Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets a rugged makeover, finally looks like an SUV

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is technically an SUV, but it looks more like a large hatchback. The new XRT changes that.

Revealed in the US, this new, more rugged Ioniq 5 variant follows the XRT playbook with a suspension lift (up 23mm), beefy 235/60R18 all-terrain tyres, and unique front and rear styling along with “digital camouflage” cladding.

Unfortunately, if you wanted to get your hands on this lifted electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, you’re out of luck.

“We think XRT would make a great addition to the Australian Ioniq 5 lineup, but currently it is built in the U.S., and hence only available for their market,” said a Hyundai Australia spokesperson.

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While it’ll go into production at Hyundai’s new plant in the US state of Georgia, Australian-market Ioniq 5s are sourced from South Korea.

The XRT will be offered exclusively with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain and the larger 84kWh battery, and features retuned suspension.

Approach and departure angles are 19.8 degrees and 30.0 degrees, respectively, up from 17.5 and 25.4 degrees in the regular Ioniq 5.

It’s available with two exclusive colours: Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl. It also receives black badging and mirror caps.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in H-Tex upholstery; there’s also a black headliner and all-weather floor mats.

We may miss out on the XRT here, but Hyundai Australia recently launched the updated Ioniq 5.

This features larger 63kWh and 84kWh batteries, improved body stiffness, tweaked exterior styling, cosmetic tweaks inside and out, a new N Line package, and Hyundai’s new-generation infotainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring.

You can see a full breakdown of the 2025 Ioniq 5 range in our price and specs article.

Though Hyundai isn’t bringing the Ioniq 5 XRT to Australia, it will finally introduce an XRT model locally with the Santa Fe XRT due here later this month.

Hyundai has also revealed XRT versions of the Tucson and Palisade, though these haven’t been confirmed for our market.

Click an image to view the full Ioniq 5 XRT gallery.

MORE: Everything Hyundai Ioniq 5