Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N electric SUV has received the 2025 Drivers’ Choice award for Best Performance Car from MotorWeek during the Chicago Auto Show. This recognition highlights the vehicle’s performance, which is attributed to its Electric-Global Modular Platform and N motorsport technologies. The evaluation process conducted by MotorWeek’s vehicle assessments team included considerations of driving impressions, reliability, value, and consumer trends.
Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, stated that the award signifies the IONIQ 5 N’s competitive edge not only among high-performance electric vehicles but also against various enthusiast cars. He emphasized that the IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s most powerful production model, designed to provide an engaging driving experience for both everyday use and track conditions.
John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek, noted that the selection of the IONIQ 5 N as the Best Performance Car was unanimous among the staff. He mentioned that as the inaugural electric vehicle in Hyundai’s N sub-brand, the engineers and designers enhanced the IONIQ 5’s acceleration and overall performance characteristics, including handling and braking. The model features an N Drift Optimizer and electronically generated engine sounds, which contribute to the vehicle’s performance profile.
MotorWeek has a longstanding tradition of evaluating new vehicles, conducting extensive testing on over 150 models annually to determine the best options in various categories. The organization aims to provide recommendations that reflect the insights of automotive experts and consumer preferences, serving as a practical resource for potential buyers.