2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT review: The range is real

The all-wheel drive Ioniq 5 sees big gains in range even on the XRT example

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

After driving a mildly refreshed ID.4 Pro S and noting some improvements for the German brand, Hyundai serves a reminder of just how far behind Volkswagen remains. Past Ioniq 5s tested by The Road Beat suffered from relatively weak real-world range, but recent updates bring a greatly improved and more consistent distance. With a product now better than ever, this remains the pick for everyday EVs by The Road Beat.

Measuring 84 kWh in capacity and featuring a dual-motor AWD drivetrain with the familiar 320 horsepower, this model now returns a reliably consistent 270 miles of real-world range. Not quite the magic 300, but this XRT-equipped AWD version rides on mildly knobby tires intended for light off-road use—never ideal for efficiency. A recently tested RWD single-motor Ioniq 5 managed to crest the 300-mile milestone (pun intended, sorry), though the dual-motor setup here rewards you with significantly more punch when you flatten your right foot. Thanks to the added range, the Ioniq 5 feels far more competitive towards the dual motor Tesla Model Y in how far you can realistically go in the real world.

Another welcome update is the adoption of the Tesla NACS port, allowing direct access to Tesla Superchargers without any adapter. Hyundai includes adapters for traditional SAE Level 2 or DC fast chargers as well. Huge win for Hyundai, especially considering the ID.4 still lacks this capability. Hyundai also continues to offer the quickest charging in its price bracket, with the ability to make use of 350-kW chargers—even if the peak never quite hits that number. Going from 10–80% takes just over 20 minutes on a top-tier charger and still lands under 30 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger.

Visually, the Ioniq 5 remains beautifully fresh, and the XRT package adds a quirky digital-camo treatment to the plastic cladding that meshes well with its cyberpunk, Tron-like aesthetic. Those chunkier tires also bump ground clearance by nearly an inch over a standard Ioniq 5, giving the XRT meaningful capability for more than pure pavement—snow, mild dirt roads, and similar adventures. Still only 7 inches of clearance, but a noticeable improvement over the 6.1 inches of other trims.

Concerns about handling from the extra height and tires? Hardly. No meaningful drawbacks appear in normal driving, which makes the XRT feel like a surprisingly smart and versatile configuration for the model. It’s not as upscale inside as a Limited, but still comes across as nicer than similarly priced rivals where quality is concerned. Responsive, tight steering remains intact, giving the car a confident, accurate feel. Lateral grip only starts to fade when the suspension is heavily loaded—something normal drivers won’t ever do.

Interior design itself continues to impress, from the wide, well-integrated display to the cleverly packaged sliding center console. Forward visibility is excellent and outward sightlines remain solid all around. Hyundai also retains the most adjustable regenerative-braking settings in the business, including the option for none at all.

Issues do exist, mostly around the fact that this Ioniq 5 XRT stickers for about $55,000. With government tax credits no longer available, leasing becomes far less attractive, and buyers should prepare for severe—and I do mean severe—depreciation. A pleasant car, certainly, but is it $55 grand kinds of pleasant? Electric vehicles simply aren’t cheap at retail, though dealerships are usually more than willing to discount to help move them. Manufacturers do seem to be propping things up with strong incentives since the credits expired, but who knows how long that will continue once quarterly earnings land in January.

Price skepticism aside, this is a fabulous EV that has an edge on most of its competitors and in most ways. It's quick, nice to drive, charges fast, and now has native Tesla Supercharger support. Unless the deal is simply too good to pass up, you'd be simply foolish to consider the VW ID.4 at this point. Tesla has an excellent package in their Model Y, but then again I just do not like the looks of any Tesla, enough to not ever want to consider one (hey, looks are important. And subjective).

Price skepticism aside, you’re looking at a fabulous EV that edges out most competitors in the meaningful ways. Quick, enjoyable to drive, fast-charging, and now offering native Supercharger support. Unless an ID.4 deal is too good to ignore, choosing the Volkswagen over this would be hard to justify. Tesla’s Model Y remains an excellent package, but the styling is, well, challenging and a shape only a blind mother could love (hey, looks are subjective, but they do matter).

Hyundai has made the Ioniq 5 all the more appealing now with the XRT and other updates, and with the newfound range ability, addressed what easily was its largest weakness prior. Other models to consider for an EV would be the Tesla Model Y and 3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Hyundai has made the Ioniq 5 even more appealing with the XRT and its latest updates, and the newfound range addresses the model’s biggest previous weakness. Other similar EVs to also consider include the aforementioned Tesla Model Y, along with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia's EV6.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT – Key Specifications

Price as-tested: ~$55,000

• Battery capacity: 84 kWh

• Motors / Drivetrain: Dual-motor AWD with 320 hp / 446 lb-ft

• Real world Road Beat range: ~270 miles

• Miles/kWh: 3.2

• Charging:

  • 800V fast-charging architecture

  • 10–80% in ~20–30 minutes on a fast charger

  • Supports NACS (Tesla Supercharger)

• Wheels & Tires:

  • 18-inch black alloy wheels

  • 235/60R18 all-terrain tires

• Ground Clearance: ~7.0 inches (about 1 inch more than standard Ioniq 5)

• Exterior Dimensions:

  • Length: 183 in

  • Width: 74 in

  • Height: 64 in

  • Wheelbase: 118 in

• Cargo Space:

  • Behind rear seats: 26 cu ft

  • With seats folded down: 59 cu ft

• XRT-Specific Features:

  • Unique digital-camo cladding

  • Black exterior trim and badging

  • All-terrain tires

  • Terrain drive modes (Snow, Mud, Sand)

  • XRT interior accents and all-weather mats