Lower than a yr after its preliminary reveal, Hyundai formally launched its off-road-friendly IONIQ 5 XRT variant within the US and invited us to Palm Springs to check it out. This can be a Hyundai IONIQ via and thru, nevertheless it options some distinctive design upgrades, together with a brand new drive mode to assist it deal with more durable terrain than its siblings.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is the newest variant to return out of HMG’s design lab. It was initially introduced in March of 2024, simply days after information of a refresh coming to the usual 2025 IONIQ 5, which we additionally examined out throughout this journey (take a look at that evaluate right here).
It wasn’t lengthy after Hyundai confirmed the IONIQ 5 XRT {that a} camouflaged model was noticed in Korea. It presumedly pushed the boundaries of a brand new “Terrain Mode” the off-road variant debuts. We actually did the identical final week within the desert outdoors of Palm Springs the place we acquired a possibility to take the IONIQ 5 XRTs out of a pure terrain course and kick up some mud.
Whereas this might not be probably the most rugged BEV on the market, it’s most actually probably the most off-road-friendly choice from Hyundai, and the automaker continues to wow us with distinctive design parts which are each useful and simply plain cool-looking. I’ve shared my full impressions under.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is tremendous cool… in the proper coloration
The XRT is the second highest trim stage on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 totem pole, under the Restricted however above the SEL. As such, a number of distinctive options have been added to this new spin on the ever-popular IONIQ 5.
Beginning with the outside, you’ll discover a extra rugged look. XRT does stand for “Excessive Rugged Terrain,” in any case. The Hyundai crew described this design method as an “armor-like aesthetic.” The entrance and rear fascias have been outfitted with distinctive protecting cladding that goes greater up than a regular BEV for added safety from rocks and different particles.
After all, Hyundai needed to embody its parametric pixels within the cladding! This delicate sample, Hyundai calls “digital camo,” seems to be totally different in each lighting situation (see close-up photographs above). That cladding was additionally positioned above the wheels, that are distinctive to the IONIQ 5 XRT. This variant sits on easy but badass 18″ black wheels with all-terrain tires.
The entrance options two shiny purple restoration hooks, whereas the rear gives greater safety on its corners and an embossed XRT badge. For added off-road capabilities, the IONIQ 5 XRT encompasses a 23mm suspension raise alongside distinctive tuning, providing an additional inch of floor clearance (7″), the next method angle (19.8º), and the next departure angle (30º).
That being stated, this off-road BEV doesn’t have a skid plate or underbelly safety. As a substitute, the Hyundai crew stated the added safety comes from elevated floor clearance. Let’s transfer into the inside.
As you’ll be able to see within the picture above, the inside of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is murdered out and seems a bit sportier than a few of its siblings. The doorways function extra of the model’s new digital camo sample behind an XRT brand, the identical of which you’ll discover embossed into the entrance head rests (see photographs above).
The remainder of the inside is similar to the usual IONIQ 5s, apart from some distinctive tech upgrades. As an example, the XRT is the primary mannequin to return outfitted with a brand new Terrain Mode, which may be activated straight from the steering wheel.
From there, you’ll be able to select between sand, snow, and dirt. Whereas we noticed snow up at elevation within the non-XRT variations of the 2025 IONIQ 5, we had been solely lucky sufficient to trek via a desert course with loads of compact and free sand to see what Terrain Mode can actually do.
In all honesty, the XRT was a blast to drive. Terrain Mode and the BEV’s H-Trac AWD let me open it up, however I felt in full management the entire time. I particularly had a blast on the course curves with free sand, as I used to be capable of swing that again finish round with out feeling like I used to be about to spin out.
The raised journey top and suspension tuning had been noticeable, particularly after having simply pushed the usual IONIQ 5 earlier that day, nevertheless it was nonetheless a little bit of a bumpy journey out on these rocks, particularly as a passenger. Right here’s some footage of the course:
I really feel the general method to the XRT is barely gimmicky as a result of that is undoubtedly an off-road succesful BEV, however not one thing you’d take to Moab. That being stated, Hyundai did a wonderful job designing it to look rugged and funky.
I used to be not an enormous fan of the distinction between the XRT-exclusive cladding and lighter-colored exteriors like Atlas White and Cyber Gray. For my part, the darker exteriors complemented the cladding a lot better. Nonetheless, I want we may have seen the 2 new Hyundai colours unique to the IONIQ 5 XRT – Cosmic Blue Pearl and Final Crimson Metallic. Sadly, these colours weren’t accessible for our drive since we acquired a number of the first XRT fashions off the meeting line. Oh nicely.
General, I loved my time behind the wheel of the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT, however it is a area of interest variant for a distinct segment viewers, just like the IONIQ 5 N, which I’m additionally a large fan of. That being stated, I might slightly have an N or a Restricted trim of the 2025 IONIQ 5 since I’m not a lot of an off-roader (though if I had been, I’d in all probability go along with a Rivian as an alternative).
In the event you like taking automobiles out within the mud and filth, the IONIQ 5 XRT could possibly be the BEV you’ve been on the lookout for. I like to recommend checking it out in individual to see the cladding up shut and scroll via the terrain modes (when you can drive one out on a course, that will be even higher!)
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is now on sale within the US, beginning at an MSRP of $55,400 earlier than taxes and costs. It additionally comes accessible in two new colours unique to the XRT solely –
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