A blast from the past

If you’re a driving enthusiast, especially one smitten by hot hatches from the 1980s, then the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has undoubtedly caught your interest, even though it’s an electric vehicle (EV). The numbers tell the story. The Ioniq 5 N’s dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and 84-kWh hour battery pack generate 641 horsepower, 568 pound-feet of torque, a 162-mph top speed, and a 3.25-second 0-60 mph time. OK, there’s one number that may put you off; it only has 221 miles of range, and towing is not recommended. Still, if it’s not your only vehicle, and you have daily access to a 240-volt outlet, you won’t have an issue. 

And you will have a whole mess of fun. Activate the N Active Sound + and N e-Shift features, and the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N driveline sounds and feels like a conventional internal-combustion engine with an automatic transmission. The familiar frame of reference makes the already-fun Ioniq 5 grin-inducing. 

When it comes to style, its crisp, boxy form exudes a functional sensibility, despite a wheelbase that’s longer than the three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV, a length two inches shorter than a Hyundai Elantra, and a height that rivals a Hyundai Santa Fe. Still, it provides 107 cubic feet of passenger space and 26 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. There is no front trunk, however. Dual 12-inch screens, the left one for the digital instrument cluster and the right being an infotainment touchscreen, come standard, as do Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, a navigation system, and USB ports.

But it’s far from the only high-performance battery-electric SUV out there. When you consider its spendy $67,675 starting price and its lack of a $7,500 tax credit, you might want to consider something else.

Cadillac Optiq

Anchoring the bottom of Cadillac’s EV lineup is the new Optiq, which shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox EV. Its 85-kWh battery supplies dual motors that generate 300 horsepower, 354 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-rated 302 miles of range. All-wheel drive is standard. Its cabin boasts a 33-inch curved display screen that’s nestled among recycled textiles, but does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, it offers a Google-integrated infotainment system with Google Maps and Google Assistant that makes using your smartphone difficult. 

There’s 101 cubic feet of passenger volume and 26 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 57 cubic feet with the seats stowed. What makes the Optiq a rewarding EV is its sharp responsiveness and beautiful handling balance. It’s athletic, but returns a comfortably opulent aura that will surprise you given its abilities. And it looks pretty great too. Not bad for an electric EV with a price starting at $52,895, including destination charge, but not counting a $7,500 tax credit. Given its good looks and premium badge, this is one tough EV to pass up, even if it’s not as quick as the Hyundai.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

While you can opt for the Mustang Mach-E in any number of versions, the $57,685 GT and $61,680 Rally trims include destination, but not incentives. Like the Hyundai, the Ford is not eligible for a tax credit. The Mustang Mach-E’s 91 kWh battery provides 480 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque on the GT, and 700 pound-feet of torque on the Rally. An optional GT Performance Upgrade brings the GT’s torque up to that of the Rally. Add the option, and you’ll reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Without it, it’s 3.8 seconds. Range is 280 miles on the GT, and 265 miles on the Rally, along with standard all-wheel drive. This one is also not rated for towing. 

The Mustang Mach-E handily challenges the Ioniq 5 N’s performance chops and driving fun. Better yet, the Ford has underbody protection to take the fun off-road, and you can take plenty along with you. There’s 29 cubic feet of luggage space and up to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed, along with a 4.7 cubic-foot front trunk. Passenger volume is 101 cubic feet, slightly less than the Hyundai. A 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless phone charging pad, and a slew of USB ports. It makes for one great show pony.

Genesis GV60 

For the price of this Hyundai, you could get a 2025 Genesis GV60 with a starting price of $53,800. OK, its design is ovoid, not angular, but it’s still arguably funky. Its 77.4-kWh battery generates 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on rear-wheel-drive models and 314 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive. Range is 294 miles with rear-wheel drive, and 235-264 miles with all-wheel drive, depending on trim. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. There’s 101.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 24 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 54.7 cubic feet, along with a 0.71 cubic-foot front trunk. A 33-inch display integrates both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

While certainly quick, the Genesis GV60 is as fleet as the Ioniq 5 N, and its cabin is smarter. Its deportment tilts somewhat towards comfort, although there’s more athleticism here than you’d expect. Its price isn’t radically different from the Ioniq 5 N, though, so it’s just a question of which persona you prefer. As it is, neither gets a federal tax credit. 

Final thoughts

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has a look that’s so unique, the others here can’t match it with the possible exception of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which also gives it a healthy challenge on performance. You could also grab a really great electric Cadillac that’s slower, with a lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which can be a no-go for some. That said, the Hyundai Motor Group’s own Genesis GV60 offers a compelling alternative at a similar price point and similar speed with a dash of premium élan. 

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