During my time with the Ioniq 5 last year, I felt that it beautifully combined retro styling and everyday usability. Now, Hyundai has toughened up the Ioniq 5 with the 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT, which began reaching dealers a few weeks ago, and is garnering plenty of attention from American car buyers.
This version gets more ground clearance, off-road features, and a blacked-out design, competing squarely with the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, which, as I also found out last year, was more than an all-roader.
Priced from $55,400 (MSRP excluding freight charges, tax, title, and license fees), here are the 11 features that I found which make the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT different from the standard model.
1. Off-Road Styling
The XRT has sharper front and rear bumpers, with a raw look, filled with pixels. The design is more angular, with extra body cladding, and exposed tow hooks. Skid plates at the front and rear provide protection. The rear bumper is unique to this trim, reinforcing its off-road focus.
2. Digital Camouflage Cladding
The side panels feature etched digital camouflage. Hyundai uses its Ioniq pixel design for a modern take on rugged styling. The pattern is subtle but makes the XRT look tougher, and the blacked-out side sills contribute to the effect.
3. Higher Ground Clearance
A 23 mm (0.9 in.) suspension lift adds to the XRT’s higher ground clearance of 7 inches. The approach angle improves to 19.8 degrees, and the departure angle rises to 30.0 degrees. The changes would help the XRT handle uneven terrain. The suspension also gets special tuning for better stability off-road.
4. All-Terrain Tires & Black 18-Inch Wheels
The XRT is hoisted on 235/60 R18 all-terrain tires. These offer more grip on dirt and gravel, while the higher sidewalls help with ride comfort. The 18-inch wheels are finished in matte black, carrying the pixel design motif in the wheel openings.
5. Black Exterior Trim
Chrome has left the chat! Window surrounds, side sills, and Hyundai’s ‘H’ badges are all black. The mirror caps are black too, and I have to admit that the darker theme reinforces the XRT’s off-road styling.
6. XRT Badging
An XRT logo is embossed on the rear fascia, and the tailgate gets an exclusive XRT badge. The Ioniq 5 name appears in black relief. The XRT also features a black HTRAC branding, which is Hyundai’s AWD system.
7. H-Tex Seating with XRT Branding
The XRT’s seats are covered in H-Tex, a synthetic leather alternative, with an exclusive XRT pattern. XRT branding is stitched into the seats to sync with the trim’s rugged theme.
8. Black Headliner & All-Weather Floor Mats
The XRT gets a black headliner for a sportier feel. The all-weather floor mats are XRT-branded and designed to handle dirt and mud. The mats provide extra grip, helping keep feet stable in wet conditions. The interior follows the blacked-out theme.
9. Exclusive Paint Options
The XRT is available in Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl. These colors are not offered on other Ioniq 5 trims. While I feel that the deep red gives it a bold look, the blue, which is featured in this story, adds a neat contrast to the rugged design.
10. Tuned Suspension
The XRT’s suspension is set up for off-road stability. The adjustments improve shock absorption on uneven ground. Unlike the Ioniq 5 N, which is track-focused, the XRT is built for tougher terrain.
11. Terrain Mode
The Ioniq 5 XRT comes exclusively with ‘Terrain’ Mode, activated via a button on the steering wheel. Drivers can select Sand or Mud settings, optimizing traction and stability on loose surfaces.
Also See: Future N & XRT variants of Hyundai Ioniq 9: What we expect
Images in this story are from Hyundai
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
