As a fairly new automotive journalist, I’m quickly learning how much there is to absorb about cars. Most of us get in them every day, so we naturally develop a baseline understanding of how they work.Â
However, what many of us have not experienced is pushing a car to the edge to see what it’s capable of — myself included. Â
That’s why I felt a mix of emotions when Hyundai gave me the opportunity to test the limits of the 2026 Ioniq 5 XRT on an off-road autocross course. On one hand, I was excited to try something entirely new. On the other, I was nervous about stepping outside of my comfort zone because it was unlike anything I’d ever done.Â
About the Ioniq 5 XRT Trim
When you picture the Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s compact electric vehicle, you might not picture it as an off-roader. While it’s not designed for the roughest terrain, the XRT trim adds some features that can help it tackle obstacles for the everyday adventure-seeker.
All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on this trim, enhancing traction and helping keep the vehicle stable on slippery roads. Additionally, the XRT trim offers terrain modes, including snow, mud, and sand.
The ground clearance for this trim increases from 6.1 inches to 7 inches, improving the INOQ 5’s off-road capability by allowing it to clear obstacles more efficiently, and all-terrain tires are standard. As for looks, there are many design elements exclusive to this trim. This includes unique front and rear fascias, black logos and badging throughout, and more.
This 2026 IONIQ 5 XRT starts at $47,875, including a destination fee.
Off the Beaten Path
To get to the autocross, we had to take our Ioniq 5 XRT through an off-road path with many bumps and bends. We had cones to mark our path, but even with that, I sometimes wondered if driving between the trees was really the way I was supposed to go.
Despite my initial concerns, I found the vehicle had no trouble at all driving the off-road path. I never felt like the Ioniq 5 couldn’t handle the uneven terrain we drove on. To me, driving over the bumps felt pretty smooth — at least, however smooth driving over a bump can be.
Autocross Time
Once we made it to the autocross, we realized we were really in for a treat. As soon as I pulled up in line, we saw dust flying everywhere from the other journalists having a go at the track. I had never off-roaded like this before or attempted an autocross. I wasn’t even sure I’d make it through a full run.
Spoiler alert: I did it. I was nervous, but I completed it — and twice at that. As I pulled up to the start line, a truck circled the track ahead of me, spraying water to keep the sandy path thick and unpredictable. The instructor gave me the green light, and I took off fast.
There were so many tight corners in the autocross. I could feel the wheels digging in sharply every time I had to make those turns. Of course, I was more scared on the turns because I was afraid of losing control, but I learned you had to be meticulous to make it through them smoothly, especially in terrain that was so thick.
The IONIQ 5 XRT surprised me in this setting: I felt supported as I drove quickly through the thick sand. The AWD and Sand terrain mode helped glue me in and keep me stable as I drove through the tricky turns.
Closing Thoughts
Before this experience, if you had asked me whether I viewed the Ioniq 5 as an off-roader, I probably would have said it wouldn’t be the first vehicle that came to mind for those capabilities. Now, I’m aware of how far the XRT can be pushed, and it’s more than the average vehicle.
It may not be suitable for the rockiest, deepest terrain, but if your goal is to do some light off-roading, the Ioniq 5 XRT will definitely have you covered.