The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT carries over as a largely unchanged model from 2025, with a substantially lower price, an upgraded charging cable as standard, and a new battery supplier, while losing a couple of interior features
We recently spent some time with a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT in the Ecotronic Gray Matte body color, equipped with Thule Cross Bars and Board Shuttle, and a Yakima OverHaul MOLLE Panel.
Design
For 2026, the Ioniq 5 XRT somewhat loses out on the exclusive factor with the Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl now being available across the range. Otherwise, things remain unchanged where the XRT transforms the model’s sleek “parametric pixel” design into a rugged, trail-ready EV.
At the front, the most striking change is the unique front fascia, which features a “digital camouflage” cladding texture to protect against debris.
Viewed from the side, the suspension lift increases ground clearance to 7.0 inches, compared with the standard model’s 6.1 inches, which gives the XRT a rugged stance, complemented by exclusive 18-inch matte black wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires.
The exterior also features red tow-hooks and deletes standard chrome for blacked-out window surrounds, mirrors, and badges. All-road capability is supported by the improved approach and departure angles and ride height.
Interior
The Ioniq 5 XRT loses power-folding outside mirrors for the 2026 model year, a feature that was standard on the 2025 XRT and is now limited to the Limited trim. Advanced Rear Occupant Alert continues on the XRT for 2026, while SE and SEL now use the basic door-logic version.
The XRT shares the spacious interior with the Ioniq 5 range, along with H-Tex seating surfaces featuring an XRT-specific pattern and logo. XRT-branded all-weather floor mats and a black headliner remain part of the package. Heated rear outboard seats remain exclusive to the Limited, and the XRT continues without them.
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel carry over, as do the paddle shifters and the dual-screen layout with a 12.3-inch ccNC infotainment system. Wireless phone charging and the Bose 8-speaker audio system with an external amp remain standard. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium continues on the XRT and Limited trims for 2026.
Specifications
For 2026, the Ioniq 5 lineup receives an upgraded Level 1 and Level 2 combo charging cable as standard. The 2026 XRT’s long-range 84.0-kWh battery is now supplied by SK Innovation, moving away from Hyundai Mobis.
The pack shows a marginal increase in listed weight compared to the 2025 unit. Drive Mode Select continues to offer Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow settings, with Terrain Mode now exclusive to the XRT. It offers Snow, Mud and Sand settings alongside the carryover drive modes.
The Ioniq 5 XRT continues with an 84.0-kWh battery paired with a dual-motor AWD system producing 320 hp, and an EPA-est. range of 259 miles. Suspension tuning remains specific to the XRT to account for its increased ride height and light off-road use.
Level 2 AC charging takes the pack from 10 to 100 percent in a listed 7 hours and 20 minutes, while NACS DC fast charging achieves 10 to 80 percent in an estimated 30 minutes.
Price & Release Date
For 2026, the Ioniq 5 XRT gets a price decrease of USD 9,225, now starting at USD 46,275 with an additional USD 1,600 in freight charges, and USD 500 for the tow-hitch equipped model. The 2026 Ioniq 5 XRT variant is already available at U.S. dealerships.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
