2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift and XRT variant unveiled: Off-Road power meets sleek new design

KUALA LUMPUR:  Hyundai has given the 2025 Ioniq 5 a fresh update, and excitingly have also introducing a rugged XRT variant that is ready for off-road adventures. The new XRT trim is designed to handle tougher terrains, with a 0.9-inch increase in ride height, all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles to enhance its off-road capability.

For 2025, the entire Ioniq 5 lineup benefits from larger battery packs, which in turn boost its driving range. The model now also comes equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Interestingly, a notable addition to the new 5 is the long-awaited rear windshield wiper, a feature that customers had been requesting since the car's debut.

To maintain its momentum, Hyundai has also refreshed the Ioniq 5’s look with updated front and rear bumpers, a redesigned dashboard, and new colours including Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Gray Matte, and Celadon Gray Matte. Along with the aesthetic updates, Hyundai has improved aerodynamics with a reworked rear spoiler and new wheels.

The battery upgrades for the 2025 Ioniq 5 bring more range across the lineup. The Standard Range battery increases from 58.0 kWh to 63.0 kWh, while the Long Range variant sees a boost from 77.4 kWh to 84.0 kWh. These changes push the all-wheel-drive range beyond 450 kilometres, with the rear-wheel-drive Long Range model expected to exceed 500 kilometres. Even the base SE model sees a jump, from 350 kilometres to an estimated 387 kilometres. 

A key technological advancement for 2025 is the introduction of the NACS charging port, allowing Ioniq 5 owners to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network without needing an adapter. Initially, some models will still come with the CCS port, but by the end of 2024, all Hyundai EVs will feature the NACS plug.

Inside, Hyundai has made the Ioniq 5 more user-friendly by updating the HVAC controls and swapping the previous dual 12.0-inch screens for a pair of 12.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and physical buttons for key functions like heated seats, steering wheel controls, and parking assist have been added for convenience. The steering wheel has been redesigned, and all trims except for the base SE now include heated rear seats.

Safety upgrades are also in place, with enhanced smart parking assist, improved lane-following assist, and the inclusion of blind-spot collision warning as standard on the base SE.

What's most exciting is the newly introduced XRT trim, which allows the Ioniq 5 to go off some beaten path. It features a unique suspension lift and rides on 18-inch black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Available only in dual-motor all-wheel-drive form, the XRT comes with the Long Range battery and brings additional capability with improved approach and departure angles—now at 19.8 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively.

The XRT boasts a rugged exterior, including a front bumper with "digital camouflage" and red tow hooks capable of pulling up to 2646 kilograms. The blacked-out trim and exclusive design touches, like the pixel design motif and dark window surrounds, give the XRT a distinctive look. Inside, the XRT offers leatherette seating with a special pattern, a black headliner, and all-weather floor mats, while its exterior colour options include Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl.

With this refresh, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is poised to stay competitive in the EV market, now offering something for both city drivers and those with a taste for off-road adventure. Sounds exciting? No doubt the Ioniq 5 is a killer EV, but stiff competition from lower cost EVs from China has seen its momentum take a slight dip.

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