Hyundai recently threw me the keys to one of the most angry performance electric vehicles on the market – the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The IONIQ 5 N is probably one of the most unique performance electric vehicles on the market. In this review, I’ll dive into the PROs and CONs of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next purchase.
PRO: Performance
While completely powered by electric power going to its dual-motor powerplant the 600 horsepower figure it spits out crushes all entry level V8 muscle cars. The non-N IONIQs get just over 300 horsepower, so the N badge literally nearly doubles your horsepower.
PRO: N Bits
While 600 horsepower is very fun, one of the best things about the IONIQ 5 N is all the N bits sprinkled about the cabin. Where you sit is basically an N equivelant to Recaro Sportster seats, the steering wheel looks like a race car steering wheel with performance buttons and options which are customizable, maybe you are like me and want launch control available from your steering wheel, and then the N Mode screens showcase so much performance data.
PRO: Tons of Room
Being full electric the whole bottom of the vehicle is a battery pack, so that allows for a lot of room in lieu of a transmission tunnel. Your gear shifter is literally a turn stalk. The second row offers ample room and same goes for the rear hatch.
PRO: Takes the Boring Out of Electric
While there are plenty of electric vehicles on the market that can smoke every exotic vehicle you dream to own they all do it quite boringly and the IONIQ 5 N does not. You basically feel you are driving a street e-rallycar.
CON: N Price Premium
A base SEL starts at $47k, but if you want to double your horsepower you will have to throw in near $20k and spend $66k to get an IONIQ 5 N.
CON: Track Weapon That Likely Cannot Get Used
Full electric vehicles have unique problems in terms of actually getting used on race tracks where they can be fully stretched. I’ve literally gone to a race event where the fire department didn’t allow a full electric drift car race because if it caught on fire they didn’t have the resources to put it out. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 N has ~200 real miles to use, so unless you live around the corner from a race track you are going to have to hope they have a charging station on property and then hope you are the only one or few to show up with e-vehicles.
For more of his automotive exploits, you can follow Danny on Instagram @DKorecki and subscribe to his YouTube channel, Danny Drives.
