The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has proven to be a proverbial sales smash for Hyundai with the compact EV SUV getting awards and praise wherever it goes. However, the standard Ioniq 5 is not exactly known for its performance manners with the model preferring to quietly go through the motions of the daily commute with little to no fanfare. Hyundai is now committed to ensuring that the SUV has some pep in its step and while a rugged XRT model is eventually coming to dealerships, the company is shining the spotlight on track-ready performance with the 2025 Ioniq 5 N.
But is this potent Hyundai ready to take on Tesla and other members of the performance EV segment and has it perhaps lost something in the transformation from being a quiet city cruiser to a track-ready time trail-slaying bruiser?
Ioniq 5 N gets beefed up
The Ioniq 5 N is built on the same platform as the Kia EV6 GT but don’t let that put you off because the Hyundai is more than just a mere cookiecutter model. Instead, it has a distinct personality with the Ioniq 5’s core shape being complimented by a reworked front fascia, bigger wheels, bigger brakes, side skirts, and a larger rear diffuser. The Performance Matte Blue Paint on our tester perfectly compliments the N’s bolder personality but like other matte hues, going through the car wash must be avoided, handwashing is required to help keep the pain clean.
But the look is far from being a mere styling exercise with designers putting function into every inch of the N’s design. For example, the front fascia’s additional venting helps improve cooling while the rear diffuser and side skirts help improve the amount of downforce that the N model is capable of producing. The result is a look that helps it stand out in traffic and it’s also a noticeable improvement from the standard Ioniq 5 with the N being on par with the Tesla Model Y.
Comfort and performance blend together in Ioniq 5 interior
Buyers who have been inside an Ioniq 5 in the past will find a familiar atmosphere with the core essentials being carried over. That includes the dual screens in the dashboard as well as the roomy layout for front and rear passengers. However, Hyundai designers have added several performance-focused touches to boost the driving experience. They included new performance seats with heavy bolstering and the N logo prominently featured in the center of the backrest while a model-exclusive steering wheel gets several new buttons and switches to help drivers gain access to the N’s various driving modes.
The N also gets mirroring 12.0-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system with the instrument cluster getting several N exclusive graphics while the infotainment system also gets several performance-focused menus that are not seen on other Ioniq 5 models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard with the Android Auto in our tester doing a great job of delivering seamless operation with minimal lag. With all the changes being focused primarily on the front half of the cabin, the rear passenger area of the N is roughly what you see in other Ioniq 5 models with the only minor changes focusing on trim alterations with the rear of the EV still having enough room to swallow large amounts of cargo and perhaps a full track kit for weekend track drives.
Ioniq 5 N has a split personality
All Ioniq 5 N models feature a dual-motor setup that produces 601 horsepower most of the time with Hyundai engineers making numerous updates to the hardware to help it cope with the additional power. However, when the driver engages the N Grin Boost feature is used, it temporarily boosts power to 641 hp but requires a long cool-down period between each use. The setup also gives the N standard all-wheel drive and it allows models like our tester to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The system also allows the driver to electronically distribute the bulk of the power to either the front or rear wheels with this power split playing a role in the N’s Drift Mode feature which allows the EV to transform into a drifting machine that can perform lurid slides.
Four drive modes are available: Eco, Normal, Sport, and N with each one allowing the SUV to quickly adapt to a wide range of driving situations. These adjustments include changes to the steering response, suspension dampening, and throttle response. Endurance Mode maximizes the range drivers can get from the N’s 84 kWh battery pack while Sprint Mode unlocks the powertrain’s full potential.
The N’s transmission has a simulated shift feature that allows it to replicate a shift from a traditional automatic with the feature kicking in when the driver uses the steering wheel-mounted paddles to manually shift through the digital gears. Our tester did a good job delivering strong and stable launches with the brakes in our tester also doing a good job of providing smooth and stable stops.
Value Quotient
When it comes to performance EVs, the word value often has a different meaning partly due to the high price tags that many of them have. In the case of the Ioniq N, it’s no different with a base model starting at $66,100 before the $1,395 destination charge is factored in. Unlike other EVs though, Hyundai keeps it pretty straightforward when you’re configuring the N online and only offers a small sprinkling of optional accessories and extras.
In the case of our tester, the major option on hand was the $1,000 paintwork which caused our tester to creep past $68,000. That’s still a large chunk of change that causes it to be more expensive than rivals like the Tesla Model 3/Y Performance as well as the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. However, Hyundai is not going for penny pinchers with this model and is instead going for a buyer who’s looking for race-ready fun but with a small pinch of driving range thrown in for week-to-week usability. As mentioned, the N will eventually be joined by the rugged XRT version which Hyundai revealed not too long ago to help give the Ioniq 5 true flexibility in two specialty segments. This flexibility will help draw in more buyers, which in turn will help the entire Ioniq 5 family as Hyundai moves forward with its electrification plans.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.