Nostalgia can be such a stronghold on your emotions and the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 does an excellent job at doing so. Hyundai did an excellent job at not just pasting retro pieces like so many other brands do, and fail at designing a retro inspired vehicle.

One of my favorite design elements are the U framed headlight beam enclosures. The square textures reminded me of many Trapper Keeper I had when I was in school. The long hood comes down like if it were a scowling brow. Continuing with the geometric shapes, the sharp triangle in the side profile creates an awesome design line. It’s hard to miss the turbo fan inspired 20” alloy wheels that’s the perfect choice for the IONIQ 5’s design.

Getting in, you’ll feel like you’ve entered some Tron vehicle with the dark green and white interior combo. I was able to position the seat in one of the most comfortable sweet spots I’ve ever achieved. With the front lower part of the seat extending, my legs were supported and long distance drives were extremely easy to do. I did have an issue with the wireless charger’s position which caused the sun to directly heat it up and then cause it to stop charging my phone.

Under the hood, you’ll find a small frunk but make sure you don’t put your ice cream in it, as it isn’t insulated. Beneath that, the you’ll be able to see one half of the dual electric motor setup HTRAC AWD system. You’ll have access to 320 horsepower and 446 lb.-ft. of torque and thankfully Hyundai has made the drivability of the IONIQ 5 very easy. You can still access the almost sickening acceleration that you get from high powered EVs, but if you don’t want to, putting it in ECO mode offers a very smooth delivery of less power. The regenerative braking was also dialed in so well to use it in the strongest setting.

Overall, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 feels like a passion project gone right. The perfect nod to nostalgia lends itself to the different trim options available. If you want a rally variant, the XRT is your choice. The IONIQ 5 has gotten the N treatment for the days you feel like tackling the track. The Limited trim gives you high-end features with a luxury feel.