2025 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 LIMITED FIRST DRIVE - WHAT HAS CHANGED?

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 receives a midcycle refresh that, while not groundbreaking, introduces thoughtful and meaningful updates. The exterior styling remains largely the same, a deliberate choice given its popularity, with subtle tweaks and new color options like the matte white and cosmic blue (exclusive to the XRT trim). Inside, the "Limited" trim, as tested, features a reworked center console with a movable "island" and the addition of physical buttons for climate controls and heated/ventilated seats, a welcome change for user convenience. A significant functional upgrade is the long-awaited rear wiper, addressing a common complaint. The vehicle also adopts the NACS (Tesla) charge port, though it comes with a CCS adapter for broader compatibility. Hyundai has also increased the battery range across all models due to chemistry changes, which also allows for slightly faster charging. The driving experience is praised for its comfort, stability on winding roads, and easy one-pedal driving modulation, even in adverse weather conditions. The vehicle's US production in Georgia makes it eligible for the $7,500 tax credit. Overall, the refresh refines an already popular EV, focusing on customer feedback to enhance usability and convenience.