Charging Forward, Kicking Up Dust: The Ioniq 5 XRT

Hyundai is taking its all-electric Ioniq 5 crossover to new heights—literally—with the introduction of the off-road-ready XRT trim for 2025. The latest addition to the Ioniq 5 lineup brings enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, rugged styling, and a standard North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, making it a compelling choice for adventurous EV buyers.

What Makes the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT Stand Out?

Hyundai's XRT trim has already made its mark on models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, and Santa Cruz. Now, it's making its way to the Ioniq 5, joining the ranks of other adventure-oriented trims such as Subaru’s Wilderness, Honda’s TrailSport, and Toyota’s Trailhunter. With a unique blend of off-road capability and EV efficiency, the Ioniq 5 XRT is ready to tackle unpaved roads with confidence.

Enhanced Off-Road Capability

The Ioniq 5 XRT receives a modest yet effective suspension lift, increasing ground clearance from six to seven inches. This improvement enhances approach, departure, and breakover angles, helping the vehicle navigate rougher terrain with less risk of scraping or damage. Complementing this lift are rugged 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires—Continental CrossContact ATRs (235/60R18)—designed for increased durability, better grip on dirt and gravel, and improved puncture resistance. While there's no added underbody protection, Hyundai assures that the battery pack itself is already well-shielded against potential impacts.

To further enhance its off-road readiness, the XRT trim features three terrain drive modes: Snow, Mud, and Sand. These modes optimize power distribution and traction control to better handle different surfaces, making the Ioniq 5 XRT more adaptable to various driving conditions.

Performance and Range Options

The 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT retains Hyundai’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a balance of power and efficiency. The performance and range specifications are as follows:

• Battery Options: Standard Range 63 kWh, Long Range 84 kWh
• Horsepower:
  
  • RWD Standard Range – 168 hp
  • RWD Long Range – 225 hp
  • AWD – 99 hp (front), 221 hp (rear)
• Range Estimates (EPA-rated):
  
  • AWD XRT – 259 miles
  • AWD Limited – 269 miles
  • AWD SE/SEL – 290 miles
  • RWD SE/SEL/Limited – 318 miles
  • RWD SE Standard Range – 245 miles

It’s important to note that these range figures are based on paved-road testing; actual off-road performance may reduce range depending on driving conditions and terrain.

NACS Charging and Real-World Challenges

One of the most significant updates for the 2025 Ioniq 5 lineup is the inclusion of a standard NACS charging port. This allows the Ioniq 5 to access Tesla’s vast Supercharger network—at least in theory. However, a notable challenge arises due to the vehicle’s charge port location on the right rear corner. Most Tesla Supercharger cables are short and positioned for Tesla vehicles, which have their charge ports on the left rear. As a result, Ioniq 5 owners may have to take up two spots when charging, potentially causing frustration at busy stations.

To mitigate this, Hyundai provides a NACS-to-CCS adapter as standard equipment, allowing access to both Tesla Superchargers and CCS-equipped charging stations. Hyundai is also including a $400 charging credit to help owners get started with their charging needs.

Fast Charging with 800-Volt Architecture

One of the Ioniq 5’s standout features remains its 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging. When connected to a 350-kW DC fast charger, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. However, finding a charger that consistently delivers the full 350 kW remains a challenge in many areas.

XRT Styling and Interior Updates

The XRT trim embraces Hyundai’s “parametric pixel” design language with unique front and rear bumpers, added body cladding, and two functional front recovery hooks—a subtle yet practical touch for off-road situations. Additional rugged accents include textured cladding with an embossed XRT logo, giving the vehicle a more robust aesthetic.

Inside, the spacious cabin offers more room than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The dual 12.3-inch screens remain the focal point of the dashboard, housing Hyundai’s next-generation multimedia system.

New features include:

• Hyundai Pay: A seamless way to pay for parking and charging via the infotainment system.
• Digital Key with Bluelink: Allows users to unlock and start the vehicle with a smartphone.
• Smart Regenerative Braking System: Offers different braking modes, including free-wheeling, traditional regen, and i-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving convenience.

Pricing and Market Position

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT starts at $43,975 for the base RWD model and climbs to $59,575 for a fully loaded AWD long-range version. This pricing places it competitively within the off-road-capable EV segment, which remains relatively small but is expected to grow as manufacturers expand their rugged EV offerings.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT Worth It?

The introduction of the XRT trim gives the Ioniq 5 a unique edge, blending EV efficiency with light off-road capability. While it’s no rock-crawling beast, the additional lift, all-terrain tires, and terrain modes make it far more capable on dirt roads than the standard Ioniq 5. The inclusion of NACS charging access (despite its logistical challenges) also makes it more versatile for long-distance travel.

As EV adoption continues to evolve, Hyundai remains committed to expanding its electrified lineup. With the Ioniq 9 set to debut later this year and increasing domestic production at its Georgia Metaplant, Hyundai is positioning itself as a strong player in the EV space.

For those seeking an all-electric crossover that can handle more than just city streets, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT offers a compelling balance of adventure-ready capability and cutting-edge technology.