Boosting Performance: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Revealed as Top Electric Vehicle of 2024

The Drive’s Best EV of 2024: A World of Differences in Electric Vehicles

While it’s easy to believe that all electric vehicles are created equal, the reality is that each brand brings its unique twist to the EV game. From quirky design choices to innovative powertrains, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to electric cars. As we continue to see more and more electric options hit the market, it’s essential to explore what sets each model apart. In this article, we’ll dive into our picks for the best EVs of 2024, highlighting the features, benefits, and quirks that make each one special.

Runner-Up: Kia EV9, The Family EV

The Kia EV9 is a surprise package that checks all the right boxes for family EV enthusiasts. With its stunning ocean blue paint job and sporty GT-Line trim, this SUV is as visually appealing as it is impressive on the road. Under the hood, you’ll find a 78 kWh battery pack, powering the front wheels and producing a respectable 218 horsepower. But what truly sets the EV9 apart is its handling – this massive SUV can carve corners like a hot hatch, with impressive weight distribution and surprisingly precise steering.

As one of our writers put it, "I went into my week with the Kia EV9 GT-Line with quiet optimism. I’d already liked what Hyundai and Kia had been doing with their electric vehicles so I figured the EV9 would continue the trend. What I wasn’t expecting was to find one of the best three-row SUVs I’ve ever driven and proof that great family cars can not only be electric but incredibly good fun."

Runner-Up: Polestar 3, The Fancier Family EV

While the Polestar 3 may not be the most practical family EV on the market, it’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive. With its stunning design, luxurious interior, and effortless performance, this sedan is a true luxury electric vehicle. And despite being an EV, the Polestar 3 manages to capture the essence of its Swedish heritage, blending speed, style, and silence in a way that’s both captivating and overwhelming.

As our writer put it, "The fact that it’s an EV is of almost no significance to the driving or riding experience. It’s about as fast as every other Rolls-Royce, it’s probably a touch quieter but not by much, and it’s barely smoother. The only real difference is that it needs to be charged."

Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, The Performance EV

For our top pick, we looked to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a hot hatchback that’s as thrilling on the track as it is fun on the street. With its 64 kWh battery pack and dual motors, this EV produces an astonishing 576 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, making it a true performance powerhouse. And what’s truly remarkable about the Ioniq 5 N is its ability to handle a race track like the best sports cars on the planet – thanks to its clever simulation of engine noise and gear shifts, this EV is capable of delivering an exhilarating experience that’s unlike any other.

As one of our writers put it, "It is handily the most fun electric car I’ve driven so far, and yes, mostly because it does not feel like an electric car."

There you have it – our picks for the best EVs of 2024. Whether you’re a family looking for a practical and fun ride, a luxury enthusiast seeking the latest and greatest, or a performance junkie ready to push the limits, there’s an electric vehicle out there for you. So what are you waiting for? Get behind the wheel and experience the world of electric vehicles for yourself!