The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is Car and Driver’s 2024 EV of the Year

Hyundai’s Ioniq series continues to dominate the electric vehicle market, winning Car and Driver’s EV of the Year for the third consecutive year. The Ioniq 5 won the title in 2022, followed by the Ioniq 6 in 2023. This year, the Ioniq 5 N has taken the top spot, offering a thrilling driving experience that appeals to enthusiasts. The Ioniq 5 N has been praised for delivering a visceral connection similar to that of a 1980s G-body Porsche 911 Club Sport, making it a standout in the EV world for its performance, comparable to the world’s leading sports cars. The Ioniq 5 N also won many other awards.

In his article for Car and Driver, author KC Colwell said: “The new Ioniq 5 N goes beyond standing out: It’s a glowing North Star in a midnight-black parking lot of electric cars. It’s not “fun for an EV.” It’s fun, period. The 5 N is a car built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.”

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a true performance marvel, boasting 641 horsepower under the hood. While the car’s 4849-pound weight, largely due to its 84.0-kWh battery, might suggest a performance compromise, the Ioniq 5 N defies expectations with stunning metrics. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, completes a quarter-mile at 123 mph in 11.1 seconds, achieves 0.96 g on the skidpad, and has a top speed of 163 mph—numbers typically reserved for high-performance electric sports cars.

What’s even more impressive is that these figures come from a five-seat electric vehicle classified as an SUV. Despite its performance pedigree, the Ioniq 5 N remains practical, covering 190 miles at 75 mph on a single charge. All of this power, performance, and practicality comes at a starting price of $67,495, making the Ioniq 5 N a game-changer in the EV market.

Advanced 800-volt Architecture

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N shares the same advanced 800-volt architecture as its predecessors, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. This high-voltage system places the Ioniq 5 N among the fastest-charging electric vehicles available today. The 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging capabilities, allowing the Ioniq 5 N to recharge from 10 to 90 percent in just 35 minutes on a compatible fast charger, making it highly practical for long-distance travel and daily use. This cutting-edge technology is a key factor in the Ioniq 5 N’s appeal, combining high performance with the convenience of quick recharging.

N e-shift Simulates ICE Vehicle Shifting and Noise

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N introduces an innovative feature called N e-shift, which enhances the driving experience by simulating the sensations of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This technology pairs fake engine sounds with simulated gear shifting, creating a remarkably convincing experience. If you select too high a gear, the system will cause the car to bog down, and if you don’t upshift in time, you’ll bounce off the simulated redline. The synchronization of sound and physical feedback is so precise that it mimics the feeling of a powershift, delivering a noticeable jolt through your back with just the right amount of head movement.

Interestingly, this simulated shifting experience also affects performance. When using N e-shift, the car’s 0 to 60 mph time increases to 3.5 seconds, and you lose the ability to use launch control. Despite this slight reduction in speed, the immersive nature of the simulated shifting is so well-executed that it can easily fool you and your passengers into thinking the car is powered by traditional gasoline, rather than being an all-electric vehicle.

In this case, the soundtrack and shift simulation aren’t just gimmicks; they represent a sophisticated integration of technology that elevates the driving experience, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant.

The EV of the Year is Based on Four Key Criteria

The EV of the Year award is based on four key criteria, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N excelled in each one, securing its win:

1. Value: The Ioniq 5 N offers an impressive blend of performance, technology, and practicality at a competitive price of $67,495, delivering exceptional value for an electric vehicle with its capabilities.
2. Fun-to-Drive Factor: With 641 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, and features like the N e-shift that simulate traditional driving sensations, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a thrilling and engaging driving experience that rivals many high-performance sports cars.
3. Mission Fulfillment: The Ioniq 5 N not only meets but exceeds expectations as a high-performance electric vehicle, successfully combining speed, handling, and everyday usability in a package that also serves as a practical five-seat SUV.
4. Advancement of Technology: The Ioniq 5 N’s 800-volt architecture, rapid charging capabilities, and innovative features like the N e-shift system represent significant advancements in electric vehicle technology, pushing the boundaries of what an EV can offer.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s ability to stand out across all these criteria solidified its position as the EV of the Year.

Other Contenders

For the 2024 EV of the Year award, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N faced stiff competition from a diverse lineup of 17 other electric vehicles. These contenders represented a range of segments, from compact EVs to full-size SUVs and trucks:

1. Acura ZDX
2. Audi Q8 e-tron
3. BMW i5 eDrive 40
4. BMW i5 M60i
5. Chevrolet Blazer EV
6. Chevrolet Equinox EV AWD
7. Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD
8. Chevrolet Silverado EV
9. Fiat 500e
10. Fisker Ocean
11. Honda Prologue
12. Hyundai Kona EV
13. Kia EV9
14. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
15. Polestar 2
16. Tesla Cybertruck
17. Volkswagen ID.4

Despite the strong competition from these notable models, each bringing its own unique features and innovations, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerged as the winner, standing out across all the key criteria for the award.

Car and Driver, First Published in 1955

Car and Driver is a well-respected American automotive enthusiast magazine, first published in 1955. Originally founded as Sports Cars Illustrated, the magazine has grown significantly.

In 2021, Car and Driver introduced an award dedicated to recognizing excellence in electrification, known as the “EV of the Year” award. This annual accolade honors the best electric vehicles in the market, acknowledging advancements in technology, design, and overall driving experience. Since its inception, Hyundai’s Ioniq series has been a dominant force, winning the award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.