– Blistering 641 horsepower with a 0–100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds in N Grin Boost mode.

– Unique, track-ready design elements set it apart from the standard Ioniq 5.

– Despite its immense power, the Ioniq 5 N offers family-friendly space and everyday usability.

Alright, let’s get straight into it: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is nothing short of incredible, and honestly, it’s probably the hottest hatch on the market right now—yes, even with some of its quirks.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

If you’ve read any of my reviews, you may know I have a soft spot for small, fast cars, though this one pushes the definition of “small.” At nearly 5,000 pounds, it’s no lightweight, but it still fits into that compact/midsize hatch category. Yet, don’t let its weight fool you. This thing is a rocket.

Performance That’s Hard to Beat

First off, the numbers speak for themselves. Zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds—that’s right, 3.4 seconds. It outpaces heavy hitters like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, and the Kia EV6 GT. It nudges the likes of most Porsche Taycan versions, Audi e-tron GTs, and numerous others. It also crushes a majority of ICE sports- and supercars.

Hyundai was clearly aiming for the moon, and in terms of sheer speed and performance, they’ve hit it. And with 601 horsepower out of the box, ramping up to 641 horsepower when you engage the “N Grin Boost,” you’re dealing with a beast that delivers raw power and a serious dose of fun.

But here’s where things get a bit tricky. The electronically controlled suspension delivers an awkward ride in comfort mode. I didn’t expect that from a car of this calibre. The rear end doesn’t always feel in sync with the front, leading to a somewhat bouncy and unbalanced ride in normal mode. It’s odd, but switching to sport mode tightens things up considerably, reducing body roll and giving the car a more planted feel, albeit with only a slight sacrifice in comfort. For daily driving, though, you might gravitate to sport mode just to keep things smooth and controlled.

Style Meets Aggression

The Ioniq 5 N in “Soltronic Orange” (not “Supersonic,” my bad) is an absolute head-turner. Hyundai nailed the exterior design. This car is aggressive and futuristic, from the psycho-looking front bumper to the massive 21-inch wheels that look strange but epic simultaneously. You won’t find these design cues on a regular Ioniq 5, and the unique N touches like the diffuser, spoiler, and body kit all scream performance.

The only visual element I don’t like? The door handles. I just can’t get into them—they seem out of place on an otherwise sharp, well-designed vehicle.

Inside, Hyundai continues to impress. The twin 12.3-inch screens are sleek, modern, and now the standard. The Alcantara seats, which are both heated and cooled, add a touch of luxury. Rear legroom is generous, and with a 740-litre trunk, this car is surprisingly practical for a high-performance-focused EV. You could load it up for a weekend getaway with the family, though I wouldn’t recommend bringing the in-laws if you plan to engage the N Grin Boost.

The Drive: Thrilling, but Not for Everyone

Driving the Ioniq 5 N is an invigorating experience. In custom mode, you can tweak nearly every aspect of the driving dynamics, from steering to suspension, giving you control over how sharp or comfortable you want your ride. But here’s a warning: this car isn’t for just anyone. With the sheer amount of power and torque it delivers (545 lb-ft, to be exact), things can get wild if you’re not careful. Go all-in with the torque vectoring and deactivated assists, and you might find yourself facing some serious wheel spin and torque steer if you’re not paying attention.

And that’s kind of the point. This car isn’t hard to control, but it does demand respect. It’s incredibly fast, and if you’re the type who loves pushing limits, you’re going to adore every second behind the wheel. Just don’t ever expect a smooth Sunday drive, even in normal mode.

The Quirky Bits: Some Annoyances, Some Genius

One of the things I’m not too fond of is the active sound. It’s meant to mimic engine noise and give you that extra bit of drama while driving, but honestly, it’s just annoying. The good news? You can turn it off, which I did as soon as possible. The Ioniq 5 N is already loud enough with its performance—it doesn’t need fake sounds to make it more exciting.

On the upside, the paddle shifters are a nice touch. While they aren’t connected to anything (obviously, it’s an EV), they still provide some fun and engagement, simulating the feel of a traditional shift.

As for range, you won’t go as far as you would in a regular Ioniq 5, especially if you drive it as intended. With a 356-km range, this car is built more for short bursts of excitement rather than long-distance cruising. And I’m okay with that—it’s all part of the Ioniq 5 N’s mission of providing sheer driving joy.

A Pricey but Worthwhile Investment in Fun

At $78,900 in Canada, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N isn’t cheap. Still, for what you get—blistering speed, dynamic styling, and the ability to keep up with much more expensive performance EVs—it’s worth every penny. Whether you’re a diehard enthusiast or just love going fast, this car delivers on almost all fronts.

Yes, it has a few quirks, but none are dealbreakers. For the price and the sheer fun it offers, the Ioniq 5 N is hard to beat. Just remember to turn off that terrible active sound and maybe spend more time in sport mode than in comfort mode. It’s better that way.