Car and Driver, a renowned automotive publication, has officially declared the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as its top Electric Vehicle (EV) for 2024. This accolade marks the third consecutive year a Hyundai EV has earned this prestigious recognition, solidifying the brand’s leadership in the electric vehicle market. The Ioniq 5 N distinguished itself through a rigorous evaluation process, impressing Car and Driver editors with its engaging driving dynamics, rapid charging capabilities, and innovative features that bridge the gap between traditional gasoline-powered cars and the electric future.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, priced at $67,495, emerged victorious from Car and Driver’s comprehensive annual assessment of new and significantly updated electric vehicle models. In a competitive field of 18 EVs, the Ioniq 5 N excelled in key areas deemed crucial by both automotive experts and consumers. Car and Driver’s evaluation criteria emphasized value, the overall driving experience, the integration of cutting-edge technology, and features that genuinely resonate with drivers. Furthermore, a critical aspect of the evaluation was whether the vehicle utilized technology in a novel or progressive manner, contributing to the advancement of electric vehicle engineering and appeal.
This year’s award continues Hyundai’s impressive streak in Car and Driver’s EV rankings. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 was named the top EV in the previous 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 the top spot. This consistent recognition underscores Hyundai’s commitment to producing high-quality, innovative electric vehicles that resonate with both critics and consumers.
Tony Quiroga, Editor in Chief of Car and Driver, highlighted the unique driving experience offered by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as a major factor in its victory. According to Quiroga, the Ioniq 5 N is designed to provide a sense of familiarity for drivers transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles. “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 in a CBS MoneyWatch interview. This simulated gear shifting, coupled with synthesized engine sounds, aims to create a more engaging and recognizable driving experience for those accustomed to traditional cars.
Quiroga further elaborated on the importance of this approach, stating, “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.” This focus on driver familiarity, combined with genuine EV innovation, appears to be a winning formula for Hyundai and a key differentiator for the Ioniq 5 N.
Beyond its engaging driving dynamics, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N also excels in practical aspects crucial to EV ownership. Fast charging is a significant advantage, with the Ioniq 5 N capable of charging from 10% to 90% battery capacity in approximately 35 minutes, as stated by Quiroga. While Car and Driver’s highway range testing at 75 mph yielded a range of 190 miles on a full charge, placing it on the lower end compared to some other EVs, the overall package of performance, charging speed, and driver engagement solidified its top ranking.
In their comprehensive evaluation, Car and Driver assessed electric vehicles from a wide array of manufacturers, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Fisker, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla, and Volkswagen. Interestingly, the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, considered a contender for the award, faced a significant setback during testing. According to Quiroga, the Cybertruck suffered a drive shaft failure on the first day of testing, rendering it undrivable and ineligible for the top honor. “It broke after Day 1 and did not finish, which means you can’t win the big award,” Quiroga noted. This incident underscores the importance of reliability and durability in the competitive EV landscape.
The selection of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as Car and Driver’s Best Electric Vehicle of 2024 highlights the evolving priorities in the EV market. While range and technology remain critical, the driving experience and user-friendliness are increasingly important factors for consumers. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N appears to strike a compelling balance, offering a fun-to-drive EV that incorporates innovative technology while maintaining a degree of familiarity for drivers transitioning from gasoline vehicles. This award from Car and Driver further cements the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s position as a leading electric vehicle and a significant step forward in the broader adoption of EVs.
