Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Named CarBuzz Best EV for 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has been named CarBuzz Best EV for 2025, winning against 160+ new cars evaluated. The high-performance electric SUV features 601 horsepower with an additional 40 horsepower through N Grin Boost function. CarBuzz praised the vehicle's innovative N e-Shift feature, which simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission experience.

The vehicle incorporates N Active Sound+ technology with a 10-speaker system offering three distinct powertrain soundtracks: 'Ignition', 'Evolution', and 'Supersonic'. These features aim to deliver an engaging driving experience by simulating traditional ICE vehicle characteristics while maintaining electric performance benefits.

Positive

• Won CarBuzz Best EV for 2025 award against 160+ competitors
• Features powerful 601 HP engine with additional 40 HP boost capability
• Innovative N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ technologies enhance driving experience
• Differentiated market position focusing on driving pleasure over speed

Negative

• None.

• CarBuzz declares: "The IONIQ 5 N is grin-worthy in the way only the best performance cars can be. In the all-electric game, N comes way before M."
• IONIQ 5 N features 601 horsepower, plus a driver-selectable N Grin Boost¹ function delivering an additional 40 horsepower
• N e-Shift's simulated manual gearchange function cited as a key fun factor

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai's high-performance IONIQ 5 N electric SUV has been awarded the CarBuzz Best EV for 2025. CarBuzz editors evaluated over 160 new cars this year, evaluating their performance, practicality, value, and overall impact on the automotive landscape. In crowning the CarBuzz Best Electric Vehicle, editors considered an EV's affordability, driving range and recharge speed, ease of use, and impact on the environment as factors. Bonus consideration is given to EVs that are good enough to change perceptions around electric cars.

"It's such a huge honor for the IONIQ 5 N performance SUV to be named the CarBuzz Best EV for 2025," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America. "We feel the IONIQ 5 N is a beast, with features like N e-Shift and N Grin Boost, the 5 N flips the script on what EVs can do—bringing serious power and excitement to the streets and proving electric performance can truly thrill."

CarBuzz says, "Hyundai has found the solution to making EVs cool. By giving the IONIQ 5 N the sounds of a gasoline car and the simulated shifts of a transmission with its N e-Shift feature, Hyundai has created the most entertaining driving experience available in an EV today, and one that feels more organic than even some genuine combustion cars. Every other automaker needs to copy Hyundai's homework immediately. There are quicker EVs on the market, but Hyundai's decision to focus on driving pleasure rather than outright speed differentiates the IONIQ 5 N from its competitors. Hyundai is not the first company to attempt a track-focused EV, but it's the first one to get it perfect."

State-of-the-art technology delivers shift feeling and engaging fun in an Everyday Sportscar
Fulfilling the N brand pillar of Everyday Sportscar, IONIQ 5 N delivers an engaging shift feeling and exhilarating driving through its novel integrated N e-Shift and N Active Sound+ functions. N e-Shift provides unprecedented control over power delivery, replicating the natural, familiar gear-change sensation of a dual-clutch paddle-shift transmission. N Active Sound+ works to underpin this sensation with manually selectable powertrain soundtracks, including the driver's choice of an ICE-like engine and exhaust soundtrack or more futuristic sounds for a uniquely immersive enthusiast experience. Together, these features greatly enhance the joy of driving by viscerally and audibly simulating the attributes of a high-performance ICE vehicle.

N e-Shift simulates the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) found in N's internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This technology replicates gearshifts by precisely controlling motor torque output to simulate the power-shift feeling between gear changes, painstakingly matched to synchronized audible cues. There's even a synthetic redline. As a result, IONIQ 5 N delivers a more entertaining and interactive driving experience that feels far closer to a high-performance ICE model than any other EV.

N Active Sound+ is paired with N e-Shift to enhance the driving experience by creating a more visceral and exciting sensory experience. This driver-selectable technology leverages a 10-speaker system (eight internal, two external) to offer three distinct powertrain soundtracks. The 'Ignition' theme simulates the sound of an exciting internal-combustion four-cylinder engine. 'Evolution' provides a signature high-performance sound inspired by the RN22e Rolling Lab prototype, featuring variable volume that is synchronized with lateral g-forces while cornering. The 'Supersonic' theme is a unique aural concept inspired by twin-engine fighter jets. The objective of N Active Sound+ isn't just added sonic excitement; this technology provides the driver with an acoustic reference point to help gauge the power utilized and available during cornering. This capability was borne from thousands of kilometers of development and testing at Germany's legendary Nürburgring racetrack.

About CarBuzz
CarBuzz is a leading provider of automotive news, reviews, and buyer's advice for the US market. Since 2010, CarBuzz has been a firm fixture in the automotive landscape, catering to enthusiasts with daily news, features, and insights, while our comprehensive buyer's guide and proprietary BuzzScore ranking system help inform shoppers when buying a new or used car.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

Footnotes

1 - Always use extreme caution when using the N Grin Boost feature. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

FAQ

What is the total horsepower of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (HYMTF) with N Grin Boost?

The IONIQ 5 N delivers 601 horsepower, with an additional 40 horsepower available through the N Grin Boost function, totaling 641 horsepower at maximum output.

What are the three sound modes available in the 2025 IONIQ 5 N's N Active Sound+ system?

The N Active Sound+ system offers three distinct soundtracks: 'Ignition' (simulating a four-cylinder engine), 'Evolution' (inspired by RN22e prototype), and 'Supersonic' (inspired by twin-engine fighter jets).

How does the IONIQ 5 N's N e-Shift system work?

N e-Shift simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission by controlling motor torque output to replicate gear shifts, complete with synchronized audible cues and a synthetic redline.

What factors led to IONIQ 5 N winning CarBuzz Best EV for 2025?

CarBuzz selected the IONIQ 5 N based on its performance, practicality, value, driving range, recharge speed, ease of use, environmental impact, and its innovative approach to making EVs entertaining to drive.