2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV SUV: Finally, a legit Tesla challenger

The Hyundai Ioniq the fourth model year of the compact crossover sport utility further improves the South Korean carmaker s electric wagon presence Introduced globally in as a model Hyundai hoped the Ioniq and its expanding lineup of siblings would infiltrate the territory Primary rivals were once the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf Now there s more prominent competition The Ioniq it s marketed as the IONIQ has succeeded better than anticipated It combines overall inside and outside handsomeness simplistic and innovative retro-futuristic styling and fast recharging Largest part importantly for the still-concerned EV skeptics the charging range requirements have improved It s added to Hyundai s EV clout Tesla sales dramatically slumped from to but the manufacturer still had three of the top five best-selling EVs in the United States last year The Ioniq was the country s fourth best-selling EV trailing the Tesla Model Y Tesla Model and Ford Mustang Mach-E Tesla s Cybertruck was fifth Available in SE SEL Limited and XRT trims the Ioniq features an electric-only powertrain The standard range battery is paired with a single rear-mounted motor generating horsepower The reviewed Limited trim has a longer-range battery miles and its two-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration generates horsepower It accelerates from to miles per hour in seconds The Ioniq comes standard with the Tesla-configured NACS charging port It s the first non-Tesla wagon to feature a factory-installed native NACS port But a CCS adapter is included as a standard addition and is stored in the small frunk It attaches easily and gives the EV the full range of community charging options and fast charging with NACS option The EPA ratings for the Limited trim are MPGe in city driving MPGe on the highway While there s various wind rush the Ioniq advances smoothly and quietly It impressively absorbs road imperfections The ride quality is complemented via the design and craftsmanship of the interior While still the original generation the interior has new higher-grade seating materials The phone-charging pad is no longer hidden It s now positioned on the top of the center platform between the front seats Place your device on the pad and a small horizontal row of green lights indicate the phone is charging Further convenient the interior door handles aren t handles but door canals The doors can be closed by grabbing anywhere in the channel Additional changes include a new bank of buttons that provide quicker and easier access to engage the heated seats and heated steering wheel The infotainment system also has several new features including a more advanced lane-keeping assist system and a side-impact collision avoidance feature Overall the interior is a minimalist s delight The feeling of openness is refreshing the lack of complication is inviting The Ioniq has practical sufficient cargo space cubic behind the rear seats cubic feet when the seats are folded flat Several competitors have larger areas A small front compartment frunk provides enough room for the Ioniq s charging cable and adapters A hands-free power liftgate is available The two-row Ioniq seats five with standard amenities like cloth upholstery an eight-way power-adjustable driver s seat and heated front seats Options include synthetic leather upholstery driver s seat memory settings ventilated front seats an eight-way power-adjustable visitor seat a heated steering wheel a front sliding center console and a rear center armrest The Ioniq is assembled in Georgia and beginning in May the federal tax rebate was reinstated if buyers meet certain requirements California also has as much as a EV rebate with varied requirements As reviewed the Hyundai Ioniq costs just under With applicable rebates the tally is a inadequate thousand dollars less than the average price of a new conveyance in the United States It s among the best automotive values James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com