First Drive: We kicked up some SoCal sand off-roading in the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT
Less than a year after its initial reveal, Hyundai officially launched its off-road-friendly IONIQ 5 XRT variant in the US and invited us to Palm Springs to test it out. This is a Hyundai IONIQ through and through, but it features some unique design upgrades, including a new drive mode to help it tackle tougher terrain than its siblings.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is the latest variant to come out of HMG’s design lab. It was initially announced in March of 2024, just days after news of a refresh coming to the standard 2025 IONIQ 5, which we also tested out during this trip (check out that review here).
It wasn’t long after Hyundai confirmed the IONIQ 5 XRT that a camouflaged version was spotted in Korea. It presumedly pushed the limits of a new “Terrain Mode” the off-road variant debuts. We certainly did the same last week in the desert outside of Palm Springs where we got an opportunity to take the IONIQ 5 XRTs out of a natural terrain course and kick up some dust.
While this may not be the most rugged BEV out there, it’s most certainly the most off-road-friendly option from Hyundai, and the automaker continues to wow us with unique design elements that are both functional and just plain cool-looking. I’ve shared my complete impressions below.
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is super cool… in the right color
The XRT is the second highest trim level on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 totem pole, below the Limited but above the SEL. As such, several unique features have been added to this new spin on the ever-popular IONIQ 5.
Starting with the exterior, you’ll notice a more rugged look. XRT does stand for “Extreme Rugged Terrain,” after all. The Hyundai team described this design approach as an “armor-like aesthetic.” The front and rear fascias have been equipped with unique protective cladding that goes higher up than a standard BEV for added protection from rocks and other debris.
Of course, Hyundai had to include its parametric pixels in the cladding! This subtle pattern, Hyundai calls “digital camo,” looks different in every lighting scenario (see close-up images above). That cladding was also placed above the wheels, which are unique to the IONIQ 5 XRT. This variant sits on simple yet badass 18″ black wheels with all-terrain tires.
The front features two bright red recovery hooks, while the rear offers higher protection on its corners and an embossed XRT badge. For added off-road capabilities, the IONIQ 5 XRT features a 23mm suspension lift alongside unique tuning, offering an extra inch of ground clearance (7″), a higher approach angle (19.8º), and a higher departure angle (30º).
That being said, this off-road BEV does not have a skid plate or underbelly protection. Instead, the Hyundai team said the added security comes from increased ground clearance. Let’s move into the interior.
As you can see in the image above, the interior of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT is murdered out and appears a bit sportier than some of its siblings. The doors feature more of the brand’s new digital camo pattern behind an XRT logo, the same of which you’ll find embossed into the front head rests (see images above).
The rest of the interior is comparable to the standard IONIQ 5s, aside from some unique tech upgrades. For instance, the XRT is the first model to come equipped with a new Terrain Mode, which can be activated directly from the steering wheel.
From there, you can choose between sand, snow, and mud. While we saw snow up at elevation in the non-XRT versions of the 2025 IONIQ 5, we were only fortunate enough to trek through a desert course with plenty of compact and loose sand to see what Terrain Mode can really do.
In all honesty, the XRT was a blast to drive. Terrain Mode and the BEV’s H-Trac AWD let me open it up, but I felt in complete control the whole time. I especially had a blast on the course curves with loose sand, as I was able to swing that back end around without feeling like I was about to spin out.
The raised ride height and suspension tuning were noticeable, especially after having just driven the standard IONIQ 5 earlier that day, but it was still a bit of a bumpy ride out on those rocks, especially as a passenger. Here’s some footage of the course:
I feel the overall approach to the XRT is slightly gimmicky because this is undoubtedly an off-road capable BEV, but not something you’d take to Moab. That being said, Hyundai did an excellent job designing it to look rugged and cool.
I was not a big fan of the contrast between the XRT-exclusive cladding and lighter-colored exteriors like Atlas White and Cyber Grey. In my opinion, the darker exteriors complemented the cladding much better. Still, I wish we could have seen the two new Hyundai colors exclusive to the IONIQ 5 XRT – Cosmic Blue Pearl and Ultimate Red Metallic. Unfortunately, those colors weren’t available for our drive since we got some of the first XRT models off the assembly line. Oh well.
Overall, I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT, but this is a niche variant for a niche audience, similar to the IONIQ 5 N, which I’m also a massive fan of. That being said, I would rather have an N or a Limited trim of the 2025 IONIQ 5 since I’m not much of an off-roader (although if I were, I’d probably go with a Rivian instead).
