Car and Driver magazine has announced its top pick for the best electric vehicle of 2024, and the honor goes to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This electric vehicle stands out for delivering a driving experience that is not only exhilarating but also surprisingly familiar to those accustomed to gas-powered cars. The Ioniq 5 N impressed Car and Driver editors with its fun-to-drive nature, rapid recharging capabilities, and innovative features that bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and the electric future.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, priced at $67,495, earned the prestigious title of Car and Driver’s EV of the Year after a comprehensive evaluation against 18 new or significantly updated electric vehicle models. Car and Driver’s rigorous annual comparison assessed each vehicle based on critical factors for consumers, including overall value, the quality of the driving experience, and the integration of cutting-edge technology. According to a statement from Car and Driver editors, a key criterion for winning was the innovative use of technology that demonstrably “advances the species” of electric vehicles.
This marks a significant milestone as the third consecutive year that Car and Driver has recognized a Hyundai electric vehicle as the best in the market. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was awarded the accolade last year, and the Ioniq 5 previously claimed the title in 2022. The inaugural Car and Driver EV comparison in 2021 saw the Ford Mustang Mach-E take home the top honor, setting a high bar for subsequent years.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Car and Driver's Best Electric Car of 2024, showcased at Everything Electric London event.
Tony Quiroga, Editor in Chief of Car and Driver, highlighted the unique driving experience of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as a major factor in its win. He noted that the vehicle incorporates features designed to emulate the feel of driving a gas-powered car. “It has a bunch of features that allow it to mimic a gas car. It has a shift mode that imitates having 8-speed transmission, when most EVs have one speed and you accelerate endlessly,” Quiroga explained to CBS MoneyWatch. This simulated gear shifting, along with artificial engine sounds, provides a sense of familiarity that Car and Driver believes is crucial for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles. Quiroga elaborated, “I think people are looking for some familiarity when they move into an EV. Everyone is pretty much a first-time EV buyer, and having that anchor of familiarity is something people want.”
Beyond its engaging driving dynamics, the Ioniq 5 N also excels in practical aspects such as charging speed. The vehicle can recharge its battery from 10% to 90% in approximately 35 minutes, according to Car and Driver’s testing, making it a convenient option for drivers concerned about charging times. However, Car and Driver’s highway range test at 75 mph revealed a range of 190 miles on a full charge, placing it on the lower end compared to some other electric vehicles in terms of range.
In their comprehensive evaluation, Car and Driver assessed a wide array of electric vehicles from various manufacturers, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Fisker, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla, and Volkswagen. Notably, the Tesla Cybertruck, despite being a highly anticipated contender for the EV of the Year award, faced a significant setback during testing. According to Quiroga, the Cybertruck’s drive shaft detached from its housing after just one day of testing, rendering it undrivable and unable to complete the competition. “It broke after Day 1 and did not finish, which means you can’t win the big award,” Quiroga stated, underscoring the importance of reliability in Car and Driver’s evaluation process.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N emerged as Car and Driver’s Best Electric Car for 2024, not only for its performance and technology but also for its ability to offer a bridge for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles to the electric age. Its blend of engaging driving dynamics, fast charging, and innovative features has clearly resonated with Car and Driver’s editors, solidifying Hyundai’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
