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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the Motor Authority Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2025
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The Ioniq 5 N could possibly be much less flashy, cheaper, and go farther
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The Ioniq 5 N is rattling enjoyable
Simply 48 hours in the past the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named Motor Authority Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2025. It received decisively in opposition to principally battery-powered competitors. Hyundai’s latest sports activities automotive, which additionally occurs to be an EV, received our group over with thrilling efficiency, a stable worth, and an enticing driving character. It pushes EV sports activities vehicles into the mainstream market, and that’s a win for fanatics.
However nothing’s good, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N could possibly be higher. Right here’s how.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Go on a a weight loss program
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 might like to see this factor go on a 1,000-pound weight loss program. That might have it test in below 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 scale back vary. Don’t scale back the cooling as they’d hurt efficiency. And don’t go together with carbon-ceramic brakes as that will improve the worth. In fact, Hyundai has executed its greatest and lighter, sportier EVs will possible have to attend till solid-state batteries are prepared for automotive use.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Decrease the worth
Batteries aren’t low cost, and neither is the Ioniq 5 N at $67,685. However with the typical transaction worth of a automotive hovering about $48,000, a $68k sports activities automotive or fanatic car isn’t far fetched. We dwell in an period of $65,000 Mustangs and $90,000 Broncos and Wranglers. Nonetheless, the Honda Civic Kind R prices $47,047 and a Hyundai Elantra N prices $35,445. In fact 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
Supply a T or Touring package deal
Identical to the Honda Civic Kind R, the Ioniq 5 N is flashy. There’s nothing stealthy about that entrance splitter, facet sill extensions, or the large 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 supply 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 facet sill extensions, and perhaps 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 ground 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 street journey with out thigh assist.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Give it extra vary
I do know that’s a tall order and simpler mentioned than executed. The Ioniq 5 is an environment friendly electrical automotive in our ebook. The warmer Ioniq 5 N isn’t essentially an power guzzler. In combined driving we’ve averaged 2.7 mi/kwh. The battery pack isn’t significantly small at 88.4 kwh. The problem 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 damage its vary. EPA-rated vary checks in at simply 221 miles, however our 2.7 mi/kwh calculates to 238 miles. That’s not dangerous, however we’d like to see 300 miles of vary.
All of those complaints are minor. No automotive’s good, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings enjoyable to the electrical age. That alone is price celebrating. The longer term doesn’t need to be boring, it doesn’t need to be silent, and it could actually nonetheless be partaking regardless of electrical energy. Thanks for the large efficiency with little compromise, Hyundai.
