Hyundai IONIQ 5 trim comparison
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE vs XRT
The IONIQ 5 SE starts at $37,500 while the XRT is $46,725. That $9,225 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
The XRT adds AWD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $9,225 by itself. If not, the SE saves you the money.
Stay with the SE if RWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the XRT only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the SE to the XRT is about $163/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $9,780 more by the time interest is counted. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus RWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and XRT share the same 1-speed direct drive transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,225 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,306 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | XRT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,500 | $46,725 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 446 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,376 lbs | 4,707 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.1" | 118.1" |
| Length | 183.3" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.4" | 74.4" |
| Height | 63.0" | 64.0" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE vs XRT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 IONIQ 5 XRT cost than the SE?
The XRT starts at $46,725 compared to $37,500 for the SE. That is a $9,225 difference, or approximately $163/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE and XRT have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the electric producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 IONIQ 5 SE come with AWD?
No. The SE comes standard with RWD while the XRT has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 come with?
All 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 trims, including both the SE and XRT, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT worth $9,225 more than the SE?
The $9,225 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $9,225 Gets You
The IONIQ 5 XRT is a clear upgrade over the SE. The $9,225 price increase gets you horsepower, torque, and AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
SE vs. XRT: Day-to-Day
95 more horsepower in the XRT. A jump this size changes how the IONIQ 5 feels on the highway. 188 more lb-ft for the XRT. A noticeable difference in low-end acceleration. The XRT includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Summary
$9,225 more for the IONIQ 5 XRT gets you 4 real differences. At $163/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the XRT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.