Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs. IONIQ 5 N: What’s Different?

• The 2024 IONIQ 5 starts at $41,800⁠, and is in stock here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA.
• Highly praised and widely popular, how does the IONIQ 5 stack up against the high-performance IONIQ 5 N?
• Read on and give us a call for more info!

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a massive success, but Hyundai is cranking things up to the next level with the IONIQ 5 N. With 600+ horsepower and gobs of torque, does the N still succeed in its original mission? Or is the regular IONIQ 5 better to live with? What are the differences between the two anyway? Today, we go over the nitty-gritty, so you can be better prepared for your visit here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA.

Performance and Powertrain

The most significant difference between the IONIQ 5 and the IONIQ 5 N lies under the hood—or, more accurately, under the chassis. The standard IONIQ 5 offers a range of powertrains, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Depending on the powertrain layout, it can deliver 225 to 320 horsepower.  This power is enough to propel the AWD version from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it a formidable EV, even without an arsenal of N goodies.

Even so, the IONIQ 5 N takes performance to a whole other level. With a dual-motor setup and N Grin Boost engaged, the IONIQ 5 N generates a jaw-dropping 641 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. With AWD as a standard feature, the IONIQ 5 N rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.25 seconds. But it’s not just about straight-line speed. The IONIQ 5 N is equipped with technologies designed for the track, such as N Drift Optimizer and N Torque Distribution, which provides surgical handling and control, making it a true performance machine both on the road, the track, and of course, the Nürburgring.

Driving Experience: Everyday EV vs. Track-Ready Performer

The IONIQ 5 is designed to be a versatile and comfortable everyday EV, offering a smooth and quiet ride with plenty of advanced features to enhance convenience and safety. It’s perfect for those who want an eco-friendly vehicle with modern amenities and impressive range without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

On the other hand, the IONIQ 5 N is all about delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Hyundai has infused the N model with technologies derived from their motorsport division, such as N Brake Regen, N Race, and N e-shift, to create a car that feels at home on a racetrack as much as on city streets. The N is for enthusiasts who crave more than just a daily commuter—they want a car that can handle the demands of high-speed driving while still being practical enough for everyday use. That doesn’t mean the N is impractical, it offers everything the base IONIQ 5 has, just way faster and with a bit less range.

Battery, Charging, and Range

Both IONIQs are built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, allowing the vehicles to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes under optimal conditions.

The standard IONIQ 5 offers a choice between two battery packs: a 58.0 kWh battery for the base RWD model and a 77.4 kWh battery for higher trims. For the 2025 model year, this capacity increases to 84.0 kWh, which is also the exclusive battery size for the IONIQ 5 N. Despite having a larger battery, the IONIQ 5 N has a shorter EPA-estimated range of 221 miles, compared to the 303 miles for the 2024 RWD IONIQ 5 with the 77.4 kWh battery. The reduced range in the N model is due to its insane performance, which prioritizes raw power over efficiency.

Design and Features

The IONIQ 5 and the IONIQ 5 N may appear similar, but a closer look reveals that the IONIQ 5 N has undergone several aerodynamic and structural changes to increase its performance capabilities to the max. The N model sits 0.79 inches lower and is 2 inches wider than the standard IONIQ 5, with wider wheels and tires for better grip. It also features a more prominent rear diffuser and an exclusive N Mask graphic fascia with functional mesh for improved cooling.

Inside, both models are equipped with dual 12.3-inch displays, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems known as Hyundai SmartSense. The IONIQ 5 N, however, adds several performance-oriented features, such as heavily bolstered sports seats with illuminated N logos, a fixed center console with knee pads, and a three-spoke steering wheel with buttons for various N driving modes. Notably, the IONIQ 5 N introduces N Active Sound+, a system that simulates the sound of a high-performance engine. Don’t worry, you can turn it off if it bothers you, but many report that the audio cues are exceptionally useful when driving in the track.

Starting Price Comparison

So, Which IONIQ 5 Is Right for You?

It’s quite simple deciding between the IONIQ 5 and the IONIQ 5 N. Are you more focused on practicality and long range options, rather than high performance? Go with the IONIQ 5. Do you want to grin so hard, your face hurts every time you hit the gas? Go with the IONIQ 5 N. The choice is simple, but it’s yours to make.

Interested in Hyundai EVs? You’re in luck — we have plenty of electric vehicles in stock here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA. Give us a call or visit us at 10925 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030 for more details!