Lower than a yr after its preliminary reveal, Hyundai formally launched its off-road-friendly IONIQ 5 XRT variant within the US and invited us to Palm Springs to try it out. This can be a Hyundai IONIQ by means of and thru, nevertheless it options some distinctive design upgrades, together with a brand new drive mode to assist it sort out harder terrain than its siblings.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is the most recent variant to come back out of HMG’s design lab. It was initially introduced in March of 2024, simply days after information of a refresh coming to the usual 2025 IONIQ 5, which we additionally examined out throughout this journey (try that evaluate right here).
It wasn’t lengthy after Hyundai confirmed the IONIQ 5 XRT {that a} camouflaged model was noticed in Korea. It presumedly pushed the bounds of a brand new “Terrain Mode” the off-road variant debuts. We definitely did the identical final week within the desert outdoors of Palm Springs the place we received a possibility to take the IONIQ 5 XRTs out of a pure terrain course and kick up some mud.
Whereas this might not be essentially the most rugged BEV on the market, it’s most definitely essentially the most off-road-friendly choice from Hyundai, and the automaker continues to wow us with distinctive design parts which might be each useful and simply plain cool-looking. I’ve shared my full impressions beneath.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is tremendous cool… in the correct colour
The XRT is the second highest trim degree on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 totem pole, beneath the Restricted however above the SEL. As such, a number of distinctive options have been added to this new spin on the ever-popular IONIQ 5.
Beginning with the outside, you’ll discover a extra rugged look. XRT does stand for “Excessive Rugged Terrain,” in spite of everything. The Hyundai group described this design strategy as an “armor-like aesthetic.” The entrance and rear fascias have been outfitted with distinctive protecting cladding that goes increased up than a regular BEV for added safety from rocks and different particles.
After all, Hyundai needed to embrace its parametric pixels within the cladding! This refined sample, Hyundai calls “digital camo,” appears to be like completely different in each lighting state of affairs (see close-up photographs above). That cladding was additionally positioned above the wheels, that are distinctive to the IONIQ 5 XRT. This variant sits on easy but badass 18″ black wheels with all-terrain tires.
The entrance options two vivid purple restoration hooks, whereas the rear gives increased safety on its corners and an embossed XRT badge. For added off-road capabilities, the IONIQ 5 XRT includes a 23mm suspension elevate alongside distinctive tuning, providing an additional inch of floor clearance (7″), a better strategy angle (19.8º), and a better departure angle (30º).
That being stated, this off-road BEV doesn’t have a skid plate or underbelly safety. As a substitute, the Hyundai group stated the added safety comes from elevated floor clearance. Let’s transfer into the inside.
As you’ll be able to see within the picture above, the inside of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is murdered out and seems a bit sportier than a few of its siblings. The doorways characteristic extra of the model’s new digital camo sample behind an XRT brand, the identical of which you’ll discover embossed into the entrance head rests (see photographs above).
The remainder of the inside is corresponding to the usual IONIQ 5s, except for some distinctive tech upgrades. As an illustration, the XRT is the primary mannequin to come back outfitted with a brand new Terrain Mode, which may be activated straight from the steering wheel.
From there, you’ll be able to select between sand, snow, and dust. Whereas we noticed snow up at elevation within the non-XRT variations of the 2025 IONIQ 5, we had been solely lucky sufficient to trek by means of a desert course with loads of compact and free sand to see what Terrain Mode can actually do.
In all honesty, the XRT was a blast to drive. Terrain Mode and the BEV’s H-Trac AWD let me open it up, however I felt in full management the entire time. I particularly had a blast on the course curves with free sand, as I used to be in a position to swing that again finish round with out feeling like I used to be about to spin out.
The raised experience top and suspension tuning had been noticeable, particularly after having simply pushed the usual IONIQ 5 earlier that day, nevertheless it was nonetheless a little bit of a bumpy experience out on these rocks, particularly as a passenger. Right here’s some footage of the course:
I really feel the general strategy to the XRT is barely gimmicky as a result of that is undoubtedly an off-road succesful BEV, however not one thing you’d take to Moab. That being stated, Hyundai did a superb job designing it to look rugged and funky.
I used to be not an enormous fan of the distinction between the XRT-exclusive cladding and lighter-colored exteriors like Atlas White and Cyber Gray. For my part, the darker exteriors complemented the cladding significantly better. Nonetheless, I want we may have seen the 2 new Hyundai colours unique to the IONIQ 5 XRT – Cosmic Blue Pearl and Final Crimson Metallic. Sadly, these colours weren’t accessible for our drive since we received a number of the first XRT fashions off the meeting line. Oh properly.
Total, I loved my time behind the wheel of the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT, however it is a area of interest variant for a distinct segment viewers, just like the IONIQ 5 N, which I’m additionally an enormous fan of. That being stated, I might slightly have an N or a Restricted trim of the 2025 IONIQ 5 since I’m not a lot of an off-roader (though if I had been, I’d most likely go along with a Rivian as a substitute).
Should you like taking autos out within the mud and grime, the IONIQ 5 XRT may very well be the BEV you’ve been in search of. I like to recommend checking it out in particular person to see the cladding up shut and scroll by means of the terrain modes (for those who can drive one out on a course, that will be even higher!)
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is now on sale within the US, beginning at an MSRP of $55,400 earlier than taxes and costs. It additionally comes accessible in two new colours unique to the XRT solely –
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