2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: The Quickest SUV We’ve Ever Tested

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N sets a new benchmark as the quickest SUV MotorTrend has ever tested. With 601 hp, it achieves 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, outperforming luxury models like Lamborghini and Porsche.

Pros:

Lightning-fast acceleration and thrilling to drive
Outstanding brakes and chassis complement the power
Family-friendly design

Cons:

Too many performance settings can be overwhelming
Limited range and thermal endurance cut fun short
Drift mode isn’t as effective as manual drifting

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the performance-oriented variant of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 electric SUV, has set a new benchmark as the quickest SUV MotorTrend has ever tested. Not just the quickest electric SUV, but the quickest SUV overall.

We know some might quibble over calling the Ioniq 5 an SUV rather than an overgrown hatchback. When we named the regular Ioniq 5 as our 2023 SUV of the Year, it sparked debate. However, the Ioniq 5 excels in SUV capabilities, often outperforming traditional SUVs, which justified its win. We’re comfortable with the SUV designation.

Faster Than Lamborghini and Porsche

The Ioniq 5 N boasts 601 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-second boost to 641 horsepower. This is a significant upgrade from the standard dual-motor Ioniq 5’s 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft. It features enhancements like a modified front suspension from the Genesis GV60, reinforced body structure, and upgraded brakes and thermal management systems for the battery and powertrain.

Hyundai projected a 0-60 mph time of 3.25 seconds, but our tests revealed an even quicker 2.8 seconds, with the quarter-mile completed in 11 seconds at 124.9 mph. This performance surpasses the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, Lamborghini Urus Performante, and Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, making the Ioniq 5 N faster than these high-performance models.

Even if you consider the Ioniq 5 N as a large hatchback rather than an SUV, its performance is remarkable. It matches the 0-60 time of the McLaren 765LT and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and beats the McLaren Senna and Audi RS E-Tron GT. Despite electric vehicles typically losing power at higher speeds, the Ioniq 5 N’s achievements are impressive, especially at its price point of $68,685.

More Than Just Acceleration

The Ioniq 5 N’s capabilities extend beyond straight-line speed. Its braking performance is equally impressive, stopping from 60 mph in 102 feet, significantly shorter than the standard Ioniq 5. While the brake pedal feel could be improved, the vehicle remains stable and straight during panic stops.

In our handling tests, the Ioniq 5 N’s myriad of settings allowed us to optimize performance. We eventually chose Sport Plus for most settings, turned off stability control, and activated N-Race mode for the best track power setup. This configuration resulted in 0.96 g of lateral acceleration and a figure-eight course time of 24.1 seconds at an average of 0.82 g. Although it didn’t outperform the Cayenne or Urus, it matched the EQE SUV.

The N Drift mode is functional, but manually drifting the Ioniq 5 N proved more intuitive and enjoyable. The car’s chassis is robust enough to handle drifting without relying on electronic aids.

Fun Limited by Battery

The Ioniq 5 N’s biggest limitation is its range and thermal endurance. With an EPA range of 221 miles and a setup for 20-minute track sessions followed by a 20-minute cooldown, the fun is short-lived compared to internal combustion engine vehicles that can run continuously until something breaks.

Despite these limitations, driving the Ioniq 5 N is a blast. Its various settings cater to different driving styles, and everyone on our team found a configuration they enjoyed. We’ll delve deeper into the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in future reviews, but for now, Hyundai deserves congratulations for setting a new performance record.