The original Ioniq 5 already had serious street cred in the EV world. It was fast, futuristic, and fun. But with the new XRT version, Hyundai decided it wasn’t enough to impress the Whole Foods parking lot. This one wants to be seen near ski lifts and gravel roads​, and charge at Tesla Superchargers while it’s at it.

The Look: More Brawn, Less Flash

The Ioniq 5 XRT shares its bones with the standard model, but adds attitude in the form of matte black cladding, rugged-looking wheels, and a general sense that it’s not afraid of a little trail dust. It’s still not built for Moab​, let’s be clear. There’s no extra lift, no terrain modes. This is Patagonia, not Rubicon.

Still, the aesthetic works. The pixelated lighting remains​, a sharp throwback to 8-bit cool​, and the whole package is retro-modern in a way that feels intentional, not nostalgic. Hyundai didn’t chase trends. They started one.

The Plug Heard Round the World

The biggest news? The XRT is the first non-Tesla EV in the U.S. to come with the North American Charging Standard (NACS). That’s Tesla’s plug, in case you’ve missed a year of headlines. And it means Ioniq 5 owners will have access to over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers by 2025.

With one plug swap and a handshake, Hyundai solved range anxiety in a way that software updates and clever apps never could. The Ioniq 5 isn’t just playing catch-up​, it’s leapfrogging the competition.

Lounge Meets Spaceship

Inside, the XRT is everything EV cabins promise but rarely deliver. Flat floors. A slide-away center console. Space to stretch and stash your gear. It’s minimal without being stark, and comfy without screaming “luxury tax.” Think Scandinavian design with a side of sci-fi.

It’s also practical. With vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, the Ioniq 5 can power your laptop, your blender, or even a tent full of string lights. It’s a campsite-ready power station on wheels, which is more than can be said for most SUVs still stuck on cupholders as innovation.

Performance With a Punch

Don’t be fooled by the friendly face. This thing has torque​,​ 446 pound-feet of it, to be exact. With dual motors pushing out 320 horsepower, the Ioniq 5 XRT hits 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. That’s quicker than some sports sedans, in a body that can carry dogs, groceries, and everything in between.

It’s not just fast in a straight line, either. Thanks to Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and 800-volt architecture, it charges from 10 to 80 percent in under 18 minutes. That’s a lunch break—not an overnight stay.

The Flaws (Because Every Hero Needs One)

The XRT isn’t perfect. It lacks a rear wiper, which feels like an odd omission on a vehicle made to look outdoorsy. And while the exterior screams trailhead-ready, there’s no real off-road gear under the surface. It’s more about looking adventurous than conquering the unknown.

But maybe that’s the point. Most owners won’t be rock-crawling. They’ll be hauling gear to the cabin, picking up the kids, or squeezing in a long weekend somewhere with cell signal. And for that crowd, the XRT is more than enough.

Verdict: Hyundai’s Got Grit

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s a bold statement from an automaker that’s no longer content to follow the rules—or the leaders. With Tesla’s plug onboard, class-leading charge times, and just enough off-road swagger, the Ioniq 5 XRT isn’t just in the game. It’s changing it.

Pixels, plugs, and a little bit of dirt. Who knew that was the recipe for EV greatness?

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