The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT secured two top honors at the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) 2025 Mudfest:
- Best Electrified Activity Vehicle
- Best Two-Row Family SUV
These wins confirm Hyundai’s growing dominance in off-road-ready electric crossovers and family-focused EV design.
Why the IONIQ 5 XRT Stood Out
The IONIQ 5 XRT competed against 20 vehicles in off-road and on-road testing at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. Each category evaluated traction, ground clearance, torque response, ride quality, and usability in muddy terrain.
Key factors that led to its wins:
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive system with torque-vectoring
- Improved ground clearance (+0.79 inches over the standard model)
- 18-inch all-terrain tires and custom alloy wheels
- Revised front and rear fascias for better approach and departure angles
- Hill descent control and traction-optimized drive modes
These upgrades make the IONIQ 5 XRT competitive with gas-powered SUVs in off-road handling while offering the benefits of an EV powertrain.
What Is the NWAPA Mudfest?
The NWAPA Mudfest is one of the few automotive press events dedicated to real-world outdoor vehicle testing. Over two days, journalists test SUVs and crossovers on both paved tracks and muddy trails.
Key Mudfest metrics include:
- Hill climbs
- Slalom handling
- Gravel braking
- Mud pit traction
- Family usability
The IONIQ 5 XRT won praise for offering a quiet cabin, stable control under load, and quick electric torque delivery, giving it a decisive edge in the electrified and two-row categories.
Detailed Specs: 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| Estimated Output | 320 hp / 446 lb-ft torque |
| 0–60 mph | Approx. 5.1 seconds |
| Range | Approx. 260–290 miles (EPA est.) |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 inches (up from 6.7 in standard trim) |
| Wheels | 18-inch XRT-specific alloys with all-terrain tires |
| Key Features | Skid plates, hill descent control, terrain mode |
| Charging Speed | 10–80% in approx. 18 minutes (350kW charger) |
Strategic Design for Outdoor-Ready EV Use
Unlike some EVs that struggle off pavement, the IONIQ 5 XRT was built with light-duty trail capability in mind.
Functional enhancements include:
- Modified bumpers for increased breakover angles
- Underbody protection with integrated skid plates
- Distinctive matte black exterior trim for durability
- Standard AWD, no RWD option available on this trim
- Optimized battery cooling for better performance under stress
Hyundai engineers tailored the XRT trim to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who want electric power with practical ruggedness.
Image gallery:
What This Means for Hyundai
Winning two awards at Mudfest helps Hyundai do the following:
- Compete directly with Rivian R1S, Subaru Solterra, and Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
- Broaden appeal to buyers looking for off-road-capable electric family vehicles
- Strengthen IONIQ branding in the electric SUV segment
- Capitalize on EV demand among weekend adventurers and outdoor lifestyle buyers
Hyundai’s decision to merge electrification with trail-ready utility reflects broader market shifts in EV design. Crossovers remain dominant, and consumers want both efficiency and capability in one package.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT proves electric SUVs can handle dirt, gravel, and daily family duty.
Winning both the Best Electrified Activity Vehicle and Best Two-Row Family SUV categories shows that Hyundai’s strategy to build practical, off-pavement-capable EVs is working.
With its blend of real-world utility, strong range, and off-road traction, the IONIQ 5 XRT delivers value where it matters most: on the road and in the mud.
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