Lower than a 12 months 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 check it out. It is a Hyundai IONIQ by and thru, however it options some distinctive design upgrades, together with a brand new drive mode to assist it deal with 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 evaluation 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 boundaries of a brand new “Terrain Mode” the off-road variant debuts. We actually did the identical final week within the desert outdoors of Palm Springs the place we acquired 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 actually essentially the most off-road-friendly possibility from Hyundai, and the automaker continues to wow us with distinctive design components which are 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 shade
The XRT is the second highest trim stage 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 workforce described this design strategy as an “armor-like aesthetic.” The entrance and rear fascias have been geared up with distinctive protecting cladding that goes increased up than a typical BEV for added safety from rocks and different particles.
After all, Hyundai needed to embrace its parametric pixels within the cladding! This delicate sample, Hyundai calls “digital camo,” appears completely different in each lighting situation (see close-up photos 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 crimson restoration hooks, whereas the rear affords increased safety on its corners and an embossed XRT badge. For added off-road capabilities, the IONIQ 5 XRT incorporates a 23mm suspension carry alongside distinctive tuning, providing an additional inch of floor clearance (7″), the next strategy angle (19.8º), and the next departure angle (30º).
That being mentioned, this off-road BEV doesn’t have a skid plate or underbelly safety. As a substitute, the Hyundai workforce mentioned the added safety comes from elevated floor clearance. Let’s transfer into the inside.
As you possibly can 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 photos above).
The remainder of the inside is akin to the usual IONIQ 5s, other than some distinctive tech upgrades. As an illustration, the XRT is the primary mannequin to come back geared up with a brand new Terrain Mode, which may be activated instantly from the steering wheel.
From there, you possibly can select between sand, snow, and dirt. Whereas we noticed snow up at elevation within the non-XRT variations of the 2025 IONIQ 5, we have been solely lucky sufficient to trek by 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 capable of swing that again finish round with out feeling like I used to be about to spin out.
The raised experience top and suspension tuning have been noticeable, particularly after having simply pushed the usual IONIQ 5 earlier that day, however 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 mentioned, Hyundai did a wonderful 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. In my view, the darker exteriors complemented the cladding significantly better. Nonetheless, I want we might have seen the 2 new Hyundai colours unique to the IONIQ 5 XRT – Cosmic Blue Pearl and Final Purple Metallic. Sadly, these colours weren’t out there for our drive since we acquired a few of the first XRT fashions off the meeting line. Oh nicely.
General, 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, much like the IONIQ 5 N, which I’m additionally a large fan of. That being mentioned, I might moderately 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 have been, I’d most likely go along with a Rivian as a substitute).
When you like taking autos out within the mud and dust, the IONIQ 5 XRT could possibly be the BEV you’ve been in search of. I like to recommend checking it out in individual to see the cladding up shut and scroll by the terrain modes (for those who can drive one out on a course, that may 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 out there in two new colours unique to the XRT solely –
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