Overview The performance version of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 EV feels like a mad scientist’s project gone very right. This car is full of internal contradictions, able to both maximize the output from its pair of electric motors—up to 641 horsepower in N Grin Boost mode—and faithfully impersonate the sound and feel of an internal-combustion machine, right down to simulated transmission shifts. Sure, it sounds gimmicky, but it works.We’re big fans of the 5 N because it’s able to scratch multiple itches at once. It’s a performance car, a fresh take on EV performance, and a throwback all wrapped into one everyday-useful package. Electric range is 190 miles in our testing, which is toward the low end, but at least the 5 N can recharge quickly and, as of this year, has native access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
Expert Tip: Want something a little more adult-looking? The Kia EV6 GT shares its platform and powertrain with the 5 N but dials back the track focus in favor of simplicity.What’s New for 2026?For its second model year, the Ioniq 5 N sees a handful of updates. Chief among them is a switch to the Tesla-style NACS charging port; adapters for Level 2 and fast-charging come with it, and the included charge cable can now handle Level 2 in addition to Level 1 juicing. The N Drift Optimizer now offers 10 selectable stages instead of the original single mode.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe Ioniq 5 N is offered in a single trim and with few options. Really, the only choice to make here is a color. Might we suggest Hyundai’s Performance Blue?EV Motor, Power, and Performance
- EV Motors: 641-hp dual motor
- Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive
The Ioniq 5 N comes with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration that makes 601 horsepower—most of the time. When the N Grin Boost feature is used, the powertrain can temporarily spin up to a maximum of 641 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system gives drivers the ability to distribute the bulk of that power to the front or rear wheels as desired. There’s even a dedicated drift mode that inspires enough confidence to let you hang the tail out in lurid slides.Four different modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and N) adjust the steering weight, damping, and throttle sensitivity. There are also Endurance and Sprint modes to either preserve the Ioniq 5 N’s battery range or unlock maximum power for tasks such as qualifying or drag racing. To make the N feel more like a high-performance gas-powered car with a multi-speed automatic, Hyundai has programmed in a simulated gearshift feature that replicates the feel of a shift when you pull the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. (The system can be turned on and off.) During our initial test drive, which was conducted solely on a racing circuit in South Korea, we found that the 5 N does a commendable job of tracking straight during all-out launches and under hard ABS engagement on mixed-traction surfaces. Handling is balanced and controllable when you want it to be, but the drift mode allows you to hang the tail out when it’s time for more fun. On the road, the Ioniq 5 N can be as comfortable as a standard Ioniq 5 or, dialed up to its sportiest settings, transformed into a corner-conquering hero.0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 3.0 seconds
In Comparison: The related Kia EV6 GT needs 3.2 seconds to complete the same acceleration run, even though it now boasts the same output as its Hyundai cousin.Additional ResearchRange, Charging, and Battery Life
- C/D Range Test: 190 miles
The Ioniq 5 N comes with an 84.0-kWh battery pack that can charge on a DC connection at up to 238 kW. The EPA estimates the Ioniq 5 N’s range at 221 miles of mixed driving per charge. On our highway fuel-economy test route, we managed a decent 190 miles before the battery depleted.Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N can complete two laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife before losing any of its performance. The company also claims that in Endurance mode, it can complete twenty minutes of track time, recharge in another 20 minutes on a DC connection, and then complete another 20 minutes of track time.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
- EPA City Rating: 84 MPGe
- EPA Highway Rating: 72 MPGe
The EPA hasn’t released any fuel-economy information for the 2026 Ioniq 5 N yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 84 MPGe city, 72 MPGe highway, and 78 MPGe combined. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. In our testing, a 2025 5 N averaged just 69 MPGe, but that’s not a huge surprise in an EV that begs to be driven all out. For more information about the Ioniq 5 N’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: Those who’ve been inside the regular Ioniq 5 will find the N’s interior familiar, but Hyundai has added several performance-oriented features to heighten the experience. A set of aggressively bolstered front seats helps hold you in place during high-speed cornering, and a unique steering wheel features buttons to access the SUV’s drive modes, regenerative braking levels, and the N Grin Boost feature.Second Row: The N’s rear seats are mostly standard-issue Ioniq 5, but with faux-suede inserts to match the fronts. A flat floor provides an open feeling, and legroom is pretty good for something this size.Cargo Capacity: We expect to see an identical amount of passenger and cargo space as the standard Ioniq 5, which held a maximum of 20 carry-on suitcases inside with the rear seats folded during our testing.Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio System: 8-speaker Bose stereo
A pair of 12.3-inch screens greets Ioniq 5 N drivers—one for the customizable gauges and the other to control the infotainment system. There are five USB-C ports available, three in front and two in the rear.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe Ioniq 5 N comes with a wide array of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Everything offered is included; there are no optional safety systems.
- Standard Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist
For information about the Ioniq 5 N’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageHyundai provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry. Likewise, it comes with an impressive amount of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Battery Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles
C/D Test Results and SpecsWe test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $67,475/$68,685
Options: Performance Blue matte paint, $1000; carpeted floor mats, $210
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 235 hp, 273 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 406 hp, 295 lb-ft
Combined Power: 641 hp
Combined Torque: 568 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 84.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 238 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.7-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect
275/35ZR-21 103Y PNCS HN
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.1 in
Length: 185.6 in
Width: 76.4 in
Height: 62.4 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/52 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 59/26 ft3
Curb Weight: 4849 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.0 sec
100 mph: 6.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.1 sec @ 123 mph
130 mph: 12.9 sec
150 mph: 21.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.8 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 163 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 304 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.96 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 69 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 190 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 129 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 35 min
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 78/84/72 MPGe
Range: 221 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
