Let’s make the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N higher

• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the Motor Authority Finest Automotive To Purchase 2025

• The Ioniq 5 N may very well be much less flashy, inexpensive, and go farther

• The Ioniq 5 N is rattling enjoyable

Simply 48 hours in the past the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named Motor Authority Finest Automotive To Purchase 2025. It gained decisively towards largely battery-powered competitors. Hyundai’s latest sports activities automotive, which additionally occurs to be an EV, gained 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 excellent, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N may very well be higher. Right here’s how.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Go on a a weight loss plan

EVs are heavy. It’s the batteries. The bonus right here is that usually the burden is about low and centered within the automobile, 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’d like to see this factor go on a 1,000-pound weight loss plan. That may have it verify in underneath 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 cut back the cooling as they’d hurt efficiency. And don’t go along with  carbon-ceramic brakes as that may enhance the worth. In fact, Hyundai has completed its greatest and lighter, sportier EVs will doubtless 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 value of a automotive hovering about $48,000, a $68k sports activities automotive or fanatic automobile isn’t far fetched. We stay in an period of $65,000 Mustangs and $90,000 Broncos and Wranglers. Nonetheless, the Honda Civic Sort 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 discount.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Supply a T or Touring bundle

Identical to the Honda Civic Sort R, the Ioniq 5 N is flashy. There’s nothing stealthy about that entrance splitter, aspect sill extensions, or the huge rear wing and rear diffuser. This factor screams have a look at me, and our tester’s Soultronic Orange paint did little to assist the state of affairs (as would the extra widespread Efficiency Blue Matte). Hyundai ought to provide a T or Touring bundle 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 aspect sill extensions, and perhaps shrink the wheels an inch or two in the event that they’ll clear the brakes. That might 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 flooring 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 highway journey with out thigh help.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Give it extra vary

I do know that’s a tall order and simpler mentioned than completed. The Ioniq 5 is an environment friendly electrical automotive in our guide. The warmer Ioniq 5 N isn’t essentially an power guzzler. In blended driving we’ve averaged 2.7 mi/kwh. The battery pack isn’t notably 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 in addition 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 unhealthy, however we’d like to see 300 miles of vary.

All of those complaints are minor. No automotive’s excellent, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brings enjoyable to the electrical age. That alone is price celebrating. The longer term doesn’t must be boring, it doesn’t must be silent, and it may possibly nonetheless be partaking regardless of electrical energy. Thanks for the large efficiency with little compromise, Hyundai.