Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 XRT has been awarded the title of Best U.S.-Built Sports Vehicle of the Year by American Cars And Racing (ACAR). The recognition is part of ACAR’s annual awards, which celebrate the best new or significantly updated 2025 model-year vehicles assembled in the United States. Winners were selected by the editorial team based on innovation, appeal, value, and overall excellence across five categories: Car, Truck, SUV, Luxury Vehicle, and Sports Vehicle.
“The IONIQ 5 XRT is designed to appeal to customers who want to play in the dirt and have all-electric adventures,” said Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America. “The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) factory-built 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT offers enhanced off-road capability and a more rugged appearance for this Hyundai EV. We are pleased to receive the Best U.S. Built Sports Vehicle recognition.”
Hyundai continues to deliver more of what customers want by expanding the IONIQ 5 electric vehicle lineup with a dedicated off-road-capable XRT model, NACS port, design upgrades and a long list of features developed with customers in mind. IONIQ 5 XRT boasts a more aggressive front and rear design with unique bumpers, stylish side skirts, and a set of dedicated 18-inch aluminum wheels. These features emphasize the model’s heightened capability in the rough stuff, advancements made possible by XRT’s higher ground clearance and suspension tuning. While the XRT’s interior cabin creates an immersive, dynamic driving environment thanks to features including H-Tex™ seating surfaces with XRT-unique patterning, XRT badging and logos, and a black headliner.
“Hyundai took one of the best compact electric SUVs and broadened its horizons with the IONIQ 5 XRT, which is simply one of the most fun vehicles on sale today at any price,” said Gary Gastelu, executive editor at American Cars And Racing. “It opens up new roads without giving up any of the everyday comfort the IONIQ 5 is known for and now loves to play in the dirt.”
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