AUTO

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is Car and Driver’s Award-Winning Electric Performance SUV

August 26, 2024

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N won Car and Driver’s 2024 EV of the Year, marking its third consecutive win.
The IONIQ 5 N combines high performance with everyday practicality, featuring convenience, driver-assistance, and safety tech.
Hyundai’s emphasis on performance has made the IONIQ 5 N a leading example of electric vehicles offering both efficiency and excitement.

Hyundai has done it again, securing the coveted Car and Driver’s 2024 EV of the Year award for the third consecutive year, and this time, it’s the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N that’s in the spotlight. Awards are nice and all, but what really matters is how a car feels when you’re behind the wheel, and the IONIQ 5 N is making sure you feel every bit of it.

Why the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Is Winning Hearts

We all know that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, but the future can feel a bit soulless when you’re used to the roar of an engine and the excitement of shifting gears. That’s where the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N comes in. It’s Hyundai’s first electrified model to wear the N badge, which is known for its high performance. And this SUV doesn’t just whisper its power, it shows it off.

What makes the IONIQ 5 N stand out? It’s more than just the awards it’s received. It’s about the raw, exhilarating experience you feel behind the wheel. Hyundai’s N division has designed this EV to offer a driving experience that makes you want to take the long way home every time.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N to Compete for EV Record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

It’s equipped with innovative features like N e-shift and N Active Sound+ that replicate the tactile and auditory sensations of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). In simpler terms, it gives you the sensation of driving a high-performance gas-powered car, without the gas.

“We are incredibly thrilled that our segment-disrupting IONIQ 5 N has won Car and Driver’s impressive 2024 EV of the Year honor,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America. And who wouldn’t be? The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is winning over anyone who thought EVs couldn’t be fun to drive.

Taking on the World: From Goodwood to Pikes Peak

You’re not just going to see the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at events. Hyundai is set on proving its power on the global stage. After its debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed, the IONIQ 5 N set its sights on one of motorsport’s most challenging events: the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). Known as the “Race to the Clouds,” Pikes Peak is a grueling test of both man and machine, with its 12.42-mile course that climbs over 4,700 feet.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N competed with the goal of setting a new EV record at this legendary event. At Pikes Peak, it’s all about your endurance, your precision, and your ability to maintain peak performance under extreme conditions. The IONIQ 5 N, with its advanced cooling systems and high-performance capabilities, was more than up for the challenge, showing the world that electric vehicles can be just as competitive—and exciting—as their gas-powered counterparts.

This challenge was highlighted in a recent episode of Electrify Podcast featuring Ron Zaras, where he shared the intense preparations and the excitement of trying to set new records at Pikes Peak. Zaras highlighted how the IONIQ 5 N represents a technological advancement and also a major milestone in motorsports.

More Than Just Hype: The Everyday Sports Car

The IONIQ 5 N is your everyday sports car that makes your commute exciting again. With N e-shift, you’ll experience simulated gear changes, feeling almost like an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in an EV. You’ll enjoy the rush of upshifts, the anticipation of downshifts, and the satisfaction of hitting a synthetic redline—all while staying completely fuel-free.

N Active Sound+ enhances this experience with a soundtrack that’s more Top Gun than Tesla. You can choose from three different sound themes: ‘Ignition,’ which mimics a 4-cylinder ICE engine; ‘Evolution,’ inspired by the RN22e rolling lab prototype; or ‘Supersonic,’ which channels the raw power of twin-engine fighter jets. This simulated sound provides a real-time acoustic gauge of the car’s performance, especially when cornering.

Living with the IONIQ 5 N: Performance Meets Practicality

If you think high performance means giving up everyday comfort, think again. The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is built to be both practical and exciting. Packed with convenience, driver-assistance, and safety features, this electric SUV is as comfortable for your daily school runs as it is for hitting the racetrack.

This blend of performance and practicality is clearly resonating with buyers. Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models recently set new EV sales records in Q2, showing just how strong the brand’s position is in the electric vehicle market. The IONIQ 5 N is part of a broader strategy that’s clearly working. These sales numbers reflect a growing demand for EVs that deliver on the promise of fun and engaging driving experiences.

A Deeper Look at the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Specs, Features, and Price

Hyundai is raising the bar even higher with the 2025 IONIQ 5 N. This electric SUV features over 600 horsepower, making it the most powerful Hyundai ever. It features all-wheel drive (AWD) and 21-inch forged wheels, providing both stability and an aggressive stance on the road.

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N also comes with advanced features like N Grin Boost, which delivers a short burst of enhanced acceleration—perfect for those moments when you need an extra kick. And with an EPA-estimated 221-mile driving range, you can enjoy those performance highs without constant stops to recharge.

Starting at $66,100, the 2025 IONIQ 5 N comes with a premium price, but it’s packed with features and performance that make it worth every penny. You can finance it with a 4.99% APR for up to 60 months or lease it for $849 per month for 33 months, with $3,999 due at signing, including a $7,500 EV lease bonus.

Whether you’re looking for a fun daily driver or something that can dominate on the track, the 2025 IONIQ 5 N is ready to deliver.