The all-electric hatchback earned top honors as Car Talk’s Best Performance EV of 2026, highlighting the growing field of high-powered electric models designed for daily driving and track-ready capability.
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was named Best Performance EV in Car Talk’s Best EVs of 2026 awards.
Photo: Hyundai
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has been named Best Performance EV in Car Talk’s Best EVs of 2026 awards. The standard IONIQ 5 was also recognized as a Best Battery-Electric Hatchback and was the publication’s overall Best EV pick in 2025.
The annual awards recognize electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that are new or significantly updated for the model year. This year’s honors were presented across 10 categories following evaluations by Car Talk’s editorial team.
The IONIQ 5 N is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform and integrates the brand’s N performance technologies. According to Hyundai, the model is designed to deliver high-speed capability and track-ready durability while maintaining everyday usability.
The dual-motor setup produces up to 641 horsepower (478 kW) with N Grin Boost engaged. The vehicle also incorporates features intended to enhance driver engagement, including N e-Shift and N Active Sound+, which simulate gear changes and engine sound characteristics associated with dual-clutch performance vehicles.
“Hyundai made all the right moves with this battery-electric performance vehicle,” said John Goreham, vehicle and tire tester for Car Talk and vice president of the New England Motor Press Association. He cited the vehicle’s specialized drive modes, suspension, brakes, tires, and track-oriented seating as key differentiators within the segment.
Car Talk’s 2026 awards reflect continued growth in the performance EV category, with the IONIQ 5 N recognized among an expanding field of high-output electric models.
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