Ever since the Ioniq 5 arrived for the 2022 model year, we’ve consistently put it at the top of our list when asked “which EV should I buy?” Now after driving the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 it’s safe to say this EV continues to impress. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 ranks among the best—thanks to its standout combination of performance, design, and practicality.
For the 2025 model year gets a long list of updates. On the outside the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and a wiper has finally been added for the rear window. There’s also a new off-road focused XRT trim level that adds black plastic body cladding, all-terrain tires, unique wheels and front tow hooks.
Under the skin the 2025 Ioniq 5 gets two larger battery packs to choose from. The smaller battery is now 63 kWh, which gives the Ioniq 5 up to 245 miles of range. The larger option is the 84 kWh battery pack which gives it up to 318 miles if you choose the single motor version or 290 miles with the dual motor all-wheel drive system. Charging the Ioniq 5 is now easier since it comes standard with the NACS charging port that gives you access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. It comes with a CCS adapter to plug it into a non-Tesla DC fast charger.
Inside the interior has been slightly updated with a new steering wheel, an updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a more convenient wireless charging pad and updated climate controls.
Approaching the Ioniq 5, it looks like nothing else on the road. Its futuristic yet clean design always turns heads. But it’s not just about looks—the driving experience backs it up. It’s fun to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. My tester was the Ioniq 5 Limited with the standard dual-motor setup with 320 horsepower, which has more than enough power to make your commute more fun. If you’re want even more excitement, the Ioniq 5 N bumps things up dramatically with 641 horsepower.
Range anxiety? Not a problem here. Depending on the configuration, you get up to 318 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for my daily commute and weekend trips. Hyundai offers two battery packs—a 63 kWh or a larger 84 kWh version—so there’s flexibility depending on your needs and budget. Charging is one of the Ioniq 5’s strongest suits. With DC fast charging and the CCS adapter, you can charge it from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. Using a Tesla Supercharger it only takes around 30 minutes to hit 80 percent.
Inside, the cabin feels ultra-modern and tech-forward. The dual 12.3-inch screens—a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system—are sleek, responsive, and intuitive. The interior is also incredibly spacious and comfortable.
It was hard to find anything wrong with the Ioniq 5, but the thing that bugged the most was the push-button start—it feels outdated and unnecessary, especially when many EVs have moved to more seamless entry-and-go systems. The Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan EV in our long term fleet simply power up by moving the gear selector and turn off when you exit. I consistently would forget to hit the button when exiting. Also, while it has a robust suite of driver-assist features, there’s no true hands-free driving system available, which is the one big reason while someone might still choose a Tesla Model Y over the Ioniq 5.
The pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $44,075. It’s available in five trim levels: Standard Range, SE, SEL, XRT and Limited. The pricing for our Ioniq 5 Limited tester starts at $55,775.
With fast charging, head-turning design, and a feature-rich, comfortable interior, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out as one of the most well-rounded electric vehicles on the market today. It offers the kind of performance, range, and tech you’d expect from a far more expensive EV, all at an attainable price.
