YouTube Influencer Marques Brownlee Says Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT ‘Favorite EV Right Now’

In a video released by Auto Focus at the end of January, YouTube influencer Marques Brownlee said “This is My Favorite Electric Car Right Now,” when discussing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT.

For 2026, Hyundai continues to refine its popular Ioniq 5 electric crossover, and the XRT trim brings a more rugged, adventure-oriented edge to the lineup. Designed for drivers who want electric efficiency without giving up capability or distinctive styling, the Ioniq 5 XRT blends light off-road readiness with everyday practicality.

The 2026 Ioniq 5 XRT comes standard with all-wheel drive and a dual-motor setup producing an estimated 320 horsepower. Its EPA-estimated driving range is around 259 miles, slightly lower than other trims due to its all-terrain tires and lifted suspension. Those upgrades are central to the XRT’s character. The model features unique front and rear fascias, exclusive 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and a suspension lift of about 23 millimeters, which increases ground clearance and gives the vehicle a tougher stance. A dedicated multi-terrain drive mode improves traction on snow, mud, and sand, making the XRT more capable on unpaved roads than the standard Ioniq 5.

Inside, the XRT builds on the Ioniq 5’s clean, modern cabin with trim-specific details and a strong focus on technology and safety. Standard features include a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, digital instrumentation, advanced driver-assistance systems, surround-view monitoring, blind-spot alerts, parking collision avoidance, and Hyundai’s Digital Key functionality. The interior remains spacious and comfortable, staying true to the Ioniq 5’s reputation as a practical daily driver.

Charging remains a key strength. The Ioniq 5’s 800-volt electrical architecture allows for very fast DC charging, with the battery typically able to go from about 10 percent to 80 percent in roughly 20 to 30 minutes under ideal conditions. The 2026 lineup also benefits from broader fast-charging compatibility, making long-distance travel more convenient.

Hyundai has also made the 2026 Ioniq 5 lineup more competitive with notable pricing adjustments compared with previous model years, helping position the XRT as a compelling option in the increasingly crowded EV market.

The Ioniq 5 XRT is not intended to be a hardcore off-roader, but it fills an important niche. It is aimed at EV buyers who want extra confidence in poor weather, light trail capability, and a more rugged look without sacrificing efficiency, comfort, or modern technology. For those drivers, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT offers a distinctive and well-rounded take on the electric crossover.

YouTuber Marques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, has become one of the most influential voices in technology media, reshaping how millions of people learn about gadgets, software, and the companies behind them. What started as a YouTube channel filmed in a bedroom has grown into a global media brand that helps set the agenda for tech conversations worldwide.

Brownlee launched his YouTube channel in 2009 while still in high school, initially posting simple laptop and smartphone reviews. His rise was driven not by flashy gimmicks, but by consistency, clarity, and credibility. Over time, his production quality improved dramatically, but his core approach stayed the same: clear explanations, balanced opinions, and a strong emphasis on real-world user experience. That combination helped him stand out as tech content on YouTube became more crowded and commercialized.

Today, MKBHD is known for high-end production, thoughtful pacing, and a calm, analytical tone that contrasts sharply with click-driven influencer culture. Brownlee avoids exaggerated reactions and focuses on explaining what works, what does not, and who a product is actually for. This has earned him trust from viewers and unusual access from the tech industry itself, including interviews with major CEOs and early access to flagship products.

His influence extends well beyond smartphones. Brownlee regularly covers electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, wearables, cameras, and emerging technologies. His EV reviews, in particular, have helped demystify electric cars for mainstream audiences by focusing on usability, software, charging, and ownership experience rather than hype. That reach gives him real power in shaping public perception of new technologies.

Despite his scale, Brownlee has maintained a reputation for independence. He discloses sponsorships clearly, avoids pay-for-play endorsements, and is willing to criticize even the biggest brands when products fall short. That credibility is rare in influencer marketing and is a key reason his audience continues to grow.

Beyond YouTube, Brownlee has expanded into podcasts, short-form video, and community-driven projects, further solidifying his role as a modern media entrepreneur rather than just a creator. He has also become a case study in how influencers can build sustainable careers by prioritizing trust over virality.

Marques Brownlee’s success reflects a broader shift in media consumption. Audiences increasingly turn to independent creators for insight, context, and honesty, especially in fast-moving industries like technology. By combining journalistic discipline with creator freedom, Brownlee has set a high bar for what tech influence can look like in the digital age.

EVinfo.net’s Take: EVinfo.net Offers Trusted Influencer Marketing

We congratulate Brownlee on his success and agree the the Ioniq 5 XRT is a great EV, along with all Hyundai Group and Kia EVs.

In December 2025, Harvard Business Review (HBR) reported that influencer marketing has quickly grown over the last few years into a huge $24 billion industry, but trust in influencers is declining as consumers increasingly perceive many as inauthentic. EVinfo.net is trusted as a valuable and effective electric vehicle (EV) influencer marketing resource, since our company offers authentic writing and promotions.

EVinfo.net Offers Expertise, Connectedness, Integrity, Originality, and Transparency

Authenticity emerges only when there is alignment across five key traits: expertise, connectedness, integrity, originality, and transparency, such as the authenticity offered by EVinfo.net.

Traits are valued differently by stakeholders. Consumers prioritize integrity and transparency. Influencers care most about originality and expertise. Brands often emphasize reach and message control. When these priorities fall out of sync, authenticity erodes. Over-scripted campaigns, hidden financial motives, and short-term ROI pressure undermine trust, while openness and creative freedom tend to strengthen it.

Expertise, for example, is less about credentials than consistency. Audiences trust influencers who demonstrate lived experience over time. In my writing about the global EV industry, I include stories about my own EV driving and the challenges I have experienced first-hand as an early EV adopter in the United States.

Marketing has shifted significantly in favor of individual content creators like me. In today’s creator economy, authenticity is not optional; it is the operating system. If your company is in the EV industry, see our samples and let’s talk! DM me on LinkedIn today.