Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.$5 for a Gallon of Gas is Making Me Rethink My PrioritiesI'll be honest: I've never been fully sold on electric vehicles. I've spent years driving and reviewing cars powered by gasoline engines. I enjoy the sound of a naturally-aspirated V6 or V8, and the connection that comes from a stick shift and three pedals. While I've driven plenty of cutting-edge EVs, most have felt more like appliances that are disconnected from the driver and the road. They're more about efficiency, straight-line quickness, and tech than about driver engagement. I'd rather have a measly, low-powered car with a stick shift.HyundaiMy wife has wanted an EV for years, but I keep discouraging her because then I'd have to drive it. But now that fuel prices feel like a gut punch every time I fill up, I'm rethinking things. When I started thinking about how much I spend at the pump (as much as $90 every time I fill up our SUV), the idea of driving an EV suddenly became a lot more appealing.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf I were going to make the switch, though, I wouldn't choose an EV that simply saves money. I'd want one that fits my lifestyle and doesn't feel like I've thrown in the towel. That's why the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT would be my pick.It Doesn't Look Like Every Other EVHyundaiOne of my biggest complaints about modern EVs is that many of them look like expensive bars of soap. The Tesla Model Y, Chevy Bolt, Chevy Equinox EV, and Toyota bZ all look boring to me. Smooth surfaces, rounded shapes, and futuristic styling often come at the expense of personality. The IONIQ 5 XRT doesn't look like anything else on the road, and the body design has held up really well since the model debuted in 2021 as a 2022 model.HyundaiThe IONIQ 5 XRT takes a different approach. First of all, it capitalizes on the IONIQ 5's angular cut lines, boxy pixilated lighting elements, and retro vibes. On top of that, Hyundai gave the XRT a more rugged appearance with unique front and rear fascias, black urban camo-style exterior trim, distinctive wheels, and all-terrain-inspired tires. It has a tougher, more adventurous look than the standard IONIQ 5, making it feel more like a vehicle designed for weekend getaways than just commuting.HyundaiThese additional changes and trim bits give the IONIQ 5 a decidedly tough and modern look that's not overdone. Is it a Porsche 911 Safari? No, nothing could possibly be as cool as that, but it's a fresh take on an already fresh EV. It's one of the few EVs that doesn't scream, "I'm an electric vehicle." Instead, it looks like a modern and rugged-looking crossover that just happens to be electric. Color it in Ecotronic Gray Matte paint, and you can break out the sales paperwork.It Fits Our Lifestyle and My Driving PreferencesHyundaiAdvertisementAdvertisementI would love to buy the 641-horsepower IONIQ 5 N, but I probably shouldn't have that kind of power (and I don't want to spend $66k). On top of that, I'd probably get arrested. I don't spend my weekends at race tracks, and I suspect most buyers don't either. What I need is a vehicle that can handle my kids' soccer and swim gear, multiple trips to the grocery store, and the occasional car camping adventure. It also can't be overly dependent on a touchscreen, but the interface has to be intuitive and responsive.View the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe IONIQ 5 XRT checks those boxes. Its spacious cabin provides plenty of room for passengers, while the flat floor and clever packaging maximize interior space. I remember being surprised by how much room there is in the back when I first drove it. 39.4 inches of rear legroom is more than our Mazda CX-9! It also has 59.3 cubic feet of total cargo space. That's almost the same as the Volkswagen Taos AWD. The infotainment system is vivid and easy to operate. It also has great switchgear that's easy to reach and cleanly laid out. I also love the buttons and switches on the steering wheel.HyundaiThe XRT trim also offers slightly increased ride height (almost an inch). This is ideal for Chicago streets, especially when snowplows shove barriers of ice and snow into alleyways. The XRT's ruggedized design elements also make it better suited for gravel roads, campsites, and less-than-perfect pavement. No, it's not a hardcore off-roader, but it's more capable than the average EV crossover. It also has red tow hooks. I'll probably never use them, but they add to the car's coolness factor.HyundaiPerhaps most importantly, it's superb to drive. It doesn't feel disconnected like other EVs, and the XRT's extra suspension travel, revised suspension tuning, and bigger tires provide a supple ride that's even better than the standard IONIQ 5. 0-60 is still right quick, happening in a mere 4.5 seconds. That's sports sedan territory, giving the IONIQ 5 XRT the ability to roast cars whose drivers won't suspect its chunky, rugged demeanor of straight-line quickness.Operating Costs and Charging SpeedsHyundaiAdvertisementAdvertisementEven as someone who prefers gasoline-powered vehicles, I can't ignore EV math. Charging an EV at home is generally far less expensive than filling a fuel tank every week. It's even more affordable during times when gas prices are freakin' $5 a gallon. Depending on electricity rates and driving habits, the savings can be significant and not just over time but every time you charge up.HyundaiThe IONIQ 5 XRT also benefits from Hyundai's advanced 800-volt architecture, allowing exceptionally fast charging when connected to a compatible DC fast charger. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the fastest-charging electric vehicles available, capable of adding around 190 miles of range in just 18 minutes. The XRT trim has an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge due to dual motors and off-road trim. I would have to plan road trips, but I'd use our Mazda CX-9 for most of those, anyway.Final ThoughtsI'm still not ready to declare that electric vehicles are better than gasoline-powered vehicles. I still want a 1st-generation Acura NSX or a Porsche Cayman R. Ienjoy driving too much to completely abandon traditional powertrains. But if I had to make the switch right now, I'd opt for the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT. It focuses on being a practical, comfortable, and capable crossover that happens to run on electricity. For someone who has spent years preferring gasoline engines, that's probably the strongest compliment I can give an EV.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.