Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N - The Electric SUV That's Breaking All the Rules

The IONIQ 5 N just snagged The Drive's Best EV of 2024 award, and it's turning heads for all the right reasons.

When I heard that Hyundai's IONIQ 5 N was named The Drive's Best EV of 2024, I wasn't entirely surprised—but I was definitely intrigued. In a world where electric vehicles are often praised for their efficiency and eco-friendliness, the IONIQ 5 N is making waves by being something more: genuinely fun hot battery hatch to drive.

The folks over at The Drive put it perfectly: "The best EV of 2024 is the one that goes out of its way to not feel like an EV at all." That's a bold statement, especially considering the IONIQ 5 N isn't just competing with other EVs—it's holding its own against performance cars across the board.

Under the hood (or should I say, under the chassis?), the IONIQ 5 N boasts 601 horsepower. And if that's not enough to get your adrenaline pumping, there's a driver-selectable N Grin Boost function that kicks it up by another 40 horsepower. That's right—you can unleash 641 horsepower with just the press of a button. Lambo shredding power. Ok well maybe early 2000s Lambos.

What really sets this hot battery hatch apart, though, is how it bridges the gap between the familiar feel of traditional performance cars and the futuristic capabilities of electric technology. Features like the N e-Shift simulate the sensation of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, making gear shifts feel remarkably tactile. Paired with the N Active Sound+, which provides selectable engine sounds, you get an experience that's eerily close to driving a high-performance gas-powered car. No surprise however, is your going to need many of these aids because the vehicle is still very heavy. A hard to believe 4,861 pounds. Yikes. One has to wonder though, if the car is faster without these mechanical mimicking aids (gimmicks?).

I find this approach fascinating still. Electric vehicles often get pigeonholed into the "practical but dull" category. I guess that is until you find yourself at 180mph and your brakes are on fire because the manufacturer undersized them. But I digress... Hyundai seems determined to shatter that stereotype. Doubling down on the whole 'N' badge for EVs. They're not just making an electric car that's good for an EV; they're making a performance vehicle that's good, period. Well as good as any nearly 5k pound car is going to be.

This isn't Hyundai's first rodeo when it comes to impressive EVs, either. Last year, the IONIQ 6 took home the same award from The Drive. It's clear that Hyundai is on a mission to redefine what we expect from electric vehicles, and so far, they're succeeding.

I think what excites me most about the IONIQ 5 N is how it could change perceptions. For drivers who love the thrill of a powerful engine and the engagement of shifting gears, EVs might seem like a hard sell. This car tries to challenge that notion. It's not just about going green; it's about enjoying the ride.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility—or at least, a need for awareness. The N Grin Boost and other performance features are serious business, and Hyundai notes that drivers should use them with caution. But isn't that part of the thrill? One has to wonder if that's only when the battery is north of 80%? Hm....

In an automotive landscape that's rapidly shifting towards electrification, it's refreshing to see a vehicle that doesn't just accept this change but embraces it in a way that at least tries to appeal toward enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. The IONIQ 5 N isn't supposed to be just another EV; it's a statement. Only time will surely tell if drivers accept it.