Hyundai’s electric SUV has just earned its place in history books. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 set a new Guinness World Record after braving the highest driveable road.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV earns new Guinness World Record
In a reflection of Hyundai’s “technological prowess,” the company announced on Thursday, December 26, that the IONIQ 5 officially set a new Guinness World Record.
The electric SUV achieved the “Greatest altitude change by an electric car” with an altitude change of over 19,000 ft (5,802 m) in “harsh terrain” and “extreme weather conditions.”
Hyundai Motor India and Evo India, a leading auto magazine firm, organized the event. The IONIQ 5 began its journey at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, which is known as the world’s highest driveable road, at 19,025 ft (5,799 m) above sea level.
After driving 3,080 miles (4,956 km) in just 14 days, the electric SUV achieved an altitude difference of 19,035 ft (5,802 m), setting a new Guinness World Record.
“The performance of the IONIQ 5, proven under such extreme conditions, reflects Hyundai Motor Company’s technological prowess,” Mr Unsoo Kim, Hyundai Motor India’s managing director, boasted after the accomplishment.
Hyundai’s best-selling EV “seamlessly” adapted to “freezing temperatures and steep mountain passes in the Himalayas to humid coastal regions in Kerala.”
New EVs on route
The electric SUV, powered by a 72.6 kWh battery, has an EPA-estimated driving range of over 300 miles (481 km WLTP).
Hyundai’s electric SUV is getting even more powerful. The accomplishment comes as the upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5 is rolling out in the US. The refreshed model gets even more driving range and a stylish new design. It even comes with an NACS charging port to access Tesla Superchargers.
Thanks to a bigger (84 kWh) battery, the 2025 IONIQ 5 has a driving range of 318 miles, up from 303 with the outgoing model. The upgraded model starts at $42,500, while the long-range version costs just under $50,000. It will be built at Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Georgia.
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | EV Powertrain | Driving Range (miles) | Starting Price* |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 168-horsepower rear motor | 245 | $42,500 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $46,550 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $49,500 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $54,200 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $50,050 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $53,000 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 320 horsepower dual motor | 259 | $55,400 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 269 | $58,100 |
The Korean auto giant is also launching its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9. Hyundai unveiled the larger SUV at the LA Auto Show last month as it expands into new segments.
At 5,060 mm (199.2″) long, 1,980 mm (78″) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5″) tall, the IONIQ 9 is a bit smaller than the Rivian R1S at 200.8″ long, 82″ wide, and 77.3″ tall.
The IONIQ 9 is powered by a massive 110.2 kWh battery, good for an EPA-est range of 335 miles, or 620 km on the WLTP cycle.
Hyundai will build the three-row EV in Georgia alongside the 2025 IONIQ 5. It will be available in the US and Korea in the first half of 2025, followed shortly after by Europe and other global markets. Check back soon, as pricing and more information will be released closer to launch.
With the 2025 models rolling out, Hyundai is offering close-out prices for the outgoing IONIQ 5, with leases starting as low as $159 per month. Ready to try it out for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our link to find offers on 2024 and 2025 IONIQ 5 models in your area today.