Hyundai is charging ahead—literally and figuratively—with its award-winning electric lineup. The latest feather in its cap: the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT has been named the Best U.S.-Built Sports Vehicle of the Year by American Cars and Racing (ACAR).
This prestigious award recognizes the best new or significantly updated vehicles for the 2025 model year assembled in the United States. ACAR’s editorial team evaluates nominees on criteria including innovation, appeal, value, and overall excellence. With categories spanning Car, Truck, SUV, Luxury Vehicle, and Sports Vehicle, the competition is fierce—and the IONIQ 5 XRT has clearly impressed.
“The IONIQ 5 XRT is designed to appeal to customers who want to play in the dirt and have all-electric adventures,” said Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America. “Built at our Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), the 2025 XRT delivers enhanced off-road capability and a more rugged appearance. We are pleased to receive this recognition.”
A Bold New Chapter for the IONIQ 5
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 has already made waves in the EV world for its retro-futuristic styling, spacious interior, and smooth driving dynamics. But the XRT variant takes that formula in a bolder direction, catering to EV buyers with a taste for the outdoors.
The IONIQ 5 XRT features aggressively restyled front and rear bumpers, rugged side skirts, and exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels designed for off-road prowess. Its increased ground clearance and suspension tuning give it the confidence to tackle trails, gravel, and everything in between—without losing the everyday refinement that made the IONIQ 5 a hit.
Inside, the XRT model is equally adventurous, with H-Tex™ seating surfaces, XRT-exclusive patterning and badging, and a black headliner that adds to the sporty, immersive feel.
Electrifying Fun Without Compromise
ACAR executive editor Gary Gastelu put it succinctly: “Hyundai took one of the best compact electric SUVs and broadened its horizons with the IONIQ 5 XRT, which is simply one of the most fun vehicles on sale today at any price. It opens up new roads without giving up any of the everyday comfort the IONIQ 5 is known for—and now loves to play in the dirt.”
With the addition of a NACS port, thoughtful design upgrades, and off-road enhancements, the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT signals Hyundai’s commitment to building versatile EVs that don’t just look good in a city—they thrive off the beaten path.
As the electric SUV segment continues to grow, the IONIQ 5 XRT stands as a reminder that fun and utility don’t need to come at the cost of sustainability. Hyundai isn’t just building electric vehicles—it’s building EVs that adventure.
Source: Hyundai