-
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the Motor Authority Finest Automotive To Purchase 2025
-
The Ioniq 5 N could possibly be much less flashy, cheaper, and go farther
-
The Ioniq 5 N is rattling enjoyable
Simply 48 hours in the past the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named Motor Authority Finest Automotive To Purchase 2025. It received decisively towards principally battery-powered competitors. Hyundai’s latest sports activities automobile, which additionally occurs to be an EV, received our workforce over with thrilling efficiency, a strong worth, and an attractive driving character. It pushes EV sports activities vehicles into the mainstream market, and that’s a win for fans.
However nothing’s excellent, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N could possibly be higher. Right here’s how.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Go on a a food regimen
EVs are heavy. It’s the batteries. The bonus right here is that sometimes the burden is about low and centered within the car, making them the equal of mid-engine vehicles. Nonetheless, weight is the enemy of dealing with, and the Ioniq 5 N checks in at a portly 4,861 kilos. We’d like to see this factor go on a 1,000-pound food regimen. That will have it verify in beneath the Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency’s curb weight of 4,054 kilos. Use some high-strength metal, or aluminum, or boron metal, no matter it takes, Hyundai. Don’t shrink the battery pack as a result of that would cut back vary. Don’t cut back the cooling as they might hurt efficiency. And don’t go along with carbon-ceramic brakes as that will improve the value. After all, Hyundai has executed its finest and lighter, sportier EVs will seemingly have to attend till solid-state batteries are prepared for automotive use.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Decrease the value
Batteries aren’t low cost, and neither is the Ioniq 5 N at $67,685. However with the typical transaction value of a automobile hovering about $48,000, a $68k sports activities automobile or fanatic car isn’t far fetched. We reside in an period of $65,000 Mustangs and $90,000 Broncos and Wranglers. Nonetheless, the Honda Civic Sort R prices $47,047 and a Hyundai Elantra N prices $35,445. After all neither do 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds or have as much as 641 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. A $45,000 Ioniq 5 N could be a sizzling hatch efficiency cut price.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Provide a T or Touring package deal
Similar to the Honda Civic Sort R, the Ioniq 5 N is flashy. There’s nothing stealthy about that entrance splitter, aspect sill extensions, or the huge rear wing and rear diffuser. This factor screams take a look at me, and our tester’s Soultronic Orange paint did little to assist the scenario (as would the extra widespread Efficiency Blue Matte). Hyundai ought to provide a T or Touring package deal that strips off the (visually) loud bits. Ditch the rear wing and swap it for a lip spoiler. Tone down the rear diffuser, shrink the aspect sill extensions, and possibly shrink the wheels an inch or two in the event that they’ll clear the brakes. That would make it a efficiency sleeper.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Repair the rear seat packaging
One of many Ioniq 5’s flaws is its rear seat packaging. The battery pack within the flooring mixed with the rear seat design, creates a knees-up seating place for these within the again. It’s not uncomfortable, however occupants would get uncomfortable on a highway journey with out thigh assist.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Give it extra vary
I do know that’s a tall order and simpler stated than executed. The Ioniq 5 is an environment friendly electrical automobile in our guide. The warmer Ioniq 5 N isn’t essentially an vitality guzzler. In blended driving we’ve averaged 2.7 mi/kwh. The battery pack isn’t significantly small at 88.4 kwh. The difficulty turns into the sticky 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. These 4 items of rubber are (half) of what helps the Ioniq 5 N stick and rip round corners, however additionally they harm its vary. EPA-rated vary checks in at simply 221 miles, however our 2.7 mi/kwh calculates to 238 miles. That’s not unhealthy, however we’d like to see 300 miles of vary.
All of those complaints are minor. No automobile’s excellent, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings enjoyable to the electrical age. That alone is value celebrating. The long run doesn’t need to be boring, it doesn’t need to be silent, and it may well nonetheless be participating regardless of electrical energy. Thanks for the large efficiency with little compromise, Hyundai.