The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5: Bolder, with more tech and more buttons
Hyundai has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 IONIQ 5, which packs more than just an extra battery in a move that will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the electric vehicle market. The latest iteration of Hyundai’s best-selling electric SUV doesn’t just come with a few cosmetic tweaks; it’s been overhauled to the point where even the cupholders have bulked up to match American expectations. And, if you’re the type who finds joy in a well-lit charging port, you’re in for a treat.
More Miles, More Style, More Buttons (Yes, Really)
First things first: range. The new IONIQ 5 doesn’t just whisper past its predecessors regarding battery life; it leaves them eating electrons in the dust. With the standard model now boasting a 63-kWh battery—up from a mere 58-kWh—the Long Range version will have you cruising for over 310 miles on a single charge. That’s an improvement from the current 303 miles with the rear-wheel-drive variant. Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive models are expected to deliver between 250 and 280 miles, enough to make even the most range-anxious drivers breathe a little easier.
But Hyundai didn’t stop there. They’ve listened to the cries of American drivers who like their buttons big and plentiful. Gone are the days of fiddling through touchscreen menus to turn on the heat—physical buttons are back in style, and they’ve never felt so good.
Built-in the USA, Ready for the World
Perhaps the most significant change isn’t one you’ll see on the spec sheet but on the factory floor. The 2025 IONIQ 5 will be the first US-made model rolling off the lines at Hyundai’s sprawling new Meta plant America in Georgia. This isn’t just a patriotic move; it’s a strategic one. Hyundai’s decision to manufacture in the US means that these models are eligible for a $3,750 tax credit, with the potential to snag the total $7,500 once battery production ramps up. In other words, Hyundai is making it even harder for Americans to say no to their electric SUV.
The Tesla Connection: A Game-Changer?
The new IONIQ 5 will be equipped with the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port in a twist that will ruffle some feathers at Tesla headquarters. This is not just a nod to Tesla’s dominance in the EV space; it’s a full-on embrace. With over 17,000 Tesla Superchargers, Hyundai is effectively doubling the number of DC-fast chargers available to its drivers. This move is revolutionary, bridging the gap between the two most prominent names in electric vehicles. It’s like Coke saying, “Sure, we’ll take Pepsi’s vending machines—why not?”
The XRT: Off-Roading, Hyundai Style
For those who prefer their adventures off the beaten path, the new XRT trim is Hyundai’s answer to the call of the wild. This rugged variant has a +23mm suspension lift, 18” aluminum wheels, and a towing capacity of up to 5,834 lbs. Hyundai has even gone so far as to throw in etched camouflage cladding and matte-black 18-inch wheels with a pixelated digital camo pattern—because why not make your all-electric adventure vehicle look as tough as it drives?
Final Thoughts: A New Contender in the EV Wars?
Let’s not mince words: the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is here to make waves. It’s not just another electric SUV; it’s a statement. From its Tesla-challenging NACS port to its more prominent, bolder battery and off-road-ready XRT trim, this vehicle is poised to be more than just a footnote in the history of EVs. It’s aiming to be the headline. And with Hyundai’s proven track record of delivering what the market wants, it’s hard to imagine this latest offering won’t have Tesla, Ford, and every other automaker sitting up and taking notice.
So, if you’re in the market for an EV that’s as American as apple pie but with a distinctly global edge, the 2025 IONIQ 5 might be the car you didn’t know you were waiting for. And for those who still mourn the loss of physical buttons, Hyundai’s got your back—literally.