If you like taking vehicles out in the dust and dirt, the IONIQ 5 XRT could be the BEV you’ve been looking for. I recommend checking it out in person to see the cladding up close and scroll through the terrain modes (if you can drive one out on a course, that would be even better!)
The 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is now on sale in the US, starting at an MSRP of $55,400 before taxes and fees. It also comes available in two new colors exclusive to the XRT only –
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Back in 2018, when most electric motorcycle startups were showing off what looked like clunky science experiments or budget-minded e-scooters, a little company out of Stuttgart quietly unveiled one of the wildest-looking two-wheelers I’d ever seen. As one of the first motorcycle journalists to cover Sol Motors and their outlandish debut seven years ago, I’ve been keeping tabs on them ever since. And now I am excited to share that the Sol Pocket Rocket is finally preparing to launch in full production form. Yes, really.
The German company is now taking pre-orders for its uniquely tubular electric motorcycle that somehow looks like a mashup between a torpedo, an irrigation pipe, and a Star Wars prop. And yet, despite its cartoonish silhouette, it might just be one of the coolest ultra-urban e-motos headed for the streets.
The Sol Pocket Rocket comes in two versions: the standard model and the more powerful Pocket Rocket S. The latter packs an 8.5 kW (roughly 11.4 hp) electric motor that propels the bike to a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph), while the standard version tops out at 45 km/h (28 mph), putting it in moped territory in many markets.
That makes it a perfect fit for cities, especially in Europe where light electric mopeds and motorcycles are gaining traction among young riders who want something fast, fun, and emissions-free, but without the size, weight, or cost of a traditional motorcycle. The bike’s 2.5 kWh battery may not sound like much, but the company says it offers up to 108 km (67 miles) of range for the lower speed version or 68 km (42 miles) of range for the higher speed version, which is generally more than enough for most urban commutes. The battery is also removable, allowing for convenient charging inside your apartment or office. That can be a neat trick for riders who charge at work, essentially doubling the maximum range they can commute.
And while we’re on the topic of design – yes, it’s unusual. The Pocket Rocket’s oversized aluminum top tube houses the battery and electronics, while a minimalist seat juts out from the back like a café racer’s rear hump. There’s no bodywork to speak of, giving it a raw and industrial aesthetic that’s either futuristic or ridiculous, depending on the lighting and your mood. But I’ve got to admit, I kind of love it.
The frame, wheels, and swingarm are all nicely machined, giving the whole thing a premium feel, or at least as premium as a potato gun on wheels can look. It’s like if Bauhaus made a Hot Wheels bike that could run on electrons.
Sol Motors is positioning the Pocket Rocket not just as a stylish e-motorcycle, but as a viable alternative to cars for city dwellers who want to skip traffic and parking headaches. It’s light, fast enough for urban streets, and small enough to squeeze into even the tiniest bike parking spot.
Pre-orders are now open and pricing starts at €5,990 for the standard model and €6,980 for the S version. That’s certainly not cheap, but not outrageous in today’s market for well-designed, European-made electric two-wheelers.
Electrek’s Take
I’ve covered a lot of oddball EVs over the years, but the Sol Pocket Rocket has a special place in my heart. There’s something honest about a company that doubles down on such a bold design and actually makes it work. Sure, it looks like a giant spool holder from the wrong angle, but it also looks like a lot of fun from the right angle! And the fact that it’s fast, fun, and actually headed to production means it offers three things that are far from a guarantee in today’s market.
It may have taken the scenic route and had a false start or two, but it looks like the company is finally ready to put that rubber on the road for good this time.
After nearly seven years of anticipation, I’m thrilled to see this bizarre beauty finally hitting the road. And hey, if anyone wants to send one over for a review, my driveway’s been waiting just as long.
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Environment
The 2026 Chevy Blazer EV lineup looks a bit different, but prices still start at under $45K
Chevy is introducing an updated lineup for the 2026 Blazer EV, including a few slight modifications. Despite the changes, prices will still start at under $45,000.
2026 Chevy Blazer EV prices by trim
GM’s Chevrolet is currently the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Through May, Chevy sold over 37,000 EVs, surpassing Ford, which sold about 34,000.
