows and a large hatch giving access to a large cargo area. Much of the equipment and features are carried over from previous model years, including the 2023 one I reviewed.

An EV range worth riding

The sum of the powertrain, platform, ADAS and interior features results in a vehicle which is fun, safe and easy to drive in all types of traffic, under most conditions. I loved driving the Ioniq 5, whether going a half mile to the market or 50 miles to visit a friend. Hyundai has developed a unique performance version, the Ioniq 5 N, which caters to the driving enthusiast, but the normal Ioniq 5 provides more performance and excitement potential than the average driver can manage or want (Car and Driver testing resulted in sub-five-second 0-60 times).

The base Ioniq 5 SE RWD (rear-wheel drive) carries a $42,600 MSRP while moving to the Limited AWD top-of-the-range is $58,100. In between there are seven other variants in RWD and AWD configurations allowing an EV buyer choices. All have the NACS receptacle (and adapter for the other public EV-chargers scattered around the country). The Ioniq 5 offers the most comprehensive charging network possibilities – and driving enjoyment of any EV offered in the U.S.