Hyundai has taken its all-electric crossover and given it an unexpected twist. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT is an off-road-focused version of the popular EV, blending rugged design cues with futuristic tech. Whether anyone needed an off-roading Ioniq 5 is debatable—but Hyundai built it anyway, and the result is equal parts bold and bizarre.
With lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and cosmetic enhancements aimed at adventure enthusiasts, the XRT stands out from the regular Ioniq 5 lineup. But how much of it is form versus function? And more importantly, is it worth the steep price?
Off-Road Hardware Meets Urban EV
The Ioniq 5 XRT comes standard with all-wheel drive and rides nearly an inch higher than the standard model. Hyundai also fitted it with all-terrain tires and rugged-looking 18-inch alloy wheels designed to resemble steel wheels commonly seen on desert crawlers.
Recovery hooks sit boldly up front—painted bright red, no less. While it’s unlikely most owners will be yanking out Jeeps from the mud, the hooks at least nod to genuine off-road capability.
Upgraded bumpers improve approach and departure angles. The fender flares, front fascia, and rear bumper feature a black plastic camo pattern that ties in with the Ioniq 5’s pixelated design language. Cosmetic or not, it’s certainly unique.
Design Tweaks That Stand Out
Hyundai blacked out all exterior trim pieces to give the XRT a tougher, stealthier look. You’ll also spot “XRT” badging imprinted into the rear bumper and center caps. The changes are subtle enough not to overwhelm the design, but noticeable enough to separate this variant from its city-slicker siblings.
Interior Upgrades With an Off-Road Focus
Inside, changes are minimal but meaningful. Rubberized floor mats replace the standard carpets—ideal for mud or dirt after trail runs. The door panels now feature XRT-themed graphics in both front and rear rows.
More importantly, there’s now a drive mode selector on the steering wheel with dedicated settings for snow, mud, and sand. It adjusts traction control and all-wheel-drive logic for different terrains, bringing more utility to this electric adventurer.
Performance, Range, and Pricing
The Ioniq 5 XRT comes with Hyundai’s most powerful dual-motor setup (outside of the high-performance Ioniq 5 N). It delivers 320 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, making it quick despite its added weight and off-road hardware.
However, there is a small trade-off. The all-terrain tires and lifted suspension slightly reduce range. Compared to the Ioniq 5 Limited AWD, which offers about 270 miles, the XRT manages around 260 miles per charge.
Starting at around ₹47.5 lakh ($57,000), the XRT is currently the most expensive Ioniq 5 variant after the N. The base model starts near ₹36.7 lakh ($44,000), which makes the XRT a significant jump in pricing for what is essentially a niche model.
New for 2025, General Ioniq 5 Updates
Beyond the XRT trim, the entire 2025 Ioniq 5 lineup benefits from several key updates. First, the battery packs have been upgraded, offering better range across all variants. The top-range version now boasts up to 318 miles, up from the previous 303 miles.
Hyundai has also adopted the Tesla (NACS) charging standard, making it easier to plug into Superchargers and compatible home charging setups. Existing owners can use adapters to maintain compatibility with older plugs.
Interior Tech Refresh
The 2025 Ioniq 5 features a redesigned center console with fixed wireless charging and a new row of physical buttons for essentials like heated seats, parking sensors, and camera views. This makes accessing core functions more intuitive compared to previous models that required screen navigation.
A clever update to the steering wheel pixels also adds utility. Previously decorative, these now act as a visual battery indicator—lighting up from one to four bars depending on the current charge level.
And finally, a much-needed feature: a rear wiper. Surprisingly absent in earlier versions, the Ioniq 5 now includes one, improving visibility in bad weather.
Who Is the Ioniq 5 XRT For?
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT is aimed at EV buyers who want a little extra edge—either in looks or light off-road ability. It’s not a rock crawler, but it can handle dirt roads, snow, and trailhead adventures better than a standard Ioniq 5.
It also appeals to those who want an EV that doesn’t scream futuristic minimalism. The rugged styling, functional recovery hooks, and off-road presets give it a unique character in a crowded EV market.
However, it may not be ideal for value-focused buyers. The added cost doesn’t bring significant off-road capability beyond aesthetics and minor hardware tweaks. For that price, shoppers might consider a dedicated SUV or even a lightly used luxury EV.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT is a bold move in the EV space—an off-road version of a vehicle never meant for the trails. But Hyundai has committed to the idea, and the result is a uniquely styled crossover that combines electric performance with rugged attitude.
It may not be necessary, but it certainly adds character to the Ioniq 5 family. For the right buyer—someone looking for a capable, stylish, and slightly rebellious EV—the XRT could be the perfect match.
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