There’s little doubt the Hyundai Ioniq 5, our 2024 Car of the Year, is one of the best cars Hyundai has put to market in recent times. Part of this is because it breaks new ground and seamlessly integrates modern EV tech into regular everyday motoring.

The real star of the show, however, is the all-new XRT trim, which is an off-road trim already available on the Santa Cruz, Tucson, and Palisade. The XRT label isn’t just about looks. Hyundai gives its XRT trims added capability for more adventurous drivers.

This version of the Ioniq 5 gets just about everything right, from built-in access to Tesla DC fast chargers to simpler controls customers asked for.

Barrelling through the fine sands of Coachella Valley, we discover just how well Hyundai's new XRT variant of the Ioniq 5 handles the "extreme rough terrain". Is it just another "soft-roader" for Patagonia-clad schoolteachers,

Mercifully, Hyundai has also added a rear windshield wiper to the Ioniq 5 this year, something we wish our long-term 2023 model had. Two different battery packs are still offered, but both are now slightly larger.

Inside, the XRT enjoys all the updates for the 2025 model year and features seats with H-Tex synthetic leather and an embossed XRT logo on the front seat backs. The XRT logo also appears on the doors and the all-weather floor mats.

Electrification has been the key to Hyundai’s 33% retail growth over the past five years, according to Ricky Lao, director of product planning Hyundai Motor America. In fact, sales were up 31% in 2024 compared to the year before.

While just a mid-cycle refresh, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets some great upgrades and, most impressively, an XRT model, which we take off-road.

The last few years have been progressive steps forward for Hyundai in the electric vehicle (EV) department. This positive trend stems from the Korean automaker’s popular, efficient, and unique IONIQ

Power and Weight: 641 hp • 4858 lb • 7.6 lb/hp Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect; 275/35ZR-21 103Y PNCS HN We ran the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 's platform-mate, the 576-hp Kia EV6 GT, at Lightning Lap last year,