IONIQ 5 N Wins ‘Five-Star Car’ at 2025 Autocar Awards
Hyundai Motor Company has added a significant accolade to its growing list of achievements with its first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), the IONIQ 5 N, receiving the prestigious ‘Five-Star Car’ award from Autocar, one of the most respected and long-standing automotive publications globally. This top-tier recognition not only highlights Hyundai’s engineering prowess and commitment to electrification but also positions the IONIQ 5 N among the elite group of vehicles that have set new industry benchmarks for performance, innovation, and real-world usability.
Autocar has been at the forefront of the automotive world for nearly a century, conducting one of the most comprehensive and demanding road test evaluations in the industry. Each year, only a select few vehicles are awarded the coveted Five-Star Car status, which reflects excellence across all major categories including handling, performance, comfort, technological innovation, and overall driver engagement. In 2025, just three models managed to secure this recognition, underscoring the exceptional qualities of the IONIQ 5 N.
This milestone marks the first time a Hyundai vehicle has earned a Five-Star Car rating from Autocar, signifying a new chapter not just for the brand, but also for the future of performance-oriented EVs. The publication’s expert testing team was thoroughly impressed with the IONIQ 5 N’s blend of state-of-the-art technology, thrilling driving dynamics, and intuitive controls. The vehicle stood out in a highly competitive field, proving that high-performance electric mobility is not only viable but also capable of delivering a deeply engaging driving experience.
In its official road test review, Autocar lauded the IONIQ 5 N as a “game changer,” praising its exhilarating drive and versatility across a wide range of conditions. The review highlighted the model’s ability to deliver “blindingly good fun” while also being practical enough for daily driving. This balance is difficult to achieve, especially in the realm of high-performance electric cars, where factors like weight, range, and thermal management often compromise dynamic capabilities.
At the heart of the IONIQ 5 N is a robust dual-motor electric drivetrain capable of producing up to 641 horsepower when the N Grin Boost function is activated. This advanced performance mode temporarily enhances power delivery, enabling rapid acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. However, Autocar noted that the car’s appeal goes far beyond its impressive speed figures. A standout feature, the N e-Shift system, mimics the gear changes and engine braking sensations typical of internal combustion engine (ICE) sports cars. This innovative technology greatly enhances driver engagement by offering a tactile, emotionally rewarding experience rarely found in electric vehicles.
Autocar’s Editor, Mark Tisshaw, emphasized the significance of this development within the broader automotive landscape. “Cars that truly change the game have always been vanishingly rare, and that remains true in the topsy-turvy era the automotive industry is currently weathering. Yet the IONIQ 5 N is just that: a game-changer. With the arrival of the N, the electric driver’s car has landed, and it’s fully deserving of its perfect five-star Autocar road test,” he said.
Designed by Hyundai’s N division, the IONIQ 5 N embodies the brand’s vision for high-performance driving in the electric age. The vehicle is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which enables a low center of gravity, wide wheelbase, and optimized weight distribution—key attributes for handling and agility. The platform also supports an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for ultra-fast charging capabilities and consistent performance even under demanding driving scenarios.
Hyundai has incorporated a suite of cutting-edge technologies into the IONIQ 5 N to meet the exacting demands of enthusiasts and professional drivers alike. One of these is a sophisticated regenerative braking system that not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to dynamic driving control. Another highlight is the vehicle’s thermal management system, which has been engineered with track use in mind. The system ensures that battery temperatures remain optimal, reducing the likelihood of performance drop-offs during spirited driving or repeated high-speed runs.
Additionally, the car’s chassis has been extensively reworked to accommodate performance driving. Reinforced body structures, upgraded suspension components, and recalibrated steering systems work in harmony to provide a responsive, planted feel whether on winding mountain roads or closed racing circuits. The IONIQ 5 N’s drive modes are customizable, allowing drivers to adjust steering weight, suspension stiffness, throttle response, and even the simulated gear shifts to suit their personal preferences and driving environments.
Interior design has not been overlooked in the pursuit of performance and usability. The cabin of the IONIQ 5 N strikes a balance between sporty aesthetics and everyday practicality. N-specific sports seats offer enhanced lateral support during cornering while maintaining comfort for long-distance travel. High-resolution displays, intuitive controls, and Hyundai’s latest connectivity technologies ensure that drivers remain fully informed and in control at all times.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows the car to power external electrical devices directly from its battery pack. This capability expands the IONIQ 5 N’s utility beyond driving, making it a valuable asset in outdoor, recreational, or emergency scenarios.
Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, highlighted the strategic and emotional importance of the Five-Star Car award. “From the outset, the IONIQ 5 N has been a car that has demonstrated Hyundai’s technological leadership, helping to change perceptions about the brand thanks to its wonderful performance, precision handling and genuine emotional engagement. This is demonstrated yet again by the Five-Star Car award from Autocar — recognition of its success in one of the toughest and most revered road tests in the motor industry,” he stated.
The IONIQ 5 N is not merely a car; it is a statement of intent from Hyundai as it navigates the transition to a zero-emissions future. It proves that electrification need not come at the cost of driving enjoyment and that innovation in powertrains, software, and design can lead to a new golden age of motoring.
As the automotive industry continues its rapid evolution, vehicles like the IONIQ 5 N will play a pivotal role in shaping consumer expectations and industry standards. With this landmark recognition from Autocar, Hyundai has firmly established itself as a formidable player in the high-performance EV space.
For more detailed information about the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, including specifications, test drive options, and dealership availability, interested customers and automotive enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Hyundai’s official website or contact their local authorized dealers.
