EVs were once a niche choice, but with the world clearly moving towards electrification and infrastructure growing, their value proposition is becoming more and more clear. However, with so many great options on the market right now, it’s hard to figure out who offers the best bang for your buck.
There are a number of key players in the EV market right now, all looking to innovate and offer unmatched value for money. However, there is one automaker that we feel is truly building practical and comfortable electric vehicles for the average person, and that is Hyundai with their fantastic Ioniq line.
We dive into the model in Hyundai’s line of fantastic electric vehicles which we think offers the most comprehensive package for your money of any EV right now. We explore which trim in particular would suit you best as well as how powerful and efficient it is and how comfortable its cabin can be.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is Priced Perfectly and Comes Loaded With Features
When it comes to compact SUVs, there is a plethora of options on the market right now that perform exceptionally well. However, none quite offer the value proposition that you’ll find within Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. This little crossover has a clearly defined goal within the market, to provide a fun, practical, and quirky SUV, which it executes on to near perfection.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
SE Standard Range |
$42,600 |
|
SE |
$46,650 |
|
SEL |
$49,600 |
|
Limited |
$54,300 |
|
XRT |
$55,500 |
At just over $40,000, the Ioniq 5 is not the most affordable option in the compact SUV segment, rather it sits near the middle of the pack. However, as is becoming expected in Hyundai’s fleet, this crossover comes loaded with features from the word go, with the best value coming in trims near the more affordable side of the ladder, with the range-toppers being more niche.
The SE and SEL represent the base offerings, and focus more on fulfilling the mission statement of this little EV. They come fitted with plenty of comfort and tech features and the cabin exudes playfulness. Bump up to the Limited mode, and you’ll gain access to some real luxury features, like leatherette upholstery and heated seats. The XRT trim is particularly interesting, though, offering a suspension lift and all-terrain tires for those looking for adventure.
Best Value For Money Trim
While the Ioniq 5 offers tons of value, there are certain models you should stay away from. The base SE with the standard range battery is one of those models. While not horrible, it is less powerful than every other trim, by quite a lot, and its range is actually a little bit disappointing. Every other model, however, comes with an upgraded battery.
While the Limited will certainly attract those looking for comfort and the XRT will satisfy outdoorsy buyers, the average person will find that the SEL offers the best balance of performance, features, and price. The SEL comes standard with features like front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a heated steering wheel, among other things, which more than justify the jump in price.
Changes For 2025
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been easy to recommend since its debut in 2022. The Korean automaker, however, understands the need to evolve quickly, particularly in the electric vehicle segment. Hence, they have updated their compact crossover in some very meaningful ways, starting with upgrading the larger battery on offer from 77.4 kWh to 84.0 kWh.
Alongside this, the Ioniq 5 also now comes with an NACS charging port, with a CCS adapter being included as well. The adventurous XRT trim that we mentioned earlier also makes its debut this year. All models across the board benefit from updated front and rear bumper changes, including a rear windshield wiper, which was admittedly an odd exclusion in previous model years. There has also been a slew of changes to the interior, including an update to the infotainment system.
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The Ioniq 5 Can Now Go Farther On A Single Charge
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 using a Tesla Supercharger
Thanks to the aforementioned upgrade to the battery pack in the Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s compact crossover now offers more value than before by being able to go further before you need to recharge. This is especially useful due to the perky powertrain used in everything other than the base model. The compact crossover is fun to drive and impressively efficient.
Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
1x Electric Motor |
1x Electric Motor |
2x Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
168 HP |
225 HP |
320 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
258 LB-FT |
446 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
RWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.5 Seconds |
7.4 Seconds |
4.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
117 MPH |
117 MPH |
117 MPH |
If you go with the base SE Standard Range model, you get a single motor mounted to the rear axle that delivers fairly unexciting acceleration, on par with more mundane gas-powered rivals. Every other model, bar the XRT, comes standard with a more powerful rear-wheel setup that feels much peppier. If you’re really looking for speed, though, the all-wheel-drive setup is the way to go.
The Ioniq 5 delivers an impressively smooth ride. It features a fairly low center of gravity and wider tires than most EVs, making it feel lively and athletic when hitting corners. Steering feedback is the main drawback, with it feeling a little dull. However, overall, the Ioniq 5 is really enjoyable to drive, and even if you do opt for the least powerful model, its quirky attitude will certainly win you over.
Range, Efficiency, and Charging
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
RWD Standard Range |
131 MPGe |
100 MPGe |
115 MPGe |
|
RWD |
129 MPGe |
100 MPGe |
114 MPGe |
|
AWD (19-inch wheels) |
116 MPGe |
96 MPGe |
106 MPGe |
|
AWD (20-inch wheels) |
108 MPGe |
88 MPGe |
98 MPGe |
|
AWD XRT |
84 MPGe |
72 MPGe |
78 MPGe |
If you opt for the most affordable SE Standard Range, you get yourself access to a 63 kWh battery pack. This model uses its battery more efficiently than other models but will only take you 245 miles on a single charge. While this isn’t horrible, other models instead come with an 84 kWh battery pack, providing a decent amount more range. Stick with rear-wheel drive, and you’ll be able to go up to 318 miles on a charge. All-wheel drive models, however, go up to 290 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels and 269 miles with 20-inch wheels. The XRT model is rated for a range of 221 miles.
When it comes to charging, the Ioniq 5 continues to impress. When plugged in to a DC fast charger with the CCS adapter, Hyundai claims that the compact crossover can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes. If you charge for five minutes, Hyundai says you can add up to 68 miles to your overall range, which is pretty impressive.
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Hyundai Has Integrated Plenty of Tech Into The Ioniq 5’s Cabin
Interior shot of the steering wheel in a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Technology is becoming increasingly important to car buyers, with a digital revolution overtaking the automotive world right now. Hyundai is at the forefront of this wave in a lot of ways, which really shines through in the cabin of the Ioniq 5. While very forward-thinking, it also still manages to retain the essence of what makes a car comfortable and warm, instead of cold and calculating.
Design, Comfort, and Cargo
The Ioniq 5 features a neat interior, with everything kind of pointing towards the driver. The Korean crossover makes use of a number of high-quality materials that are both alluring and eco-friendly, without shoving the latter in your face too much. While there is plenty of tech and digital real estate, Hyundai has also included plenty of physical controls, which fits the more retro theme of the car as well as being more attractive than full touch control.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 features a wheelbase that is actually longer than the Palisade. If you haven’t seen one in person, it is deceptively large. There is tons of space for front and rear passengers, as well as plenty of room for cargo. Hyundai has obviously also kept comfort at the forefront of their minds, with neat features like reclining front seats with foot rests that allow you to kick back while you charge.
Infotainment and Technology
When it comes to connectivity, Hyundai’s Ioniq line really does a fantastic job. The Ioniq 5 comes standard with two screens which share a bezel; a 12-inch infotainment screen and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system supports wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features things like voice recognition as well.
Certain models allow you to control core functions, such as charging, from your smartphone, as well as allowing you to use your smartphone as a key. Models also come with an integrated wireless charging pad for your phone. Ambient lighting and a premium Bose sound system are also available, along with dual-zone climate control.
