This is My Favorite Electric Car *Right Now*
Quick Overview
The reviewer finds the Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT, an all-terrain electric vehicle variant, to be their favorite EV currently available due to its capable performance in winter conditions, unique styling, and reasonable price point of $48,375 as tested, despite slightly reduced winter range.
Key Points: The Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is presented as an all-terrain capable, dual-motor AWD electric vehicle with 320 HP and 446 lb-ft of torque. The tested XRT variant achieved an EPA-estimated range of 260 miles (418 km) from its 84 kWh battery pack, but range dropped to about 230 miles in winter conditions. The XRT package adds unique aesthetics, including rugged black cladding with pixel texture, red recovery hooks, and specialized all-terrain wheels and tires (Continental ATR). The tested price for the IONIQ 5 XRT was $48,375 USD, which the reviewer considers competitive compared to other EVs. The vehicle features specific Terrain Drive Modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) accessible via a dedicated button on the steering wheel. The interior design is largely similar to the standard IONIQ 5, featuring a large digital display cluster and a sliding center console. The reviewer notes that the XRT model is fun to drive in winter and performs well on snow and slippery roads.
Context: The video serves as a review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT, an off-road capable variant of the standard IONIQ 5 electric crossover. The reviewer showcases the vehicle's unique exterior modifications designed for rugged conditions, tests its performance in snow and ice, and details the specifications and pricing of this particular trim level, contrasting it implicitly with the standard IONIQ 5 and other EVs like the Tesla Model Y.
Detailed Analysis
The reviewer introduces the Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT, an all-terrain focused variant of the IONIQ 5, noting that they find it to be their favorite EV currently. The XRT features specific aesthetic changes, including aggressive black cladding with a pixelated texture, red recovery hooks on the front bumper, and dedicated all-terrain wheels wrapped in Continental ATR tires, giving it a more rugged look than the standard IONIQ 5. The specs for this dual-motor AWD model include 320 HP, 446 lb-ft of torque, and an 84 kWh battery pack, yielding an EPA range of 260 miles, though the reviewer observed a drop to around 230 miles in cold, snowy conditions. The tested price was $48,375 USD. The reviewer demonstrates the specialized Terrain Drive Modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) accessible via a button on the steering wheel, noting its excellent performance in snow, which is better than the standard IONIQ 5 in similar conditions. Inside, the interior is largely familiar to the standard IONIQ 5, featuring dual screens and a movable center console. A notable issue mentioned is that the vehicle does not have locking differentials, nor did the adapter used (a Tesla Supercharger adapter) work well for charging on the Electrify America network.