A prototype of the upcoming Ioniq 5 XRT was spotted in the States wearing plastic body cladding, roof rails, and meaty tires
Hyundai recently broadened the Ioniq 5 lineup by introducing a high-performance N variant boasting 641 horsepower (478 kW / 650 PS). Now, the company is gearing up to take a distinctly different direction with a more rugged and off-road-capable XRT model.
Recently spotted undergoing testing here in the States, the Ioniq 5 XRT is heavily camouflaged but appears significantly more rugged than the standard model. As part of its transformation, the electric vehicle has been equipped with roof rails and black plastic body cladding. We can also see meatier tires and what appears to be an increased ride height.
The modifications don’t end there as the XRT has been equipped with a new front bumper that has cube-like accents. The rear end appears to carryover, but there could be some changes hiding beneath the disguise.
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We can expect to learn more later this year, but Hyundai has been slowly expanding their XRT family. The rugged trim is available on an assortment of different models including the Tucson, Palisade, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe. On the latter SUV, the XRT has black accents, roof rails, and dark chrome flourishes. Buyers will also find around 1.5 inches (38 mm) of additional ground clearance and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 30-inch all-terrain tires.
The upgrades to the Ioniq 5 XRT appear to be similar in nature and this helps to give the model a less hatchback-like appearance. That’s a welcome change considering Hyundai markets the model as a crossover.
Little else is known about the vehicle at this point, but it will presumably have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. This setup would likely result in a combined output of 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS) and 446 lb-ft (604 Nm) of torque. We can also expect a 77.4 kWh battery pack and a range of around 260 miles (418 km).
Having said that, Hyundai recently introduced a facelifted Ioniq 5 in Korea with a larger 84 kWh battery and an increased range. Consequently, it’s conceivable that the XRT variant may incorporate these upgrades as well.
