Hyundai has formally launched its off-road-friendly IONIQ 5 XRT variant within the US, lower than a 12 months after its preliminary reveal. Lately, we had the prospect to check it out in Palm Springs. Whereas it retains the essence of the usual IONIQ 5, the XRT consists of a number of distinctive design upgrades and a brand new drive mode tailor-made for tough terrain.
The IONIQ 5 XRT, the most recent creation from Hyundai Motor Group’s design workforce, was first introduced in March 2024. This announcement got here shortly after the introduction of a refreshed 2025 IONIQ 5, additionally examined throughout this journey.
Shortly after Hyundai confirmed the arrival of the IONIQ 5 XRT, a camouflaged model was noticed in Korea, hinting at its new “Terrain Mode.” This mode was put to the take a look at final week within the desert close to Palm Springs, the place we navigated a difficult pure terrain course.
Whereas the IONIQ 5 XRT will not be essentially the most rugged electrical automobile (EV) in the marketplace, it’s positively Hyundai’s most off-road-ready providing. The automaker continues to impress with design parts which might be each useful and visually interesting.
### The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT: A Fashionable Off-Street Contender
The XRT ranks because the second highest trim stage within the Hyundai IONIQ 5 lineup—falling beneath the Restricted trim however above the SEL. This new variant boasts a number of distinctive options.
The outside has a rugged design that firmly aligns with its “XRT” branding, which stands for “Excessive Rugged Terrain.” Hyundai describes the aesthetic as “armor-like,” enhanced by protecting cladding on the entrance and rear that defends in opposition to rocks and particles whereas including a particular aptitude.
Moreover, the cladding options Hyundai’s signature parametric pixels, known as “digital camouflage,” which modifications look relying on lighting situations. The distinctive cladding extends above the wheels, mounted on placing 18-inch black wheels fitted with all-terrain tires.
Two vivid crimson restoration hooks adorn the entrance, whereas the rear consists of strengthened safety and an embossed XRT badge. The XRT additionally contains a 23mm suspension raise, leading to an additional inch of floor clearance (7 inches), elevated method angle (19.8 levels), and enhanced departure angle (30 levels).
It is value noting that this off-road EV lacks a skid plate or underbelly safety; Hyundai asserts that further safety comes from the heightened floor clearance. Let’s check out the inside.
The inside of the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is designed with a sporty aesthetic, that includes the model’s digital camouflage sample and an XRT brand on the doorways and embossed within the entrance headrests. Whereas the final structure is much like that of the usual IONIQ 5, the XRT introduces tech upgrades, together with Terrain Mode, which could be activated through the steering wheel.
Terrain Mode permits drivers to decide on settings for varied situations equivalent to sand, snow, and dust. We skilled the sandy terrain of the desert course, testing the options to their fullest.
Driving the XRT was an exhilarating expertise. The Terrain Mode, mixed with the H-Trac all-wheel drive, supplied wonderful management, particularly by curves on unfastened sand. The raised experience peak and suspension tuning had been fairly obvious and made for a considerably bumpy experience over rocky terrain, significantly for passengers.
Whereas the XRT is undoubtedly a succesful off-road automobile, it is perhaps thought of higher suited to typical out of doors excursions somewhat than excessive off-road adventures. Hyundai has achieved nicely in crafting a rugged and interesting design.
Nevertheless, I felt the distinction between the XRT-exclusive cladding and lighter colours like Atlas White and Cyber Gray was much less interesting; darker hues showcased the cladding extra successfully. I want I might have examined the 2 new colours obtainable completely for the XRT—Cosmic Blue Pearl and Final Crimson Metallic—as they had been unavailable throughout my drive.
General, I loved the driving expertise within the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT. Nevertheless, it appears extra tailor-made to a distinct segment viewers, much like the IONIQ 5 N, which I additionally respect. Personally, I would favor the N or Restricted trims of the 2025 IONIQ 5, as I do not regularly enterprise off-road (if I selected an off-road automobile, I would lean extra towards a Rivian).
For many who get pleasure from tackling sandy trails and tough terrain, the IONIQ 5 XRT could possibly be the electrical automobile you’ve been searching for. I like to recommend checking it out in particular person to understand the distinctive cladding and discover its terrain modes—particularly for those who can drive it on a course.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is now obtainable within the US, with a beginning MSRP of $55,400 earlier than taxes and charges. It additionally options two unique colours: Cosmic Blue Pearl and Final Crimson Metallic.
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