Car and Driver has announced its top electric vehicle for 2024, and the winner is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This electric vehicle stands out for delivering a fun driving experience, rapid recharging capabilities, and even mimicking the familiar sounds of a traditional gas-powered car, appealing to drivers transitioning to EVs.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N earned the title of Car and Driver’s EV of the Year following their comprehensive annual evaluation of new and significantly updated electric vehicle models available in the market. While priced at $67,495, placing it higher than some competitors, the Ioniq 5 N impressed the editors at Car and Driver across various critical aspects.
Car and Driver’s rigorous testing involved 18 different electric vehicles, assessed based on factors including value, the enjoyment of the driving experience, innovative technology implementation, and other features highly valued by consumers. A key criterion for winning was the vehicle’s ability to incorporate technology in a groundbreaking or innovative manner, contributing to the advancement of electric vehicle technology, as stated by Car and Driver editors.
This accolade marks 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 title last year, and the Ioniq 5 previously won in 2022. The inaugural Car and Driver EV comparison in 2021 saw the Ford Mustang Mach-E take the top spot.
Tony Quiroga, Editor in Chief of Car and Driver, highlighted the driving experience of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as a major factor in its appeal, noting its similarity to driving a gas-powered vehicle.
“It incorporates features that emulate a gasoline car. It has a shift mode that simulates an 8-speed transmission, unlike most EVs with single-speed acceleration,” Quiroga explained in an interview with CBS MoneyWatch.
He further elaborated on the vehicle’s sound design, which mirrors the auditory feedback of gas-powered cars. “I believe many individuals transitioning to EVs seek a degree of familiarity. As the majority are first-time EV buyers, this familiar anchor is something they desire,” Quiroga added.
Another significant advantage of the Ioniq 5 N is its fast-charging capability. It can recharge from 10% to 90% battery capacity in approximately 35 minutes, according to Quiroga. However, Car and Driver’s highway range testing at 75 mph revealed a range of 190 miles on a full charge with a standard battery, positioning it towards the lower end compared to some other electric vehicles in terms of range.
In their comprehensive evaluation, Car and Driver considered electric vehicles from a wide array of manufacturers, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Fiat, Fisker, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla, and Volkswagen. Notably, the Tesla Cybertruck, which was anticipated as a strong contender for the EV of the Year award, faced a significant setback during testing.
According to Quiroga, the Tesla Cybertruck’s drive shaft malfunctioned after just one day of testing, rendering it undrivable. “It broke down on the first day and was unable to complete the evaluation, disqualifying it from winning the top award,” he stated.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s blend of engaging driving dynamics, rapid charging, and user-friendly features reminiscent of traditional vehicles has earned it Car and Driver’s coveted Best EV of 2024 title, solidifying Hyundai’s continued leadership in the electric vehicle market.