Although the Equinox EV stole the spotlight, becoming the third top-selling EV behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, Chevy’s electric Blazer has quiety been driving growth. In April, the Chevy Blazer EV was the sixth-best-selling EV.
With “the Equinnox and Blazer right in the heart of the market, they are really benefitting from that,” Tom Libby, an analyst at S&P Global Mobility, explained.
With the 2026 model years arriving with a few updates, Chevy looks to continue closing the gap with Tesla. Earlier this month, the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV configurator went live with base prices about $10,000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Now, it looks like the electric Blazer will be next.
New order guide data show the 2026 Chevy Blazer EV LT FWD will still start at $44,600, not including the destination fee. The 2026 model year will be available in FWD, AWD, and performance AWD configurations. However, Chevy is dropping the RWD option.
Although the base LT model is priced the same, the 2026 Chevy Blazer RS AWD is $500 more than last year’s model, starting at $50,400.
The 615 horsepower Blazer EV SS, the quickest SS Chevy vehicle to date, will still start at $60,600. Like the 2025MY, GM’s Super Cruise is standard on the SS and available for other trims. It costs $3,255 this year, the same as it did in 2025.
Other upgrades for the new model include a new Polar White Tricoat paint option and a standard dual-level charging cord, but it still lacks a NACS port.
A Chevy spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver last month that “To simplify the product lineup while still offering the most popular options for consumers, RWD will not be available beginning with the 2026 model year.”
Up next will be the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, or “America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” as GM calls it. The base 2025 LT model starts at $34,995. Chevy keeping entry-level Blazer prices the same could be a good sign for the Equinox.
| 2026 Chevy Blazer EV trim | Starting MSRP* | Range (*2025MY EPA-estimated) |
| LT FWD | $44,600 | 312 miles |
| RS FWD | $50,400 | 312 miles |
| SS AWD | $60,600 | 303 miles |
With the federal EV tax credit set to expire at the end of September, Chevy is offering some serious savings opportunities. Starting at just $289 per month, the 2025 Equinox EV is hard to pass up. GM is also offering 0% APR across all 2025 Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV models.
Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on Chevy EV models at a dealer near you.
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Tesla has expanded the service area of its Robotaxi service in Austin, and it did so to draw a penis-shaped service map, seemingly for no other reason than to satisfy the juvenile humor of its CEO, but what it really achieved is to illustrate how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi business is compared to other efforts.
Last month, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, and as expected, the service was mostly for show and to give CEO Elon Musk a win after years of failed predictions regarding Tesla’s self-driving efforts.
The service was launched only for a small group of Tesla stock promoters on X, and it required a Tesla employee sitting in the front seat with a finger on a kill switch at all times.
In other words, it’s basically Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in consumer vehicles, but with the supervisor moved from the driver’s seat to the front passenger seat.
Tesla also launched into a small area of South Austin, but last week, Musk said that the company would expand the service area by the weekend.
Late on Sunday, Tesla did update the service area, and it now looks like this:
There’s no practical reason to cover this specific section of Austin. The update appears to be solely to satisfy Musk’s famously juvenile sense of humor, which includes fascinations with the numbers “69” and “420”.
Tesla has also been offering rides in Robotaxi (invite-only) for $4.20 a ride.
In practice, what this joke does is illustrate just how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi effort is in comparison to other autonomous ride-hailing programs.
Waymo already operates a larger area of Austin, and it does so without any supervisor inside the vehicle. It also operates in San Francisco, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix:
Tesla shareholders are holding on to the hope that Tesla will be able to scale faster, but Waymo has even launched in Atlanta since Tesla launched its limited service in Austin, and they are preparing to launch in Philadelphia and New York.
Meanwhile, Tesla still operates with supervisors inside its vehicles – a step that Waymo completed years ago.
Electrek’s Take
Look, I love a joke as much as the next guy, but when the whole service is a joke, maybe don’t draw a penis with the service map.
In China, I rode in Baidu’s Apollo Go, and it simply works without anyone in the car, and it is in operation in half a dozen cities.
It’s cool to see Tesla making progress here, but what’s less cool is the moving of the goalpost that leads to people forgetting that Tesla has promised unsupervised self-driving in all vehicles built since 2016.
Meanwhile, its progress has yet to outpace competition and CEO Elon Musk is out there claiming Tesla is the leader in self-driving with no close second.
It’s a level of delusion that you don’t want to see in someone deploying “self-driving” 5,000-lb machines moving at high speeds on public roads.
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