Over the years, I've seen trends come and go. But let me tell you, the electric car revolution is here to stay. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 has been leading the charge for a while, and it seems the head honchos decided it was time for an early refresh.

For 2025, Hyundai has given the Ioniq 5 quite a bit of a makeover. It's got new bumpers, a redesigned dashboard, and, hallelujah, a rear windshield wiper. I mean, seriously, how did they miss that the first time around? Did they think we enjoy peering through a rain-streaked window like we're navigating a submarine?

Anyway, here's the best bit: Hyundai also added a new XRT trim to the lineup. Before you start picturing the Ioniq 5 scaling mountains and fording rivers, let's be realistic. It's got a slight suspension lift and some all-terrain tires. It's not going to replace a Wrangler, but it might handle a gravel road or a snowy driveway without breaking a sweat.

The Ioniq 5 XRT gets some off-road-inspired styling cues, like blacked-out trim and a "digital camouflage" finish on the bumpers. It also has red tow hooks that can supposedly pull up to 3 tons. I'm not sure how many Ioniq 5 XRT owners will be putting that claim to the test, but it's nice to know they could if they really wanted to.

At the same time, when giving the Ioniq 5 new looks, Hyundai boosted the battery capacities. The Standard Range now has a 63.0 kWh battery, and the Long Range gets an 84.0 kWh pack. That means more range, which is always a good thing in an EV. Hyundai estimates over 280 miles for the all-wheel-drive models and over 310 miles for the rear-wheel-drive Long Range. We'll see if the EPA agrees.

Another big change is the addition of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. That means you can plug your Ioniq 5 into a Tesla Supercharger without needing an adapter. It's a smart move by Hyundai, and it'll make life easier for Ioniq 5 owners.

Inside, the Ioniq 5 gets some tech upgrades, including new 12.3-inch screens and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai also added some physical buttons for things like the heated seats and steering wheel. It's a welcome change, as fiddling with a touchscreen while driving is never a good idea.

So, what's the bottom line? The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a solid EV that's even better than before. It's got more range, faster charging, and some welcome upgrades inside and out. The XRT trim is a bit of a gimmick, but it adds some personality to the lineup. A funky-looking squarish SUV that camouflages as a hatchback from the late 90s, with more performance on tap than many sports cars out there, will always be a tempting choice. The added personality is just a bonus.