The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, a refreshed compact all-electric SUV, has been equipped with Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, allowing it to access Tesla's vast Supercharger network. However, a design flaw has been discovered, making it challenging for owners to use these charging stations.

The issue arises from the placement of the charging port on the rear passenger side of the vehicle, which can cause the charging cord to be too short to reach the charging station. This problem was encountered during a test drive at a Tesla Supercharger station in Palm Springs, where the car's charging cord was unable to reach the station's charging cable. While Hyundai is not entirely to blame for this issue, it highlights the challenges of integrating a new charging standard into an existing vehicle design.

The shift to NACS began in May 2023, when Ford reached an agreement with Tesla to give its EV owners access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the US and Canada. Other automakers, including GM, Hyundai, and Kia, soon followed suit, agreeing to integrate NACS into their future EVs. The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the first vehicles to implement this new standard.

Tesla has acknowledged the issue and plans to roll out its V4 charging stations with longer cables, which should alleviate the problem. However, the company also encourages vehicle manufacturers to standardize charge port locations to the rear driver side or front passenger side. Meanwhile, Hyundai owners can use a CCS adapter to charge their vehicles at CCS-equipped stations, which can fill up the battery from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.

In addition to the charging issue, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasts several upgrades, including larger batteries, increased range, and new trim options. The vehicle's standard range battery has been increased to 63 kWh, while the extended range battery now sits at 84 kWh. Depending on the drivetrain, battery, and trim, the Ioniq 5 can achieve up to 318 miles of range. The vehicle also features tech upgrades, such as a digital key function, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.

A new XRT trim has been added, designed for venturing off the beaten path. This model features a one-inch lift, 29-inch Continental CrossContact ATR tires, and a Terrain button on the steering wheel, offering modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand. While not a rock crawler, the XRT is capable of handling small obstacles and undulations, making it a great option for those who want to explore beyond paved roads.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $43,975 for a base SE model in rear-wheel drive with the standard battery, while the off-roady XRT can be had for $56,875. The top Limited trim in all-wheel drive will set you back $59,575. While the Ioniq 5 is a solid choice for those in the market for an electric SUV, its competitors, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, offer unique features and advantages that may sway buyers.

In conclusion, while the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5's integration of Tesla's NACS port is a step in the right direction, the design flaw that hinders its use at Tesla Superchargers is a notable drawback. However, with its upgraded features, increased range, and new trim options, the Ioniq 5 remains a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable and capable electric SUV.