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It’s a momentous week. For the first time ever, you can buy a non-Tesla electric vehicle that can charge at Tesla Superchargers across the US via a built-in compatible charge port. The US-built Hyundai IONIQ 5 now comes with a charge port like Tesla’s and has access to 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers across North America!
The funny thing here for me is that Ford was the first major automaker to say it would provide its EV buyers with access to Tesla Superchargers, and it took awhile for Hyundai to jump on board, yet Hyundai is the first to make it happen without an adapter (which, you might have heard, is very limited in supply).
Why is this a big deal?
There are many reasons why people love Tesla vehicles and why Tesla has dominated US electric car sales, but there may be no reason more significant than access to Tesla’s super convenient, widespread, reliable, broad network of Superchargers. It was highlighted in our surveys of EV owners and potential EV buyers for years. You can travel as far as you like basically anywhere in the US via Superchargers and don’t need to worry about stations being broken, full, or difficult to use. There are at least several stalls at every station, often dozens, and there’s no screen to mess with or to discover is broken,
While most charging is done at home, and there’s nothing that beats the convenience of home charging, many car buyers dream about that famous old cross-country road trip or a somewhat more manageable regional road trip. And they want to know their car can make the trip with ease. In addition, some buyers don’t have home charging or workplace charging, so they rely on quick, convenient, and reliable fast charging if they are going to go electric. Nothing beats access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
In addition to the Supercharging port, the IONIQ 5 will come with an adapter for CCS (Combined Charging System) fast charging, which means thousands of additional charging stations at your fingertips. This means unmatched charging options by default.
In other words, all of a sudden, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a much more practical, attractive option for a new EV buyer. Frankly, if my wife and I decided to get another car, I’m quite positive the IONIQ 5 would now be at the top of our list — surpassing the Tesla Model Y.
More details on the US-made 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
In the announcement this week, Hyundai also highlighted that the updated IONIQ 5, now produced in the USA rather than abroad, “features full slate of enhancements including increased battery capacity, driving range, and innovative new features.” It is the first EV to gain access to Tesla Superchargers, it is the first vehicle to be produced at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, and it now comes with the following specs, features, and changes:
Standard Range models: 58.0 to 63.0 kWh
Long Range models: 77.4 to 84 kWh
The XRT is a new variant of the IONIQ 5.
“The IONIQ 5 XRT is designed to appeal to customers who want to play in the dirt and have all-electric adventures.
“IONIQ 5 XRT boasts a more aggressive front and rear design with unique bumpers, stylish side skirts, and a set of dedicated 18-inch aluminum wheels. These features emphasize the model’s heightened capability in the rough stuff, advancements made possible by XRT’s higher ground clearance and suspension tuning.
“The XRT’s cabin creates an immersive, dynamic driving environment thanks to features including H-Tex™ seating surfaces with XRT-unique patterning, XRT badging and logos, and a black headliner.”
Exclusive XRT Model Features
Dual motor (AWD only) + 84 kWh battery
+23mm suspension lift with unique tuning
Unique model-specific black 18-inch wheels
235 / 60 R 18 all-terrain tires
XRT-exclusive unique front and rear fascias
Etched digital camouflage cladding
Black window surround trim
Black side sills
Black Hyundai flying ‘H’ badges on hood and liftgate
HTRAC liftgate badge and IONIQ 5 lettering in black relief
XRT logo embossed on rear fascia
Black mirror caps
XRT badged all-weather floor mats
H-Tex™ seating surfaces featuring XRT-unique pattern and logo
Black headliner
Exclusive XRT exterior colors: Ultimate Red, Cosmic Blue Pearl
Approach angle: 19.8 degrees (non XRT 17.5 degrees)
Departure angle: 30.0 degrees (non XRT 25.4 degrees)
Exterior Changes (Non XRT)
Restyled front and rear bumpers emphasize IONIQ’s wide, confident SUV stance
New rear spoiler
New, more aerodynamic wheels
Available flush-type roof side rails
New exterior colors: Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Celadon Gray Matte
Interior Changes
Redesigned HVAC controls
New center console with physical heated front seat controls
New steering wheel design
Heated rear seats (SEL and above)
New Infotainment/Convenience Technology
12.3-inch audio/video navigation (AVN) system
Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ integration standard[i]
Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium (NFC + Bluetooth Low Energy + UWB, SEL and above)
Controller Over-The Air (OTA) update support
Smart Cruise Control 2
USB Type-C ports (USB-C data: 1 in front seat, USB-C charging: 2 in front and 2 in rear)
Safety
Blind-Spot Collision Warning for SE trim / Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (SEL trim and above)
Forward Attention Warning (In-Cabin Camera/Direct Driver Monitoring System)
Parking Distance Warning — Forward warning in addition to reverse warning
Rear windshield wiper and washer
Advanced Rear Occupant Alert — radar type (SEL trim and above)
Parking Distance Warning — Side (XRT, Limited)
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist — Reverse/(New)Forward/(New)Side (XRT, Limited)
Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (XRT, Limited)
There are also various usability improvements you can read about here.
Safety improvements
In addition to everything above, Hyundai has implemented a variety of safety improvements. A rear windshield wiper/washer combo (something I wish I had on my Tesla Model 3) has been added. In addition, “the body, front and rear doors, and B-pillar parts have been reinforced to improve side collision protection.” Naturally, no one wants that to matter, but if it does….
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes with 8 airbags, including two second-row side airbags.
US EV tax credit
When it comes to the US EV tax credit, the 2025 IONIQ 5 is expected to be eligible for up to $3,750 initially, but the aim is that it will be eligible for the full $7,500 before long. Stay tuned.
So, there you go. The new IONIQ 5 was already one of the most compelling electric cars on the market, and it just got much better. For me personally, it would be a tough choice between the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y, but the IONIQ 5 has now inched into the lead.
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