Michael SatterfieldWhy this retro-futuristic crossover is one of the most important electric cars of the decade.
Some cars follow trends, and then there are cars that set them. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is squarely in the latter camp, a vehicle that doesn’t just ride the electric wave, it shapes the swell. With a pixel-perfect retro-futuristic design, class-leading charging tech, and even a wild performance variant in the form of the IONIQ 5 N, this EV isn’t just another crossover. It’s a blueprint for the electric age.
First Impressions: Pixel Precision
The IONIQ 5 looks like it rolled straight out of a sci-fi anime, with sharp creases, parametric LED pixels, and proportions that mess with your head. It’s classified as a compact crossover, but stand next to it and you’ll swear it’s midsize. That’s because it rides on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, designed from the ground up for EVs, which allows for short overhangs and a long 118-inch wheelbase. The result? A footprint that screams hot hatch but a cabin that feels closer to a Range Rover Evoque.
The design isn’t just aesthetic. The flush door handles, clamshell hood, and active aero help it slice through the air efficiently. For 2025, Hyundai made subtle updates: a rear wiper, tweaks to the infotainment UI, and a slightly softer suspension for a more refined ride.
IONIQ 5: Everyday Luxury Meets Ultra-Fast Charging
Let’s talk numbers. Depending on the spec, you can get a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version with up to 303 miles of range or a dual-motor AWD that’ll get you to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds. The standard 800V architecture, however, is where the IONIQ 5 really flexes. Plug into a 350kW charger, and you can go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. In the real world, that’s enough time to grab a coffee and a croissant.
Inside, the cabin is minimalist without being cold. Two 12.3-inch screens serve as your command center, and a magnetic dash strip allows you to pin up photos or notes like your fridge at home. The sliding center console can move back over a foot, and rear passengers enjoy limo-like legroom. Materials feel quality, especially in upper trims, where leatherette and ambient lighting add a premium edge. My wife, Jennifer, described it best: “This is the car you buy if you want all the luxury and comfort but want to fly under the radar a little bit.”
Enter the IONIQ 5 N: The Game-Changer
For those who think EVs can’t be thrilling, the IONIQ 5 N will reset expectations. With 641 horsepower, torque vectoring, an electronically controlled suspension, and Hyundai’s clever “N e-shift” system that simulates gear changes (complete with jolts and all), the IONIQ 5 N isn’t just quick, it’s wild.
CAR Magazine called it a “love letter to hot hatches.” Top Gear likened its design to a Pixar robot with anger issues. And they’re not wrong. Behind the wheel, the IONIQ 5 N is part video game and part real-world apex predator. N Grin Boost adds an overboost function for 10 seconds of unfiltered madness. It’ll do 0–62 mph in 3.4 seconds and feels planted, balanced, and surprisingly analog for something so digital.
Sure, the synthetic exhaust noises (which mimic everything from V8s to jet engines) might be a gimmick, but it’s a gimmick that brings a smile.
Tech in the IONIQ 5 feels polished, not experimental. You get the usual suspects, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, but also extras like a head-up display with augmented reality navigation, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability to power your laptop or even another EV, and over-the-air updates that actually bring meaningful improvements.
One of the smartest updates for 2025? Switching to North America’s NACS plug, meaning it’ll soon have access to Tesla’s vaunted Supercharger network.
Real-World Usability
Despite the spaceship vibes, the IONIQ 5 is a pragmatic machine, rear seats recline and slide. The cargo area isn’t massive (27.2 cu ft behind the second row), but there’s a frunk for small items. What you do get is visibility, maneuverability, and comfort in a package that turns heads in Whole Foods and cars & coffee alike.
Accolades Stack Up
The IONIQ 5 has been racking up awards since it launched:
- 2024 World Performance Car (IONIQ 5 N)
- Best Electric 5-Passenger SUV by Parents magazine
- Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS
- Multiple design and innovation awards globally
It’s not just the critics; owners love it. Forum communities are filled with praise for the ride quality, charging speed, and the fact that it’s not a Tesla. Consumers like that they have a real dealer network and service center to visit if needed.
Should You Buy One?
Hyundai didn’t just build a great EV. They built the EV that others will benchmark.
- The standard IONIQ 5 is perfect for urban creatives, families with style, or anyone who appreciates good design and great engineering.
- The IONIQ 5 N is for the person who thought their last fun car would have to be gas-powered, and is delighted to be wrong.
Hyundai took a swing at the future and knocked it out of the park.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 Pricing (2025 est.):
- SE Standard Range: ~$43,000
- SEL AWD Long Range: ~$50,000
- Limited AWD Long Range: ~$56,000
- IONIQ 5 N: ~$67,000+
